Golden Route with Hiroshima in 7 days: JR Pass or regular tickets?
Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Shin-Osaka, a Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima round trip, then Shin-Osaka back to Tokyo. Below, regular Shinkansen tickets are compared with the 7-day Japan Rail Pass in four ways, using fares from JR's official pages.
Official online · 7-day ordinary pass
Nozomi/Mizuho where marked, ordinary car
Regular tickets are cheaper by ¥14,600
Regular tickets ¥53,660 vs ¥68,260 for the 7-day ordinary pass at the official online price (pass ¥50,000 + Nozomi/Mizuho tickets ¥18,260). Regular tickets are cheaper by ¥14,600.
Overseas agent · 7-day ordinary pass
Nozomi/Mizuho where marked, ordinary car
Regular tickets are cheaper by ¥17,600
Regular tickets ¥53,660 vs ¥71,260 for the 7-day ordinary pass at the overseas agent price (pass ¥53,000 + Nozomi/Mizuho tickets ¥18,260). Regular tickets are cheaper by ¥17,600.
- Source: Types and prices | JAPAN RAIL PASS (JAPAN RAIL PASS (JR Group)) · Verified on · Official online purchasing service (JAPAN RAIL PASS Reservation). Per the JR Group release of 9 Apr 2026, online prices stay unchanged 'for a limited time' after the 1 Oct 2026 increase; the end of this price freeze will be announced later (no end date published as of 2026-10-26). validFrom is the date of the previous price change named in that release.
- Source: Price Changes for the Japan Rail Pass (April 9, 2026, JR Group) (JR Group) · Verified on · Overseas JR-designated sales offices/agencies (Exchange Order), for purchases on or after 1 Oct 2026 (local time at the place of purchase). The same amounts are shown on https://japanrailpass.net/en/purchase/price/ .
The legs
| Leg | Trips | Basic fare | Express charge | Nozomi/Mizuho | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Tokyo → KyotoTokaido Shinkansen | 1 | ¥8,360 | ¥5,490Hikari | ¥5,810Pass ticket ¥4,960 | 2 h 36 minHikari, typicalNozomi fastest 2 h 7 min |
| 2. Kyoto → Shin-OsakaTokaido Shinkansen | 1 | ¥580 | ¥2,290Hikari | not used on this leg | 14 minHikari, typical |
| 3. Shin-Osaka → Hiroshima → Shin-OsakaSanyo Shinkansen | 2 | ¥5,720 | ¥4,700Sakura / Hikari | ¥5,230Pass ticket ¥4,170 | 1 h 28 minSakura / Hikari, typicalNozomi fastest 1 h 19 min |
| 4. Shin-Osaka → TokyoTokaido Shinkansen | 1 | ¥8,910 | ¥5,490Hikari | ¥5,810Pass ticket ¥4,960 | 2 h 54 minHikari, typicalNozomi fastest 2 h 21 min |
Express charge = reserved-seat limited express charge, normal season, on the JR-Pass-covered train. “Pass ticket” is the NOZOMI MIZUHO Ticket a pass holder buys per ride. The calculator uses the same station-pair fare for either direction.
- Source: Kippu no Rule (October 2026 edition) p.2: Shinkansen fare and limited express charge quick-reference table (Tokaido/Sanyo Nozomi; Hikari/Kodama from Tokyo) (JR West) · Verified on · JR West 'Kippu no Rule' October 2026 edition (【2026年10月号】), read from the e-book's Japanese text layer. This URL always serves the latest edition. Normal season, adult, one way.
- Source: Kippu no Rule (October 2026 edition) p.3: Tokaido/Sanyo Hikari/Kodama table (continued) and Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen Green Car charges (JR West) · Verified on · JR West 'Kippu no Rule' October 2026 edition (【2026年10月号】), read from the e-book's Japanese text layer. This URL always serves the latest edition. Normal season, adult, one way.
- Source: Use of NOZOMI/MIZUHO trains (JAPAN RAIL PASS (JR Group)) · Verified on
- Source: NOZOMI MIZUHO Ticket: available sections, types, prices (for adults) (JAPAN RAIL PASS (JR Group)) · Verified on · Tax included. The same prices apply to Green Car tickets, reserved seat tickets in an ordinary car and non-reserved seat tickets in an ordinary car.
- Source: Jikokuhyo Tokyo-eki (Tokyo Station timetables): Tokaido/Sanyo, Tohoku/Hokkaido, Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen, weekday departures and per-train stop lists (JR East) · Verified on · Times read from the operator's November 2026 weekday timetable (trains running on Wed 4 Nov 2026): one train's arrival time minus its departure time at the two stations. 'Typical' = the median of all runs of that train type; 'fastest' = the quickest scheduled run. Tokyo departures only (outbound direction). Per-train pages change URL every month, so the station index is cited.
- Source: Eki jikokuhyo: Shin-Osaka Station, Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen, for Okayama/Hakata/Kagoshima-Chuo (4 Nov 2026) (JR West (JR Odekake Net)) · Verified on · Times read from the operator's November 2026 weekday timetable (trains running on Wed 4 Nov 2026): one train's arrival time minus its departure time at the two stations. 'Typical' = the median of all runs of that train type; 'fastest' = the quickest scheduled run. JR West states that times shown are a guide (目安). Tokyo-Kyoto (both directions): Hikari 58 runs, 144-171 min (median 156); Nozomi 226 runs, 127-135 min (median 132), quickest Nozomi 293 (127 min).
- Source: Eki jikokuhyo: Shin-Osaka Station, Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen, for Nagoya/Tokyo (4 Nov 2026) (JR West (JR Odekake Net)) · Verified on · Times read from the operator's November 2026 weekday timetable (trains running on Wed 4 Nov 2026): one train's arrival time minus its departure time at the two stations. 'Typical' = the median of all runs of that train type; 'fastest' = the quickest scheduled run. JR West states that times shown are a guide (目安).
- Source: Eki jikokuhyo: Hakata Station, Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen, for Hiroshima/Shin-Osaka (4 Nov 2026) (JR West (JR Odekake Net)) · Verified on · Times read from the operator's November 2026 weekday timetable (trains running on Wed 4 Nov 2026): one train's arrival time minus its departure time at the two stations. 'Typical' = the median of all runs of that train type; 'fastest' = the quickest scheduled run. JR West states that times shown are a guide (目安).
- Source: Revision of Nozomi/Mizuho reserved-seat limited express charges and Green Car charges on the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen (press release, 16 Oct 2026) (JR Central / JR West) · Verified on · Japanese PDF. Its 'current' (現行) sample totals were used to cross-check the Kippu no Rule figures; its revised amounts apply only from 2027-07-01 (Nozomi/Mizuho charge) and 2027-12-15 (Green Car charge) and are NOT used in the fares below.
- Source: About the Shinkansen | Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) · Verified on · States "Tokyo ~ Shin-Osaka: 2 hours 21 minutes", "Accurate as of the March 2023 timetable revision (travel time based on the fastest trains in service)". The November 2026 timetable still shows a 141-minute run.
Regular tickets vs the JR Pass
| Pattern | Regular tickets | Nozomi tickets | Official online | Overseas agent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pass-covered trains, ordinary car | ¥51,960 | ¥0 | ¥50,000Pass saves ¥1,960 | ¥53,000Regular tickets are cheaper by ¥1,040 |
| Nozomi/Mizuho where marked, ordinary car | ¥53,660 | ¥18,260 | ¥68,260Regular tickets are cheaper by ¥14,600 | ¥71,260Regular tickets are cheaper by ¥17,600 |
| Pass-covered trains, Green Car | ¥69,790 | ¥0 | ¥70,000Regular tickets are cheaper by ¥210 | ¥74,000Regular tickets are cheaper by ¥4,210 |
| Nozomi/Mizuho where marked, Green Car | ¥71,490 | ¥18,260 | ¥88,260Regular tickets are cheaper by ¥16,770 | ¥92,260Regular tickets are cheaper by ¥20,770 |
Pass columns = pass price + Nozomi/Mizuho tickets. Regular tickets are summed leg by leg for one adult, normal season; round trips count twice. Green Car = basic fare + (limited express charge − ¥530) + Green Car charge.
Nozomi/Mizuho tickets for a pass holder on this itinerary: ¥18,260 (ordinary car; the same total applies in the Green Car).
- Source: Types and prices | JAPAN RAIL PASS (JAPAN RAIL PASS (JR Group)) · Verified on · Official online purchasing service (JAPAN RAIL PASS Reservation). Per the JR Group release of 9 Apr 2026, online prices stay unchanged 'for a limited time' after the 1 Oct 2026 increase; the end of this price freeze will be announced later (no end date published as of 2026-10-26). validFrom is the date of the previous price change named in that release.
- Source: Price Changes for the Japan Rail Pass (April 9, 2026, JR Group) (JR Group) · Verified on · Overseas JR-designated sales offices/agencies (Exchange Order), for purchases on or after 1 Oct 2026 (local time at the place of purchase). The same amounts are shown on https://japanrailpass.net/en/purchase/price/ .
- Source: Kippu no Rule (October 2026 edition) p.2: Shinkansen fare and limited express charge quick-reference table (Tokaido/Sanyo Nozomi; Hikari/Kodama from Tokyo) (JR West) · Verified on · JR West 'Kippu no Rule' October 2026 edition (【2026年10月号】), read from the e-book's Japanese text layer. This URL always serves the latest edition. Normal season, adult, one way.
- Source: Kippu no Rule (October 2026 edition) p.3: Tokaido/Sanyo Hikari/Kodama table (continued) and Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen Green Car charges (JR West) · Verified on · JR West 'Kippu no Rule' October 2026 edition (【2026年10月号】), read from the e-book's Japanese text layer. This URL always serves the latest edition. Normal season, adult, one way.
- Source: Kippu no Rule (October 2026 edition) p.9: Green Car / Gran Class charges for Tohoku, Joetsu, Hokuriku and Hokkaido Shinkansen (JR West) · Verified on · JR West 'Kippu no Rule' October 2026 edition (【2026年10月号】), read from the e-book's Japanese text layer. This URL always serves the latest edition. Normal season, adult, one way.
- Source: Revision of Nozomi/Mizuho reserved-seat limited express charges and Green Car charges on the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen (press release, 16 Oct 2026) (JR Central / JR West) · Verified on · Japanese PDF. Its 'current' (現行) sample totals were used to cross-check the Kippu no Rule figures; its revised amounts apply only from 2027-07-01 (Nozomi/Mizuho charge) and 2027-12-15 (Green Car charge) and are NOT used in the fares below.
- Source: Use of NOZOMI/MIZUHO trains (JAPAN RAIL PASS (JR Group)) · Verified on
- Source: NOZOMI MIZUHO Ticket: available sections, types, prices (for adults) (JAPAN RAIL PASS (JR Group)) · Verified on · Tax included. The same prices apply to Green Car tickets, reserved seat tickets in an ordinary car and non-reserved seat tickets in an ordinary car.
Change the legs, the date or the pass length
Notes on this itinerary
- Kyoto to Shin-Osaka is ridden on Hikari in every pattern: the JR Pass NOZOMI MIZUHO Ticket is not sold for Kyoto to Shin-Osaka (shown as "-" in the official price table).
- Regular tickets are priced leg by leg, as separate tickets for each leg.
All limited express charges here are for an ordinary-car reserved seat in the normal season. JR's fare guide states that the reserved-seat charge is 400 yen higher in the busiest season, 200 yen higher in the busy season and 200 yen lower in the off-peak season (the guide notes that JR Hokkaido conventional lines have no busy/off-peak adjustment, and JR Kyushu conventional lines and the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen have no off-peak adjustment). Non-reserved seats cost the normal-season reserved charge minus 530 yen regardless of date.
- Source: Kippu no Rule (October 2026 edition) p.2: Shinkansen fare and limited express charge quick-reference table (Tokaido/Sanyo Nozomi; Hikari/Kodama from Tokyo) (JR West) · Verified on · JR West 'Kippu no Rule' October 2026 edition (【2026年10月号】), read from the e-book's Japanese text layer. This URL always serves the latest edition. Normal season, adult, one way.
- Source: Kippu no Rule (October 2026 edition) p.3: Tokaido/Sanyo Hikari/Kodama table (continued) and Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen Green Car charges (JR West) · Verified on · JR West 'Kippu no Rule' October 2026 edition (【2026年10月号】), read from the e-book's Japanese text layer. This URL always serves the latest edition. Normal season, adult, one way.
- Source: Use of NOZOMI/MIZUHO trains (JAPAN RAIL PASS (JR Group)) · Verified on
- Source: NOZOMI MIZUHO Ticket: available sections, types, prices (for adults) (JAPAN RAIL PASS (JR Group)) · Verified on · Tax included. The same prices apply to Green Car tickets, reserved seat tickets in an ordinary car and non-reserved seat tickets in an ordinary car.
- Source: Jikokuhyo Tokyo-eki (Tokyo Station timetables): Tokaido/Sanyo, Tohoku/Hokkaido, Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen, weekday departures and per-train stop lists (JR East) · Verified on · Times read from the operator's November 2026 weekday timetable (trains running on Wed 4 Nov 2026): one train's arrival time minus its departure time at the two stations. 'Typical' = the median of all runs of that train type; 'fastest' = the quickest scheduled run. Tokyo departures only (outbound direction). Per-train pages change URL every month, so the station index is cited.
- Source: Eki jikokuhyo: Shin-Osaka Station, Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen, for Okayama/Hakata/Kagoshima-Chuo (4 Nov 2026) (JR West (JR Odekake Net)) · Verified on · Times read from the operator's November 2026 weekday timetable (trains running on Wed 4 Nov 2026): one train's arrival time minus its departure time at the two stations. 'Typical' = the median of all runs of that train type; 'fastest' = the quickest scheduled run. JR West states that times shown are a guide (目安). Tokyo-Kyoto (both directions): Hikari 58 runs, 144-171 min (median 156); Nozomi 226 runs, 127-135 min (median 132), quickest Nozomi 293 (127 min).
- Source: Eki jikokuhyo: Shin-Osaka Station, Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen, for Nagoya/Tokyo (4 Nov 2026) (JR West (JR Odekake Net)) · Verified on · Times read from the operator's November 2026 weekday timetable (trains running on Wed 4 Nov 2026): one train's arrival time minus its departure time at the two stations. 'Typical' = the median of all runs of that train type; 'fastest' = the quickest scheduled run. JR West states that times shown are a guide (目安).
- Source: Eki jikokuhyo: Hakata Station, Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen, for Hiroshima/Shin-Osaka (4 Nov 2026) (JR West (JR Odekake Net)) · Verified on · Times read from the operator's November 2026 weekday timetable (trains running on Wed 4 Nov 2026): one train's arrival time minus its departure time at the two stations. 'Typical' = the median of all runs of that train type; 'fastest' = the quickest scheduled run. JR West states that times shown are a guide (目安).
- Source: Revision of Nozomi/Mizuho reserved-seat limited express charges and Green Car charges on the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen (press release, 16 Oct 2026) (JR Central / JR West) · Verified on · Japanese PDF. Its 'current' (現行) sample totals were used to cross-check the Kippu no Rule figures; its revised amounts apply only from 2027-07-01 (Nozomi/Mizuho charge) and 2027-12-15 (Green Car charge) and are NOT used in the fares below.
- Source: About the Shinkansen | Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) · Verified on · States "Tokyo ~ Shin-Osaka: 2 hours 21 minutes", "Accurate as of the March 2023 timetable revision (travel time based on the fastest trains in service)". The November 2026 timetable still shows a 141-minute run.
- Source: Kippu no Rule (October 2026 edition) p.9: Green Car / Gran Class charges for Tohoku, Joetsu, Hokuriku and Hokkaido Shinkansen (JR West) · Verified on · JR West 'Kippu no Rule' October 2026 edition (【2026年10月号】), read from the e-book's Japanese text layer. This URL always serves the latest edition. Normal season, adult, one way.
FAQ
Is the 7-day JR Pass worth it for this itinerary?
On the JR-Pass-covered trains: Regular tickets ¥51,960 vs ¥50,000 for the 7-day ordinary pass at the official online price. Pass saves ¥1,960. Riding Nozomi/Mizuho on the legs marked for it: Regular tickets ¥53,660 vs ¥68,260 for the 7-day ordinary pass at the official online price (pass ¥50,000 + Nozomi/Mizuho tickets ¥18,260). Regular tickets are cheaper by ¥14,600.
How much are the Nozomi/Mizuho tickets for a JR Pass holder on this itinerary?
¥18,260 in total for the ordinary car (one NOZOMI MIZUHO Ticket per ride, on top of the pass). Regular tickets on Nozomi/Mizuho cost ¥53,660 for the same legs, against ¥51,960 on the pass-covered trains.
How much do regular Shinkansen tickets cost for this itinerary?
¥51,960 for one adult on the JR-Pass-covered trains (ordinary reserved seat, normal season, priced leg by leg) and ¥69,790 in the Green Car (basic fare + limited express charge − ¥530 + Green Car charge). On Nozomi/Mizuho on the legs marked for it, it is ¥53,660.
Route guides for these legs
Tours at your stops
Viator is one of the booking sites that lists tours and activities for the cities on this itinerary.
- Tours and activities in Tokyo on Viator(affiliate link)
- Tours and activities in Kyoto on Viator(affiliate link)
- Tours and activities in Osaka on Viator(affiliate link)
- Tours and activities in Hiroshima on Viator(affiliate link)
What to check before booking a tour in Japan
Japan Trip Math has been approved for Viator's affiliate programme and may earn a commission if you book through these links. It does not change the price you pay. Affiliate disclosure