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Kyoto to Tokyo by Shinkansen

The Kyoto to Tokyo Shinkansen is the fast, direct way back up the Tokaido line to the capital, reaching Shinagawa and Tokyo Station in about two and a quarter hours. Reserve from Australia, pay in AUD, and board with a QR code.

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Fastest

2h 15m (Nozomi)

Typical

2h 40m (Hikari)

Transfers

Direct, no transfers

Distance

about 476 km

Daily services

300+ trains a day

JR Pass

Hikari and Kodama covered; Nozomi needs a supplement

Kyoto to Tokyo ticket prices

One-way fares by seat class. Return simply doubles the fare.

Seat class	Price (AUD)	Good to know
Non-reserved, Ordinary Car	from AUD 118	Cheapest, any open non reserved seat
Reserved, Ordinary Car	from AUD 125	Guaranteed seat, best in peak season
Reserved, Green Car	from AUD 170	Business class 2 by 2 seating

Fares are indicative from prices and vary by date, train and season. The live fare is shown when you search. As a guide, an Ordinary reserved seat is around ¥14,170.

Which train: Nozomi, Hikari or Kodama?

All three run the Kyoto–Tokyo route direct — they differ in how many stations they skip.

Train	Journey time	Stops	Japan Rail Pass
Nozomi	2h 15m	Fewest stops, the fastest service	Supplement required
Hikari	2h 40m	A handful of extra stops	Covered by JR Pass
Kodama	3h 45m	Stops at every station	Covered by JR Pass

Timetable & departures

A sample of daily Kyoto → Tokyo departures.

Depart Kyoto	Arrive Tokyo	Train	Duration
06:14	08:29	Nozomi	2h 15m
07:38	09:53	Nozomi	2h 15m
09:15	11:54	Hikari	2h 39m
12:11	14:26	Nozomi	2h 15m
18:15	20:30	Nozomi	2h 15m

Indicative departures. Nozomi trains run roughly every 10 minutes through the day. Search your date for live times.

Tips for the journey

Arrive at Shinagawa or Tokyo

Trains from Kyoto call at Shinagawa then Tokyo Station, both central and well connected to the airport lines.

Sit on the left for Mt Fuji

Heading Kyoto to Tokyo, Mt Fuji is on the left hand side about an hour and a half in. Seats D or E on the left have the best view.

Reserve in peak season

Reserve early during cherry blossom, the autumn leaves and the New Year and Golden Week holidays.

Luggage

Two bags per person up to 30 kg go on the racks. Oversized bags over 160 cm need a reserved oversized baggage space, free when booked ahead.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Kyoto to Tokyo bullet train?

A one way non reserved seat starts from about AUD 118, with reserved from around AUD 125 and Green Car from about AUD 170.

How long does it take?

About 2 hours 15 minutes on the fastest Nozomi, 2 hours 40 minutes on the Hikari and around 3 hours 45 minutes on the Kodama.

Is it covered by the Japan Rail Pass?

Yes for the Hikari and Kodama. The Nozomi needs a supplement.

Which side for Mt Fuji from Kyoto?

Sit on the left hand side heading to Tokyo, about an hour and a half into the trip on a clear day.

Do I need to reserve a seat?

No, but a reserved seat is strongly recommended in peak periods.

Related routes

Planning more of Japan by rail?

Tokyo → Kyoto Kyoto → Osaka Kyoto → Hiroshima All train tickets →

Ready to book Kyoto to Tokyo?

Reserve your seat, pay in AUD, and board with a QR code.

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