The Nozomi is the fastest Shinkansen on Japan's busiest line, slicing between Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond with minimal stops and speeds up to 285 km/h (177 mph). It's perfect when you're short on time and want to maximize your day — think arriving in Kyoto by lunch or catching a late dinner in Osaka.
The Japan Rail Pass has been around for over 30 years now, and the number one request on how to improve it was to include the Nozomi trains. The good news is that this has now become possible, but does require the purchase of an extra Nozomi ticket, to use together with the JR Pass. The main advantage of using the Nozomi, over other services like the Hikari, are faster travel times and fewer transfers.
We’ve covered the Nozomi Train before, in short it is the fastest train service between Tokyo ↔ Hakata, important stops along the way are Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. To ride the Nozomi train using your JR Pass, you’ll need to purchase an additional Nozomi ticket. This can be done at Shinkansen ticket machines, and at manned ticket counters. Below we explain how to purchase a Nozomi ticket and how much the fare is for popular routes.
How to Book a Nozomi Ticket
The best place to book a Nozomi ticket is at a JR Shinkansen ticket machine, these are any machine where Shinkansen tickets are sold (as in, not just local train tickets). We recommend these, as the wait times are generally lower, you can select your own seat and payment is possible with both cash and any common credit card.
Alternatively, tickets can be purchased at any manned ticket office.
How much extra does a Nozomi ticket cost with the Japan Rail Pass?
The fare depends on the travel distance, here are the most common routes. Fares are fixed and valid for one way travel, in each direction.
Tokyo - Nagoya 4,180 yen
Tokyo - Kyoto 4,960 yen
Tokyo - Shin-Osaka 4,960 yen
Tokyo - Hiroshima 6,500 yen
Tokyo - Hakata 8,140 yen
Kyoto - Hiroshima 4,170
Kyoto - Hakata 5,390
Shin-Osaka - Hiroshima 4,170
Shin-Osaka - Hakata 4,960
Shin-Osaka - Kagoshima-Chuo 9,460 yen
For a full fare overview, see our Changes to the JR Pass page.
Why Choose Nozomi?
Nozomi saves serious time — Tokyo to Kyoto in 2h 15min vs. 2h 40min on Hikari. It stops least (Tokyo, Shin-Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka on main run), runs every 10 minutes at peak, and gets priority track access for on-time arrivals.
Use it when:
- Tight connections (e.g., flights or events)
- Long days (first/last trains often Nozomi)
- Time > cost (20–30 min savings per leg)
Vs. Kodama (all stops, ~4 hours Tokyo–Kyoto): Nozomi is twice as fast.
Vs. Sakura (covered by pass, more stops): Nozomi shaves 20–40 min.
Sample Trips Using Nozomi
Combine Nozomi's speed with your JR Pass for efficient itineraries:
Tokyo → Kyoto Day Trip
Morning: Nozomi Tokyo–Kyoto (2h 15min, ¥4,960 supplement). Explore temples.
Evening: Hikari Kyoto–Tokyo (2h 40min, pass-covered). Home by bedtime.
Kyoto → Hiroshima → Osaka
Day 1: Nozomi Kyoto–Hiroshima (1h 45min, ¥4,170). Miyajima ferry (pass-covered).
Day 2: Sakura Hiroshima–Shin-Osaka (1h 30min, pass-covered), local to Osaka.
Shin-Osaka → Kagoshima (Cherry Blossom Run)
Nozomi Shin-Osaka–Hakata (2h 30min, ¥4,960), then Sakura to Kagoshima-Chuo (1h 30min, pass-covered). Total ~4 hours vs. 5+ on all-covered trains.
Nozomi keeps your multi-city Japan trip on schedule. Book at the station and go!
FAQ
1. Do I need to use the Nozomi?
No, the option to use the Nozomi has become an additional feature of the Japan Rail Pass, all other trains like the Hikari, Sakura and Kodama remain free and available using the pass.
2. What is the sales period?
Tickets go on sale 1 month ahead of travel, and can be purchased up to the departure time of any train.
3. Is the Nozomi ticket price the same for Ordinary (2nd) Class and Green (1st Class)?
Yes, the ticket is a supplement to your Japan Rail Pass and is the same, no matter what class of travel you are in.
4. Can the Nozomi ticket be refunded?
Yes, but conditions apply. These are: refunds can only be processed at the original place (station) of purchase. The handling fee for tickets for Green cars and standard car reserved seats is 340 yen, while the fee for standard car non-reserved seats is 220 yen.
6. Can I use this ticket on the Mizuho train?
Yes, similar tickets are available for the Mizuho train.
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