Tokyo to Kyoto Bullet Train: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Bullet Train Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto

If you’re looking to soak up Japan’s peaceful countryside while still getting a taste of the city hustle, the Shinkansen is your answer!

This speedy bullet train takes you from the buzz of Tokyo to the historical charm of Kyoto in just a few hours. Plus, the ride itself is pretty awesome – smooth, fast, and with some amazing views along the way.

Ready for the ride? Here’s everything you need to know about catching the bullet train from Japan’s modern capital to its ancient one:

The Most Efficient Way to Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto

Shinkansen: Fast, Easy, and Comfortable

The Shinkansen is the quickest and most convenient way to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto, and if you’re using the JR Whole Japan Rail Pass, it’s even easier!

Here’s a quick look at the different options:

• Nozomi Shinkansen: The fastest! It takes just 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach Kyoto, with tickets starting at ¥13,080 for an unreserved seat. However, the JR Whole Japan Rail Pass doesn't cover the Nozomi, so you'll need to use the next option.

• Hikari Shinkansen: The second fastest, taking about 2 hours and 30 minutes. This is covered by the JR Whole Japan Rail Pass.

• Kodama Shinkansen: The slowest of the three, but still a comfortable option for those looking for a relaxed journey.

You can board the Shinkansen at Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station. However, if you’re aiming to get a seat, Tokyo Station is your best bet since it’s the starting point.

Transferring to Narita Express?

If you’re heading to Narita Airport, transferring at Shinagawa Station is your quickest option. The Narita Express arrives on Track 15 at Shinagawa, conveniently located near the Shinkansen platforms. At Tokyo Station, transferring requires a bit more walking, so Shinagawa is a smoother choice.

Departing from Kyoto

In Kyoto, Shinkansen trains depart from the south side of Kyoto Station, and the platforms are easy to spot.

You should take the Shinkansen using the Japan Rail Pass

If you are a visitor in Japan, you may save on cash and commute comfortably by Shinkansen.

We're talking about the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), a must-have for any visitor to Japan who wishes to visit more than one city.

This permits unrestricted travel on any JR transportation, including bullet trains, for 7, 14, or 21 days.

You may catch the Shinkansen from either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station.

To Kyoto Station, there are three major Shinkansen lines: Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama. Nozomi has a reserved seat cost of 13,910 JPY and a non-reserved seat fare of 13,080 JPY.

There is a vending machine and a ticket booth (named "Midori-no-madoguchi") for the tickets.

Some vending machines feature menus in English.

They are installed near the admission gates. If you have a JR Pass, you may proceed to the station and board any of the trains in the non-reserved cars (typically 1-4).

But if you'd rather book a seat in advance, you may do so at the same locations where they're sold (vending machine or ticket office).

Addresses:

Tokyo Station- 1 Chome Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan (map)

Shinagawa Station- 3 Chome-26-27 Takanawa, Minato City, Tokyo 108-0074, Japan (map)

Do You Require Shinkansen Reserved Seats?

A reserved ticket is not usually required to board the Shinkansen. Simply purchase an unreserved pass and turn up to board the next Shinkansen heading in your direction.

If you are travelling during rush hour (between 7 am and 9 am; 4 pm and 7 pm) or during busy travel seasons (31 December- 3 January; the first week of May and mid-August), consider purchasing reserved tickets in advance.

With a Japan Rail Pass, you may make reservations up to one month in advance at any JR ticket office. You cannot make a reservation from another country.

Bullet Train Schedule Tokyo to Kyoto

Listed below are the Tokyo to Kyoto bullet train timings and prices:

Best Way to Reach Each Station

Tokyo Station- JR lines, including the Yamanote Line, Chuo Line, Sobu Line, and Keihin-Tohoku Line, may take you to Tokyo Station. The Marunouchi Line is useful for individuals who use the Tokyo Metro lines.

Shinagawa Station- The best way to go to Shinagawa Station. Shinagawa Station, in contrast to many big stations, only has two entrances and exits.

The Takanawa Exit is on the west side, while the Konan Exit is on the east side. A lengthy hallway within the station connects these exits, splitting the station in half.

Without a car, the best way to go from Tokyo (Station) to Shinagawa (Station) is by train, which takes 8 minutes and costs ¥120 - ¥3700.

Whole Japan Rail Pass

The simplest and most practical method to get across the Land of the Rising Sun is by train, thanks to Japan's extensive rail network.

You may travel affordably for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days with this JR Pass while you experience Japan's cities and countryside.

The pass includes most JR lines and local buses, providing a convenient way to view the sites.

You can choose between the Ordinary pass and the Green Class pass. The Green Class ticket provides first-class comfort with reclining chairs, a footrest, legroom, and a travel magazine to keep you engaged while travelling.

This Japan Rail Pass covers all kinds of transportation, including Shinkansen, Limited Express, and local trains, as well as the Monorail, JR buses, and the Miyajima Ferry.

Kansai Area Pass

International travellers visiting Japan are the only ones eligible for the JR Kansai Area Pass, which entitles you to unlimited travel on local JR trains and buses in certain Kansai regions, including Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Himeji, Wakayama, and Otsu, as well as on the Kansai Airport Express Haruka. The package also includes unrestricted usage of the Haruka limited express train between Kansai International Airport and Kyoto.

Bonus Route

Highway Bus

Travel time via highway bus: 7 to 8 hours

Prices start at 3,200 yen.

Daytime and night-time bus services between Tokyo and Kyoto are provided by several bus companies.

A one-way takes up to nine hours and is priced at no less than 3,200 yen, based on seat category, season, and other considerations. On the Willer Express and Japan Bus Online websites, you may search for bus departure and arrival locations, schedules, ticket pricing, and book seat reservations.

Domestic Flights

Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes by flight

Cost: Usually between 10,000 and 23,000 yen.

If you are travelling from Narita or Haneda airports in Tokyo, you can get to Kyoto by flying into Itami and Kansai airports in Osaka, and then having a 1 to 1.5-hour train/bus journey to central Kyoto.

Several airlines, including Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Vanilla Air, Peach, and Starflyer, offer several flights between the two cities every day.

A one-way flight takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and tickets may be purchased for as little as 4,000 yen during promotions and specials.

Rails throughout Time: Tokyo to Kyoto by Train Unveiled

In essence, the train ride from Tokyo to Kyoto is a seamless combination of history and innovation, providing visitors with an enthralling peek into Japan's rich legacy and technological development.

The enchantment of this renowned route, where stunning landscapes and cultural riches emerge through the train's windowpanes, has been unearthed by this ultimate travel guide.

From Tokyo's frenetic bustle to Kyoto's peaceful temples, each moment on this rail journey exemplifies Japan's distinct charm.

So, whether you're a history buff or looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, the Tokyo to Kyoto train voyage guarantees an extraordinary journey that transcends time.

Commonly Asked Questions

How frequently does the Shinkansen travel between Tokyo and Kyoto?

The Shinkansen is the most popular bullet train line in Japan, with trains leaving Tokyo every 10 minutes for Kyoto.

From which station—Tokyo or Shinagawa—should I depart?

In general, opt for the nearest or most convenient station. The Shinkansen stations are just around 20 minutes apart, and both stations have the same charge.

What places can you see between Tokyo and Kyoto?

The top cities between Tokyo and Kyoto are Yokohama, Nagoya, Hakone-machi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Kamakura, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Kawagoe, Hachioji, and Ito.

How many kilometres separate Tokyo and Kyoto via train?

Kyoto is 283 miles (445 kilometres) from Tokyo, but a high-speed Shinkansen (bullet train) can bring you there in a little over two hours.

What is the quickest train from Tokyo to Kyoto?

The Tokaido Shinkansen line has three train types: Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama. The Nozomi is the most common and the quickest train, taking only 2 hours and 20 minutes to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto.

Where does the train from Tokyo to Kyoto depart?

Trains connecting Tokyo and Kyoto depart from Shinagawa Station or Tokyo Station and arrive at Kyoto.