How to Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto

Tokyo and Kyoto sit about 450 km apart, and the fastest, easiest way between them is the shinkansen (bullet train). The fastest Nozomi service takes roughly 2 hours 15 minutes, from around ¥13,320 one way. You can also save money on an overnight bus, or fly via Osaka. Here's exactly how each option works, what it costs, and which to choose.

Quick comparison

Tokyo to Kyoto by bullet train (shinkansen)

The Tokaido Shinkansen runs between Tokyo and Kyoto every few minutes through the day, so you rarely wait more than 10 minutes. Three train types run the line:

• Nozomi: fastest at about 2h 15m, stopping only at Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama and Nagoya. Not covered by the standard Japan Rail Pass (you can pay a supplement to ride it on the pass).
• Hikari: about 2h 40m, a few more stops. Fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
• Kodama: about 3h 40m, stops at every station. Covered by the pass, but slow, so skip it for this route.

Trains leave from Tokyo Station and Shinagawa Station; both are easy to reach on the city network. In Kyoto, the shinkansen arrives on the south side of Kyoto Station, which connects straight to the subway, buses and taxis.

Do you need to reserve a seat?

For most of the year you can just buy an unreserved (jiyuseki) ticket and board the next train. But Japan is busy, so reserve a seat if you're travelling at rush hour (7 to 9am, 4 to 7pm) or in peak seasons (New Year, Golden Week in early May, mid-August Obon), or if you're a group who wants to sit together. Green Car (first class) seats are roomier and quieter if you want to upgrade.

First and last trains

Westbound (Tokyo to Kyoto) the first train leaves around 06:00 and the last around 19:50, with multiple departures every hour all day.

Which side for Mt Fuji views?

Heading from Tokyo to Kyoto, sit on the right-hand side (window seats D/E) for the Mt Fuji view, about 40 to 45 minutes in (weather permitting). Coming back, sit on the left.

How to buy Tokyo to Kyoto tickets

• Online in advance is simplest for visitors. Check times and book your tickets here.
• Ticket machines or JR ticket office at the station (English menus available).
• SmartEX, IC card or Apple Wallet Suica for tap-to-ride if you're set up.

Travelling with a Japan Rail Pass

If you're making several long journeys, a Japan Rail Pass can save money, but it was repriced in late 2023, so check today's price against your trips first. For this route it covers the Hikari and Kodama (not the Nozomi without a supplement), and you can reserve seats free at any JR ticket window. Not sure it's worth it? See our guide to Japan Rail Pass prices and whether it's worth it.

Arriving from the airport? Go direct to Kyoto

• From Narita (NRT): take the Narita Express (N'EX) to Shinagawa, then the shinkansen. The platform transfer at Shinagawa is far shorter than at Tokyo Station.
• From Haneda (HND): take the Keikyu Line to Shinagawa, then board the shinkansen there.

Tokyo to Kyoto by bus

The cheapest option. Daytime and overnight highway buses (Willer Express, JR Bus, VIP Liner) take 7 to 8 hours from around ¥5,900. Overnight buses save a night's accommodation. You can check timetables and book on the Willer Express and Japan Bus Online sites.

Tokyo to Kyoto by plane

There's no airport in Kyoto, so you'd fly Tokyo to Osaka (Itami or Kansai) then take a 1 to 1.5 hour train into Kyoto. With transfers and security it's usually 3 to 4 hours door to door, rarely faster or cheaper than the shinkansen. Carriers include ANA, JAL and Peach.

Driving from Tokyo to Kyoto

Possible but the least practical: about 6 to 7 hours via the Tomei and Meishin expressways, plus fuel, tolls and rental. That typically costs far more than a train ticket, and you'll want an International Driving Permit. Worth it only if you're exploring rural stops along the way.

Luggage on the shinkansen

Bags up to 160 cm combined fit overhead. Oversized baggage (160 to 250 cm) needs a free advance seat reservation. Or use Japan's takkyubin delivery service to send suitcases ahead to your Kyoto hotel.

So what is the best way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto?

For almost everyone the shinkansen wins: fast, frequent, comfortable, and it drops you in the centre of Kyoto. Take the bus only if budget is the priority, and skip flying unless a cheap fare lines up.

Frequently asked questions