Help Pls, Getting from downtown Tokyo to Osaka, fastest way???

The short answer is check out flights from Haneda to Kansai International and compare to the Tokaido Shinkansen. I wouldn't be suprised if flying is faster.

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The short answer is check out flights from Haneda to Kansai International and compare to the Tokaido Shinkansen. I wouldn't be suprised if flying is faster.

Flying is faster in speed. But not time if you factor in the time it takes to say, get to/from the airport themselves (Airports are usually on the outskirts or outside, while rail stations can take you into or provide better/faster access to your final destination whenyou arrive), and the other airport things you need to do, then the timewise it doesn't really matter that much.

If one were to fly to Osaka I wouldn't use Kansai but rather Itami Airport for Osaka.

Help Pls, Getting from downtown Tokyo to Osaka, fastest way???

Downtown Tokyo can mean many places, luckily the Shinkansen departs pretty much from one station Tokyo Station (with a few over at Shinagawa).

So your choices are:
Fly from Haneda Airport to Itami Airport
or
Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station
(If you are making a return trip within 7 days then getting a 7 Day JR Railpass would be an economical way to do this trip as well).

Of course those options will only get you to Osaka, but you didn't mention where in Osaka you wanted to do go.

We had an interesting debate before on a similar topic -
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=527891

I always take the train if I am going from central Tokyo (Tokyo Station) to central Osaka. The speed and frequency of trains is just terrific. Flying from Haneda to Itami would not save me any time.

My next trip there will be a rare exception because I have to meet a colleague at KIX - that's a rare instance of when it makes sense to me to fly (HND to KiX). It works out cheap too because I'm getting the ticket 21 days in advance... and I pick up some miles ... whoopee!

In addition to the frequency (every few minutes at peak), Shinkansen usually have empty seats even if you decide to go at the last minute, if you are willing to pay extra for "Green car", and the seats are bigger too. However, you will get a better service from air travel.

However, you will get a better service from air travel.

This is a weird statement. Do you mean the seat? Nope, the train seat is bigger and you can walk around anytime. Or are you talking about the meal you may be served on the plane? Thank you, I'll pass, and take my favorite lunch on the train instead.

Counting the amount of time it takes one to go to HND from downtown Tokyo and from KIX/ITM to Osaka (where in Osaka?) and the other added hassles of airline travel, the Shinkansen is likely to be quicker.

From Century Hyatt In Tokyo To Hyatt Regency In Osaka (universal Studios Area)

The Hyatt Regency Osaka is not really an ideal location for visiting Osaka, unless you are visiting the area only for Universal Studios. Its about 30+ minutes transit time from Central Osaka.

A bit of a hassle thinking about it. You might want to consider using a takkyubin (delivery service) to forward your luggage if you have a lot, the day before.

If you do go by rail:

1. The Century Hyatt (Take the Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Tokyo Station 15 mins)
2. From Tokyo Station take the Nozomi Shinkansen (if you have a JR Railpass then take a Hikari Shinkansen) to Shin-Osaka Station. 2hr 30 mins - 3 hrs
3. At Shin-Osaka Station change trains for the short hop to Osaka Station. (5 minutes)
4. At Osaka Station you can probably catch the hotel shuttle bus to the hotel (about 30 mintues):

http://www.hyattregencyosaka.com/access/index.html

*3hrs 15mins to 3hr 45 mins.
Transit times only, doesn't include all the railway related things, such as walking to the platforms, buying tickets or making reservations if neccessary (you can do this a day or more in advance).


If you go by air:
1. Limobus to Haneda Airport (about 1 hr)
2. Fly from Haneda Airport to Itami Airport (about 1 hr)
3. Limobus from Itami Airport to hotel (about 50 minutes)

*2 hrs 50 mins
Transit times only, time does not include any traffic you might run into, time required to check-in, clear airport security etc, so expect to add another 1hr or so to the trip, and all the other airline related items you might need to do.

As you can see the time difference is not a vast huge one, price wise if you have a JR RailPass it might make more economic sense as take the train.

However I repeat I don't think the Hyatt Osaka is a really great location.

:D Thx for the advice and tips. ^

If this is a pleasure trip, you should give VERY SERIOUS consideration to switching to the Hyatt Kyoto (and the train trip is shorter too).

If this is a pleasure trip, you should give VERY SERIOUS consideration to switching to the Hyatt Kyoto (and the train trip is shorter too).

Why? please, give more details

Why? please, give more details

Because Cosmo Square is not a convenient location - i.e. a long way from most of the things that tourists want to do in the Kansai area.

Why? please, give more details

My .02 .... in the Kansai region I think you would enjoy either Kobe or Kyoto much more than Osaka.