How to Travel from Kyoto to Tokyo

Kyoto and Tokyo 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 from Osaka. Here's exactly how each option works, what it costs, and which to choose.

Quick comparison

Kyoto to Tokyo by bullet train (shinkansen)

The Tokaido Shinkansen runs between Kyoto and Tokyo 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 Nagoya, Shin-Yokohama and Shinagawa. 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.

All trains leave from the shinkansen platforms on the south side of Kyoto Station, which connect straight to the subway, buses and taxis. In Tokyo they call at Shinagawa before terminating at Tokyo Station; get off at Shinagawa if your hotel is on the west or south side of the city.

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

Eastbound (Kyoto to Tokyo) the first trains leave around 06:15 and the last direct service around 21:30, with multiple departures every hour all day.

Which side for Mt Fuji views?

Heading from Kyoto to Tokyo, sit on the left-hand side (window seats D/E) for the Mt Fuji view, about 1 hour 30 minutes in (weather permitting). Coming back, it's the right.

How to buy Kyoto to Tokyo 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.

Flying out of Tokyo? Which station to use

• For Narita (NRT): change at Shinagawa or Tokyo Station for the Narita Express (N'EX); the transfer at Shinagawa is usually quicker.
• For Haneda (HND): get off at Shinagawa and take the Keikyu Line straight to the airport.

Kyoto to Tokyo 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.

Kyoto to Tokyo by plane

There's no airport in Kyoto, so you'd first train it to Osaka (Itami or Kansai) and fly to Haneda from there. 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 Kyoto to Tokyo

Possible but the least practical: about 6 to 7 hours via the Meishin and Tomei 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 Tokyo hotel.

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

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

Frequently asked questions