Tokyo -> Osaka Train options

I'm to travel between Tokyo and Osaka in October with a friend, and we're both considering the train instead of flying.

I've seen some websites but they've left me confusticated in the extreme.

So, what options do I have and what's the likely cost? I;d be using the train on the sunday, and returning on the following saturday!

I realise that this isn't BRforum.com but there's some clever peeps on here [:)]

Just to help you get started

The Tokaido Shinkansen runs from Tokyo to Osaka.

[:X]

OK, options are flights from either Narita (international airport like Heathrow, miles out of town) or Haneda (domestic airport like London City, very central) flying into Kansai International (the new one in the bay about 40 minutes from central Osaka by train) or Itami, the old airport for Osaka which is a bit closer but only has bus links. Which one you take would depend on timings and your itinerary but 2 internal sectors will cost you about £180 (£140 if you are flying internationally with a One World or Star Alliance carrier) including services fees from a specialist Japanese Agency like H.I.S. Travel in London.

Trains will cost you about 28,000 yen return but if you are also using the narita Express to and from the airport it would be worth buying a 7 Day Japan Rail Pass again from someone like above. There are no regional passes that you can use between Tokyo and Osaka so if you make a few more journeys on JR while you are around Osaka, maybe to Kyoto and Nara then you will save a decent amount of dosh.

Any questions!?