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Traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto is actually one of the most common routes for tourists visiting Japan.
If you want to experience the vibrant streets and modern skyscrapers of Tokyo and the centuries-old temples and shrines of Kyoto, we’re here to help you get from one city to the other.
From the world-famous Shinkansen (bullet train) to regional flights and even car rentals, there’s a transportation option for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore the fastest and most recommended ways to get from Tokyo to Kyoto.
The fastest transport options from Tokyo to Kyoto:
🚄 Shinkansen (Tokaido Shinkansen Line)
Board the Shinkansen to get to Kyoto from Tokyo in a jiffy. Photo credit: Jaden Williams on Unsplash
If you’re thinking of riding one of the fastest and most comfortable options, nothing beats the Tokyo to Kyoto Shinkansen. Hop aboard the Tokaido Shinkansen Line, operated by JR (Japan Railways), and zip from Tokyo to Kyoto in just over two hours.
With trains departing every 10 to 15 minutes, it's the perfect choice for travelers who want efficient transit without missing out on the thrill of riding a bullet train!
Average Travel Time
Depending on the type of Shinkansen service and train type, the journey takes between 2 to 4 hours.
Getting to the Shinkansen
Head over to Tokyo Station to find the Shinkansen platforms. Photo credit: Kiki on Unsplash
Most travelers board at Tokyo Station, although you can also hop on at Shinagawa Station or Shin-Yokohama Station. The train arrives at Kyoto Station, which is centrally located and well-connected to buses and subways.
Train Types
Photo credit: Henry Perks on Unsplash
- Nozomi: If you’re in a hurry, this is your best bet! The Nozomi whisks you from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka in just 2 hours and 24 minutes, stopping at popular stations like Tokyo, Shinagawa, and Kyoto along the route.
- Hikari: The Hikari isn’t far behind, taking about 2 hours and 54 minutes to make the trip. It stops at Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, and several other locations, providing a nice balance of speed and sightseeing.
- Kodama: For a more relaxed journey, take the Kodama! It takes around 4 hours and makes stops at all stations along the Tokaido Shinkansen, perfect for those who want to take their time and enjoy the views.
Seat Types and Classes
- Ordinary Car: If you’re traveling with a group, the Ordinary Cars provide seating and tables tailored for families and friends, guaranteeing a cozy and pleasant trip. Certain trains also include reversible chairs, allowing you to easily chat with your travel companions.
Ordinary car seats offer comfort on a tighter budget.
- Green Car: If you’re looking for an upgrade, go for the Green Car! With spacious seats that recline deeper for ultimate comfort, you’ll feel relaxed throughout your journey. Enjoy extra legroom, plenty of storage, and a cozy reading light, plus complimentary snacks and drinks will keep you fueled.
Enjoy a more premium experience with the green car seats
Amenities and Services
The Shinkansen is famous for its punctuality and comfort. Onboard, you’ll find clean restrooms, power outlets, and sometimes even Wi-Fi.
Just a tip: if your bag measures over 160 cm but less than 250 cm, you’ll need to make special reservations (don’t worry, they’re covered under the JR Pass!). For bags under 160 cm, you can pop them on the overhead racks.
It’s always a good idea to make your reservations ahead of time, so here’s how to get that sorted!
Klook tip: Food carts roll through selling snacks, but it’s a tradition to grab a bento box before you board, so try one at the Tokyo Station.
Schedule and Fares
The Tokyo to Kyoto Shinkansen runs frequently throughout the day, with tickets averaging ¥14,000 (~USD 95) for a one-way Nozomi ticket. Hikari and Kodama are slightly cheaper, and the Japan Rail Pass covers both.
How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets
Use the self-service ticket vending machines to get your Shinkansen tickets.
You can purchase Shinkansen tickets at station counters, vending machines, or online. For convenience, booking through Klook lets you reserve ahead of time without worrying about language barriers.
Klook tip: If you’re taking multiple train trips across Japan, check if a JR Pass is worthwhile with the JR Pass usage calculator.
Boarding Tips
Follow signs for Shinkansen Gates (新幹線) at Tokyo Station, and get there a little early to find your platform. Wait at the marked line for your assigned car and board quickly. Once onboard, keep your voice low as people keep quiet on trains as a courtesy to other travelers. You can also check out Klook’s bullet train guide and tips for dos and don’ts.
🚃 Regular Train Lines (Tokaido Main Line)
Expect a slower pace but great window views on the regular train lines. Photo credit: Sugar Jet on Pexels
If you’re traveling on a tight budget and have time to spare, you can take the JR Tokaido Main Line instead of the Shinkansen. Traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto on the regular Tokaido Main Line offers a unique (although slower) journey through Japan's picturesque countryside.
Average Travel Time
While this option takes a bit longer, roughly 9 hours (with multiple transfers), it allows you to soak in the scenery and experience the charm of smaller towns along the way.
How to Ride
You can start your journey at Tokyo Station. This major hub is well-connected and easy to navigate. Just make sure to check the train schedules for the Tokaido Main Line while you’re there.
You’ll need to transfer trains along the way, often at Atami, Nagoya, and Maibara. It’s a long journey, but some travelers use the opportunity to explore different cities in between. Some of the key stops include:
- Shinagawa Station: A quick stop in Tokyo with connections to other lines.
- Odawara Station: Gateway to Hakone and its famous hot springs.
- Atami Station: A coastal city known for its beaches and onsens.
- Mishima Station: Offers stunning views of Mount Fuji.
- Shizuoka Station: Known for its green tea and views of the surrounding mountains.
- Hamamatsu Station: Famous for its musical instruments and delicious eel dishes.
- Nagoya Station: A bustling city with plenty of shopping and dining options.
- Gifu Station: Known for its historic cormorant fishing.
- Maibara Station: A transfer point for other lines.
- Kyoto Station: Your final destination, where you can explore the city’s beautiful temples and traditional neighborhoods.
How to Buy Tickets
Tickets can be purchased at JR stations or with a Suica card, which is a prepaid transit card commonly used throughout Japan. You can also use the Japan Rail Pass for the regular trains.
Boarding Tips
Because you’ll need to make several transfers, plan your journey carefully with navigation apps like HyperDia or Google Maps. Try to travel light, since regular trains don’t have much storage space.
Klook tip: If you want to explore more of Japan, consider stopping for a few hours in Nagoya or Shizuoka along the way.
✈️ Air Travel (Tokyo to Kansai Airport)
Take to the skies to get to the peaceful streets of Kyoto. Photo credit: Guohua Song on Pexels
Flying from Tokyo to Kyoto is possible, but it’s not the most time-efficient once you factor in airport procedures. Still, if you’re already near Narita or Haneda Airport, catching a flight to Kansai International Airport (KIX) can be more convenient.
Average Travel Time
Flights take about 1 hour 15 minutes, but with airport transfers and security, the total journey is closer to 3.5–4 hours. From KIX, you’ll need another 1.5–2 hours to reach Kyoto by train.
How to Book Tickets
You can book through airlines or major travel platforms. If you plan to explore Tokyo and the surrounding regions before flying, consider the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo, which bundles both attractions and transportation.
Hop aboard the Haruka Express to get from KIX to Kyoto. Photo credit: Alan Wang on Pexels
🚌 Highway Bus
You won’t run out of luggage space on the Tokyo to Kyoto buses.
For budget-conscious travelers, the highway bus is a surprisingly popular choice. Its main advantage is the price, and overnight buses can also save you the cost of a hotel.
Average Travel Time
The journey takes about 8–9 hours during the day or 7–8 hours overnight.
How to Buy Tickets
Tickets can be booked online, at bus terminals, or through Klook’s night bus transfers.
Getting to the Bus Station
In Tokyo, most buses depart from Shinjuku Station or Tokyo Station. Both are easily accessible via the metro system.
Bus Ride Tips
Overnight buses often feature reclining seats, blankets, and sometimes Wi-Fi. They’re a great option if you’re traveling on a tight budget, but light sleepers may find it difficult to rest. But if you can sleep on buses, it’s a good way to get some rest before maximizing your sightseeing time.
🚗 Car Rental
Hit the road from Tokyo to Kyoto and explore hidden gems along the way! Photo credit: Tigran Hambardzumyan on Unsplash
If you want flexibility and the chance to explore smaller towns along the way, renting a car is another option. Driving lets you create your own route, stop at local restaurants, and enjoy scenic views that you’d usually miss by train.
Average Travel Time
It takes about 6–8 hours to drive from Tokyo to Kyoto, depending on traffic.
How to Rent a Car
You’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent and drive in Japan. But no need to worry, cars can be rented directly in Tokyo or reserved online through Klook’s car rental service.
Car Rental Tips
Highway tolls add up (expect about ¥10,000 or around $68 USD for the trip), and just a heads up that parking in big cities can also be quite expensive.
While driving in Japan is generally safe and orderly, be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules before you go. For a complete breakdown, you can check out this guide to renting a car in Japan.
What is the best way to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto?
After looking at all the factors and variety of options, the bullet train is definitely our top pick as the best way to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto. With comfy amenities and a speedy journey, it’s the way to go. And, if you’re flexible with timing, you can even snag a non-reserved seat during off-peak hours and sit wherever you like!
Whichever way you choose to go from Tokyo to Kyoto, Klook makes planning smooth with easy booking and instant confirmation. Start your journey today with Tokyo and Kyoto activities!
FAQs
How long is the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto?
Depending on the service, the ride ranges from just 2 hours and 15 minutes on the Nozomi to about 4 hours on the Kodama.
How much is the Shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Kyoto?
A one-way ticket is typically around ¥14,000 (or around $95 USD). Prices can also vary slightly depending on the train type and whether you choose reserved or non-reserved seating.
Which Shinkansen should I take from Tokyo to Kyoto?
If you want speed and convenience, the Nozomi is the best choice. However, travelers using the Japan Rail Pass should opt for the Hikari or Kodama, since the Nozomi is not covered by the pass.
Do I need to buy Shinkansen tickets in advance?
While it’s not strictly required, advance booking is highly recommended during peak travel seasons like cherry blossom season, Golden Week, and New Year holidays. To secure your seat with ease, you can reserve a ticket before your trip.
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FAQs
How long is the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto?
Depending on the service, the ride ranges from just 2 hours and 15 minutes on the Nozomi to about 4 hours on the Kodama.
How much is the Shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Kyoto?
A one-way ticket is typically around ¥14,000 (or around $95 USD). Prices can also vary slightly depending on the train type and whether you choose reserved or non-reserved seating.
Which Shinkansen should I take from Tokyo to Kyoto?
If you want speed and convenience, the Nozomi is the best choice. However, travelers using the Japan Rail Pass should opt for the Hikari or Kodama, since the Nozomi is not covered by the pass.
Do I need to buy Shinkansen tickets in advance?
While it’s not strictly required, advance booking is highly recommended during peak travel seasons like cherry blossom season, Golden Week, and New Year holidays. To secure your seat with ease, you can reserve a ticket before your trip.
