There are lots of ways to get from Tokyo to Kyoto, but the best way is undoubtedly the Japanese Shinkansen bullet train. Both the views along the way as well as the experience are unique, and with a huge number of trains per day, there is no faster and smoother way to get between the two cities.
Keep reading for more information about taking the Shinkansen, as well as flight, bus, and car / private vehicle options.
1. Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto: The Best Way
The Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains are not just world-renowned for their smooth, quick, and on-time service, but they are also the fastest way to travel between cities in Japan, and give you a window on the Japanese countryside while on your way.
If the weather if clear, you will even be able to see Mount Fuji from the train window on your trip from Tokyo to Kyoto.
This method of transportation between Tokyo and Kyoto is our suggestion, so read on to find out more about which bullet train to take, how to get tickets, and whether you should reserve a seat or not.
Shinkansen Lines, JapanWhich trains are best: Nozomi, Hikari, or Kodama?
There are a few different types of Shinkansen trains, which vary in the amount of stops they cover, and thus the speed at which they across Japan.
Nozomi is the fastest train in the group, going to major stations only, including Kyoto. The journey on this train takes just over 2 hours. It's important to note that this train is not covered by Japan Rail Pass holders, but there is the option to pay a supplement fee on the Japan Rail Pass to enable you to take the Nozomi.
Hikari is the second-fastest, which stops at additional stops, and the Kodama is the slower of the three Shinkansen trains. This train stops at all 16 stations between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka (the stop after Kyoto). Price differences between the three trains are very slight. Hikari trains take just under 2½ hours, while Kodama trains can take around 3 to 4 hours.
Because prices only vary slightly, and because all three types service Kyoto from Tokyo, we would suggest going with Hikari for the balance of speed and availability on the Japan Rail Pass. The views along the way are impressive, so the extra 15–30 minutes on the train definitely don't feel like a chore.
If you are traveling outside of the Japan Rail Pass, then we suggest taking the Nozomi.
Tokyo–Kyoto Shinkansen Trains Summary Table
| Train Type: | Nozomi | Hikari | Kodama |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journey Time (approx.) | 2 hours | 2½ hours | 3½ hours |
| Non-Reserved Price (approx.) | US$86.00 | US$86.00 | US$86.00 |
| Reserved Price (approx.) | US$94.00 | US$92.00 | US$92.00 |
| Japan Rail Pass | Extra Fee | Permitted | Permitted |
Train Schedules
Japanese trains schedules can feel a little overwhelming, particularly if you're not used to the number of different options available. Once you've picked your train type, Japan Transit Planner is one of the more popular tools to find train times.
- Nozomi trains: run regularly throughout the hour (every 6–10 minutes).
- Hikari trains: run approximately every half an hour.
- Kodama trains: run every hour.
Train times are available around 2–3 months in advance, and it's not possible to book your trains earlier than this.
How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets
As mentioned, Shinkansen tickets can be bought around 2–3 months in advance, and this can be done either online in advance, or at ticket machines as well as counters at the station on the day.
Many travelers to Japan invest in a Japan Rail Pass, which offers unlimited travel on all Shinkansen trains (Hikari and Kodama, and Nozomi at an extra fee). This is great value for money if you're in Japan for a while and want to take numerous trains — standard passes start at US$331 for 7 days, while a green pass (which is first class), will set you back US$464. There are also 14-day and 21-day options.
If you have the Japan Rail Pass, you don't need to buy a ticket, you can just show up and go to the non-reserved carriage. If you want to reserve a seat, you can do this at ticket offices on the station or through the Japan Rail website.
To buy a stand-alone ticket, you need to pay a base fare for the journey, as well as a bullet train supplemental fee. You also have the option to pay to reserve seat, or you can pay extra to go in first class (known as the Green Car). Because a one-way ticket to Kyoto from Tokyo can cost around US$120, it's worth looking into the Japan Rail Pass if you are planning on traveling around more. Tickets can be purchased at the station, or through the SmartEX app or the Japan Rail website.
Children between the ages of 6 and 11 pay 50% of the adult fare, and up to two children under the age of 5 travel for free when accompanied by an adult.
Green Car VS Ordinary Car, ShinkansenShould You Purchase Tickets in Advance / Reserve Seats?
The need to book tickets in advance or reserve seats depends on when you are planning on traveling. Peak seasons in Kyoto are March to May as well as October to mid-December, for cherry blossoms and fall foliage respectively, so during these times we do recommend booking ahead for peace of mine. We also recommend booking ahead if you're traveling with more people and want to sit together, or if you have large luggage with you.
At other times throughout the year, you should be fine to reserve or book on the day, or use the non-reserved carriage if you're using the Japan Rail Pass.
If you're hoping to see Mount Fuji, we recommend reserving a seat on the right-hand side, or asking for a mountain-side seat at the counter when booking. This gives you the best chance, should the weather cooperate.
Which Station to Use in Tokyo and How to Board Your Train
The Shinkansen trains to Kyoto leave from either Tokyo Station or from Tokyo's Shinagawa Station.
Shinagawa Station is smaller than Tokyo Station, so navigating it is a little bit easier, and it less crowded. Shinagawa is the second stop after Tokyo Station on the Shinkansen to Kyoto, meaning you might get more chance of a seat if you don't have a seat reservation at Tokyo Station. Tokyo Station also has more amenities and shops, so if you are looking for that, or if you are closer to Tokyo Station already, it's worth departing from there.
When you arrive at the station, there are signs indicating which platform your train will depart from. Should you need help, there are always staff on site, so never hesitate to ask. Each platform has an automatic ticket gate to put your ticket into — don't forget to take it out on the other side of the barrier as you will get your tickets checked on the train too.
If you have a QR ticket, there is a QR code reader on the barriers too.
Train Luggage Allowance and Luggage Delivery from Tokyo to Kyoto
You have a luggage allowance of two pieces of luggage per person for free with your Shinkansen ticket. For each bag, the total of the length, width, and height must not exceed 250 cm (98 inches). Suitcases cannot weigh more than 30 kilograms (66 pounds).
If you want to bring oversized luggage onto the train, you need to book a seat with an oversized baggage area, or an oversized baggage compartment. These seats have space for luggage behind them. Items that don't need to be booked in ahead of time include strollers, musical instruments, wheelchairs, or bicycles in their cases.
It is possible to ship your luggage ahead to your next hotel using a takuhaibin service (Yamato Transport, Sagawa Express, Japan Post…). In general, luggage will be delivered the next day or the same day, and your hotel reception can arrange the service for you, or you can arrange it at the train station. This way you won't have to haul your luggage up and down stairs and through train stations, and you can explore Kyoto as soon as you arrive. A suitcase weighing less than 25 kilograms (or 55 pounds) costs around US$10 to ship from Tokyo to Kyoto.
2. Flights from Tokyo to Kyoto
If you prefer to fly, there are also flights between Tokyo and Kyoto, whose closest airport is Osaka's Itami Airport (which is approximately an hour from Kyoto by bus). Most flights depart from Tokyo's Haneda Airport, and a few go from Narita Airport, and the flight takes around an hour to 1½ hours. One-way tickets cost around US$60 to US$100, and airlines that serve the route include Japan Airlines and ANA on the more expensive side, with Peach and Jetstar Japan being the more budget airlines.
While we would recommend taking the bullet train to Kyoto from Tokyo when you are already in Tokyo, if you are flying into Japan and want to connect straight to Kyoto from one of Tokyo's airports, we can definitely see taking a domestic flight as a better option in that scenario.
3. Buses from Tokyo to Kyoto
For those traveling on a budget, there is the option to take a bus from Tokyo to Kyoto. This takes around 7 to 8 hours, and can be either done overnight or during the day. Options range from discount buses (for example, the Willer Express, which costs around US$25 one way) to more premium buses that you can book onto through Japan Bus Online which cost around US$65.
4. Car / Private Vehicle from Tokyo to Kyoto
The drive between Tokyo and Kyoto takes 5 to 6 hours, sometimes slightly longer depending on traffic. Tolls for the expressways in between alone are approximately US$65, making it the most expensive option for a group of two, but it could be the most convenient if you have a lot of luggage. You could enjoy a hotel door to hotel door transfer!
While this wouldn't be the fastest option to get from Tokyo to Kyoto, and we do suggest taking the Shinkansen for the experience too, this does give you more freedom to stop off along the way if there is anything else you wish to see. On top of this, if you've got a family of four or five, renting a car or getting a car with a driver will likely cost around the same as booking onto the train.
Asia Highlights can help with booking a private transfer, if you have any questions about this, please contact us!
Can I Take a Day Trip from Tokyo to Kyoto?
It is definitely possible to take a day trip from Tokyo to Kyoto, but this is only really worth it if you take the bullet train. Given that the train takes around 2 hours to get to Kyoto from Tokyo, the first train leaves Tokyo at 6am, and the last train departs from Kyoto at 9.38pm, you could technically have approximately 12 hours there.
In that time, you could see Golden Pavilion, Gion District, and Nijo Castle.
However, if you have the time, we would suggest staying for at least one or two nights to enjoy more of the serenity and peacefulness of Kyoto.
Visit KyotoYou might like to read more about how to get around Japan:
How to Get around Japan — the Most Practical Ways
The Best Ways to Travel from Tokyo to Osaka
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