Welcome to Flyer Talk and the Japan Forum.

Along with the suggestions above, there are some other things you can do to help us help you. Provide some additional information about your trip:

How long will you be in Japan? How long in Tokyo? Other places? How much actual train travel will you be doing? Are you arriving in Japan at Tokyo-NRT? Are you returning to Tokyo for your departure from Japan or leaving from another airport? How many are you?

The reason that some (or most) of the questions above are relevant is that the answer to your questions is - it depends.

The best option for a train from Tokyo to Osaka is via the shinkansen (AKA the bullet train.) It runs from Shinagawa to Shin-Osaka (just outside of Osaka) in from 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on which train you choose. The shinkansen is expensive and various discount options are available. If you will be returning to Tokyo within 7 days and expect to use other trains during the 7-day period, a Japan Rail Pass could save some money. On the other hand, if the only rail travel you will have is a one-way to Osaka, the Pass would not save money. The Pass must be purchased BEFORE you arrive in Japan. See information in the "sticky" at the top of this forum.

The previous post mentioned the timetable website Hyperdia. It is at: http://www.hyperdia.com/cgi-english/hyperWeb.cgi .

Again, welcome. Post back with a bit more information and I'm sure we can help.

JR