Can I take the Nozomi between Himeji and Hakata with the Japan Rail Pass?

Yes, with an additional fee. The Japan Rail Pass has covered Nozomi trains since October 2023, provided you purchase the complementary NOZOMI MIZUHO ticket before boarding. Without this additional fee, Sakura and Hikari trains connect Himeji to Hakata and are included in the pass.

Can one visit Himeji Castle between two trains, and where to leave one's luggage?

Yes. The castle is a 15 to 20-minute walk from the station, and a visit to the main keep takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, meaning a total of 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours of time needed. Coin lockers are available at Himeji Station to store your luggage.

How long does the train journey from Himeji to Hakata take?

The Shinkansen journey from Himeji to Hakata takes approximately 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes. The service is direct, primarily operated by Nozomi Shinkansen trains.

Which Shinkansen services stop at Himeji?

Nozomi, Hikari, Sakura and Kodama Shinkansen all stop at Himeji. On the Sanyo line, only Mizuho trains pass through without calling at the station.

Ticket - Train - Himeji - Hakata

Adults (+12yo)

Children* (< 12yo)

*the price displayed is for dedicated seats; children under 6 and babies can be seated on adults'lap free of charge.

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Itinerary Himeji ›

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Fastest option

2h36

First/last departure

06:29 / 20:50

Distance

531.10 km

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This journey includes crossing the Seikan Tunnel, the longest undersea railway tunnel in the world, with over 23 kilometers of its section under the sea. The train descends to approximately 100 meters below the seabed, or 240 meters below sea level.