The distance between Nagoya and Kyoto is short at under a hundred miles (around 130 km). Over such a short distance flying is not an option. Then again, a taxi journey may be too expensive.
The most common way to travel the short distance is by high-speed train, followed by private transfers or car hire, then taking a coach.
For those with the stamina, we will also look at a fourth option: cycling.
Stamina aside, your choice will be dictated not only by the time you have available and the expense, but also by how much of Japan's incredible scenery you want to see along the way.
Local train traveling on rail tracks with flourishing cherry blossoms along the railway in Kyoto1. By Train from Nagoya to Kyoto
The Shinkansen is the most popular option for those who don't want to stop and see the sights along the way while still providing a scenic view with a window seat. Fast, efficient, and reasonably cheap, The Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains offer three choices from the non-stop Nozomi to the more 'local' options, Hikari and Kodama.
The latter two are usable with a Japan Rail Pass, but not the Nozomi. Though the Hikari and Kodama Shinkansen have stops along the way, there's little difference between them and the Nozomi in terms of travel time and price.
Which Train is Best for You? First, let's summarize the three Shinkansen options.
| Nagoya–Kyoto Shinkansen | Nozomi | Hikari | Kodama |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency (per hour) | 6 | 1 or 2 | 1 |
| Stops | 0 | 0–2 | 2–3 |
| Journey Time (minutes) | 33 | 33–50 | 44–53 |
| Non-Reserved Price (USD) | $34.00 | $32.00 | $34.00 |
| Japan Rail Pass | For a Fee | Permitted | Permitted |
Given the minimal difference in price, without a Japan Rail Pass, the Hikari is your best option for frequency and speed over the Kodama. With the pass, opt for the Nozomi.
If travel time is not an issue and expense is your greater concern, you can forego the Shinkansen 'bullet train' option and take the slower JR option from Nagoya to Maibara, changing there for Kyoto.
The far-cheaper non-Shinkansen JR train takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. However, it is considerably more affordable than the Shinkansen at around US$17. Price aside, the more-leisurely pace is something many travelers enjoy and the change at Maibara can be extended out to a leisurely stay in which you can explore Lake Biwa, the Kamaha Castle ruins, and admire nearby Mount Ibuki, the tallest peak in Shiga Prefecture.
Buying Railway Tickets
These can be purchased as much as two or three months in advance online. They can also be obtained through ticket machines and the counter at Nagoya Station, itself worth a visit as one of the largest railway stations in the world with its spectacular modern architecture.
The Japan Rail Pass is a good option for frequent rail travelers. It gives you unlimited travel on JR trains aside from the Nozomi (which requires an extra fee). Standard passes start at US$331 for seven days, or you can splash out on a green pass for first-class travel at US$464. For a longer stay, there are also 14-day and 21-day options.
However, with the JR pass, seat reservations are not guaranteed as you must travel in non-reserved carriages.
You can buy the JR pass at Nagoya Station or online. If you want to reserve a seat, you can do this at ticket offices on the station or through the Japan Rail website.
The station is easy to navigate with departure boards dotted around, and the platforms are clearly signed.
Children travel half-price between the ages of six and eleven. Five-year-olds and under travel free, (up to two children), when accompanied by an adult.
Shinkansen Luggage Allowance
Excess luggage will incur a surcharge. Your allowance is for two articles whose length, width and height totaled together should not exceed 250 centimeters, and whose longest side is under 2 meters. There is a weight limit of 30 kilograms.
2. Cars and Private Transfers
Though an expensive option for one or two people with minimal luggage, this may be your best choice if you are in a larger party or have considerable baggage. It is also convenient, allowing you to travel door-to-door. Moreover, it permits you to travel at your own pace and to stop off along the way. (Approximately half the journey takes you alongside the magnificent Lake Biwa, frustratingly unattainable if seen from the window of a coach or train but readily attainable if traveling by car).
Expressway tolls add considerably to the price of such a road journey, some US$20–30 depending on the route selected and your destination. The journey itself will take between 1½ and 2 hours.
It's not possible in this article to list a decent selection of the myriad options available to you if you decide to use a private transfer or taxi. If you don't speak sufficient Japanese to make your wishes known to the travel company or driver, arranging private transport may become a nuisance when you're wasting time and patience better spent relaxing and taking in the sights.
This is where Asia Highlights can come to your aid. Contact us, and we can arrange everything for you. Tell us what you want, let us get on with it while you take in the delights of Nagoya, and then, when you're ready, your vehicle and its driver will arrive at your door.
3. Travel by Coach
Along with the trains departing for Kyoto, there is also a coach service from Nagoya Station serving the same destination. The journey time (less predictable than regular-as-clockwork Japanese trains given the vagaries of the journey) is somewhere between two and two-and-a-half hours. Departures are every thirty minutes. With several stops along the way, they arrive at Kyoto Railway Station.
At Nagoya, the bus stop is located at the northern end of the railway station on the eastern side.
Comparable with the slow JR trains in journey duration (around 2 hours), they are also comparable in price (around US$17). However, unlike the slow train, there is no need to change coaches along the way so this route may be more convenient as a cheaper option.
For frequency, this service, (run by Meitetsu Bus), is likely to be your best option, but given the short distance between two such major cities other coach options are available. Also departing from Nagoya Station you can find options for more plush — and thus more expensive — services that are more direct, and even a night bus although the journey time doesn't seem to warrant it.
4. The Strenuous Option: Nagoya to Kyoto by Bicycle!
If you have time on your hands and the desire for something more adventurous, you can cycle an established route between Nagoya and Kyoto that keeps you off the busy roads.
The entire route of some 100 miles takes you first south of Asanaka Park to then join up with the Makita River. Stick with the river along its northern bank until you join up with and follow Kendou no. 56 line. From there you turn off into the hills to follow the Imasu River before following the Meishin Expressway back out of the hills to cycle alongside Biwa Lake. The lake is crossed at a narrow point on the bridge beside the Biwako Ohashi toll road before following the lakeside south again, turning into Kyoto at the dockland area.
The hills form something of a plateau, so the steeper sections arise as you enter and then again just before leaving. If you don't want to hire a bike, it's also a good walk. While not dangerous — you're never very far into the wilds — this is recommended for more experienced cyclists and walkers who know this is only a rough guide to the route. However, it does provide a template from which further research can show the route in more detail.
Luggage delivery (takuhaibin) from Nagoya hotel to Kyoto hotel is an option for US$10 per 25 kg if you want to hire a bike and cycle light.
Day Trips from Nagoya to Kyoto
Given their proximity, Kyoto serves as a perfect destination for a day trip from Nagoya, though the wealth of things to do and see in this ancient and historical destination are such that we would advise a stay-over of some days or, perhaps, several day trips.
The Shinkansen is the best option for such forays given its speed and comfort leaving you with more time and energy to explore. Check out Kyoto's highlights and make your itinerary.
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