How to Travel to Kyoto from Tokyo: Your Guide to Shinkansen & Buses
Traveling between Japan’s vibrant capital, Tokyo, and its cultural heart, Kyoto, is a highlight for many visitors. These two iconic cities are well-connected, making it easy to experience both during your trip. Whether you prioritize speed, cost, or comfort, there are several reliable ways to make the 280-mile journey. Understanding your options is key to planning a smooth travel experience. This guide details the primary methods for How To Travel To Kyoto From Tokyo, covering the bullet train, bus services, and how different rail passes can impact your journey.
Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen Bullet Train
The Shinkansen, or bullet train, offers the fastest and most popular way to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto. The Tokaido Shinkansen line connects the two cities with frequent services, making it possible to cover the distance in just over 2 hours on the quickest trains. It’s a crucial part of Japan’s efficient rail network and is particularly convenient for tourists looking to maximize their time exploring.
You can catch a high-speed train to Kyoto from major stations in central Tokyo, including Tokyo Station and Shinagawa Station. Your destination station in Kyoto will be Kyoto Station, a major transportation hub located conveniently in the city center, providing easy access to local buses and subway lines to reach your final destination.
Map showing the route of the Tokaido Shinkansen line connecting Tokyo and Kyoto
While all trains on this route offer high-speed travel, journey times and stops can vary slightly depending on the specific service. Planning ahead by checking the timetable for your travel date is always recommended. The return journey from Kyoto to Tokyo offers similar options and travel times.
Shinkansen Tokyo to Kyoto Schedules and Fares
Shinkansen bullet trains run multiple times per hour between Tokyo and Kyoto throughout the day. The main train types operating on this route are the Hikari, Kodama, and Nozomi services.
| Train type | Journey length | Stops on route | Standard fare | Fare with seat reservation | Fare with JR Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hikari | 2 hrs 30 min | 5-9 | ¥13,320 | ¥13,850 | Included |
| Kodama | 3 hrs 40 min | 16 | ¥13,320 | ¥13,850 | Included |
| Nozomi | 2 hrs 15 min | 3-4 | ¥13,970 | ¥14,170 | ¥4960 |
Note: Fares are approximate and subject to change.
Hikari and Kodama trains are fully covered by the standard Japan Rail Pass. The Nozomi is the fastest service with the fewest stops, but it requires a supplementary “[ONLY WITH JAPAN RAIL PASS] Nozomi Mizuho Ticket” in addition to your JR Pass to ride. If you’re wondering how this journey fits into a longer trip, exploring options like a japan travel itinerary 1 week or japan travel itinerary 10 days can help you plan your stops effectively.
The earliest and latest departure times for the main Shinkansen services from Tokyo to Kyoto are generally as follows:
| Shinkansen type | First train departure | Last train departure |
|---|---|---|
| Hikari | 06:00 | 21:24 |
| Kodama | 06:27 | 21:30 |
| Nozomi | 06:57 | 21:57 |
It’s important to check the most current timetables closer to your travel date, as schedules can change seasonally.
Shinkansen Tokyo to Kyoto Using JR Pass
The Japan Rail Pass offers excellent value if you plan to travel extensively by train across Japan. It is the only multi-trip ticket that covers the standard Shinkansen services between Tokyo and Kyoto.
Both the Hikari and Kodama trains are high-speed Shinkansen services covered by your JR Pass, though they differ in the number of stops they make:
- Hikari: These are semi-fast trains, stopping at major cities along the route.
- Kodama: These are the slowest Shinkansen on the line, stopping at every station.
When riding a Hikari or Kodama train with a valid JR Pass, you simply present your pass. If time is a critical factor, the Nozomi Shinkansen is the quickest option, but as mentioned, it requires purchasing an additional supplementary ticket even if you hold a JR Pass. For those concerned about safety while navigating large cities like Tokyo, rest assured that guides on topics such as is tokyo safe for solo female travellers are widely available, highlighting the general safety of travel in Japan.
Graphic promoting the Japan Rail Pass for unlimited train travel in Japan, including Shinkansen
Unlimited train travel in Japan
The JR Pass gives you unlimited access to transportation all around Japan for 7, 14, or 21 days, including Shinkansen.
A single ticket, huge savings.
Next Stop: Osaka
For travelers continuing their journey beyond Kyoto, the next major stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen line is Shin-Osaka Station, which serves the city of Osaka. Shin-Osaka is just a short 15-minute Shinkansen ride from Kyoto, making it incredibly easy to add Osaka to your Japan itinerary. Whether you’re traveling directly from Tokyo to Osaka or making a stop in Kyoto first, your JR Pass covers the standard Shinkansen services between these major cities, offering flexibility for your travel plans.
Tokyo to Kyoto by Bus
While the Shinkansen is the fastest method, buses offer a significantly cheaper alternative for traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto, though they take much longer. This option is not included in the Japan Rail Pass, so you will need to purchase separate tickets. As Kyoto does not have its own airport, flying from Tokyo isn’t a practical option for this specific route; you would need to fly into a nearby airport like Osaka (Kansai International Airport – KIX) and then travel to Kyoto.
Several companies operate long-distance highway buses between Tokyo and Kyoto, including both daytime and overnight services. Overnight buses are a popular choice for budget travelers as they save on accommodation costs and arrive in the early morning.
Willer Express
Willer Express is a major bus company in Japan offering multiple daily services between Tokyo and Kyoto. They provide various comfort levels, with options like reclining seats and power outlets often available.
- Departing from: Shinjuku and Tokyo Station
- Arriving at: Kyoto Station
- Duration: 7 to 9 hours
- Price: From ¥3,500 to ¥7,000
JR Bus Kanto
Operated by the Japan Railways group, JR Bus Kanto provides both day and night bus services directly to Kyoto. Their overnight “Midnight Express” typically departs around 11 p.m., arriving in Kyoto in the morning. Daytime “Gran Daytime Express” services are also available with various departure times.
- Departing from: Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station
- Arriving at: Kyoto Station
- Duration: 8 to 9 hours
- Price: From ¥5,000 to ¥8,000
Keio Bus
Keio Bus also operates services connecting Tokyo and Kyoto. They offer both daytime and overnight options. Overnight buses usually leave Tokyo late at night (around 11 p.m.) and reach Kyoto early the following morning. Daytime departures vary depending on the season and demand.
- Departing from: Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
- Arriving at: Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit
- Duration: 7.5 to 9 hours
- Price: From ¥4,500 to ¥7,500
It’s important to remember that these highway bus services are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. The pass only includes JR trains and certain local JR bus lines, not intercity highway buses like these.
Airport Transfers for Kyoto and Tokyo
If your journey involves arriving or departing from Japan’s major international airports near Tokyo or Kyoto, your JR Pass can be useful for connecting to the Shinkansen network.
From Tokyo’s main airports, Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND), you can use JR lines included in your JR Pass to reach Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station, where you can board the Tokaido Shinkansen to Kyoto.
If you are arriving at Kansai International Airport (KIX) near Osaka/Kyoto, Japan Rail Pass holders can take the Haruka Express train directly to Kyoto Station at no extra cost. The journey from KIX to Kyoto Station takes approximately 1 hour. The standard one-way fare for the Haruka Express is around ¥2200, but with an active JR Pass, the cost is included, eliminating the need to buy a separate ticket for this segment of your travel.
Conclusion
Traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto is a straightforward process thanks to Japan’s efficient transportation system. The Shinkansen bullet train is the fastest option, taking just over two hours on the quickest services and offering a comfortable journey, especially beneficial for JR Pass holders who can use the Hikari and Kodama trains. For budget-conscious travelers, highway buses provide a more affordable, albeit significantly longer, alternative. Whether you choose the speed of the train or the economy of the bus, getting between these two must-see cities is easy, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip to Japan.
