Honganji 2

The Shinkansen (bullet train) is generally the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Okayama to Tokyo. Nozomi trains, the fastest on the Sanyo and Tokaido Shinkansen lines, complete the direct journey in approximately 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes. While domestic flights are available from Okayama Airport (OKJ) to Tokyo's airports (Narita NRT or Haneda HND), the flight time itself is about 1 hour 20 minutes. However, you must add travel time to and from the airports, security checks, and waiting times. Ultimately, the Shinkansen is often more efficient in terms of door-to-door travel time, especially if you are traveling from or to city centers.

The cost of a flight between Okayama Airport and Tokyo's airports varies significantly depending on the airline (traditional carriers like JAL/ANA or low-cost carriers like Peach/Jetstar), booking period, season, and demand. A one-way ticket can cost between 7,000 JPY and 25,000 JPY (approximately 45 EUR to 160 EUR) or more. It is important to consider additional costs such as airport transfers and baggage fees.

The price of a one-way Shinkansen ticket between Okayama and Tokyo varies depending on the seat type and train. For a reserved seat in an Ordinary Car aboard a Nozomi train, the cost is approximately 17,000 JPY to 18,000 JPY (around 110 EUR to 115 EUR). Hikari or Sakura trains, which are slightly slower, have similar fares for a standard ticket if purchased individually. The Japan Rail Pass allows travel on Hikari or Sakura trains at no additional cost once the pass is activated, which can represent significant savings for multiple long-distance journeys. Nozomi trains are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass on these lines; travelers with a JR Pass must use Hikari, Sakura, or Kodama trains.

The Shinkansen travel time between Okayama and Tokyo is approximately:
3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes with Nozomi trains.
Approximately 4 hours with Hikari or Sakura trains (which sometimes require a transfer or make more stops).
These durations are for direct travel between Okayama Station and Tokyo Station. Shinkansen trains are renowned for their punctuality, ensuring strict adherence to announced schedules. Regarding oversized luggage, it is necessary to reserve a dedicated space for luggage exceeding certain dimensions on the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen line, specifically if their total length+width+height exceeds 160 cm but is less than 250 cm.