How to travel between Himeji and Tokyo
By shinkansen
Tokyo and Himeji are connected with each other by the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen. Nozomi trains require about 3 hours to reach Himeji Station from Tokyo, while direct hikari trains require roughly 3.5 hours.
The regular one way fare from Tokyo to Himeji is 14,700 Yen by non-reserved seat on any train, around 15,200 Yen by reserved seat on hikari trains and around 15,800 Yen by reserved seat on a nozomi train. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on hikari trains, but not on nozomi trains.
With the "Hikari Hayatoku Kippu", you can travel from Tokyo to Himeji by reserved seat on a hikari train for only 13,500 Yen. You have to purchase the "Hikari Hayatoku Kippu" at least one week in advance of the departure date.
By local trains
By local trains, the one way trip from Tokyo to Himeji takes about ten hours and typically involves about four transfers of trains. The regular fare is a relatively expensive 9560 Yen, however, with a Seishun 18 Kippu you can do the trip for as little as 2300 Yen.
By bus
Shinki Bus and Keio Bus operate night buses between Himeji (Himeji Station) and Tokyo (Shibuya Mark City, Shinjuku Keio Highway Bus Terminal). The one way fare is 9450 yen, while a round trip ticket costs 17,010 yen. Travel time is about 9 hours.
Fares by discount bus operators, such as Willer Express, start from below 5000 yen. If used effectively, the Japan Bus Pass can reduce the cost for the bus trip to around 3000 yen!
