First-time and seasoned travellers alike all go to the beautiful city of Tokyo to immerse themselves in its bustling shopping streets, fun and interactive museums and theme parks, and unparalleled food scene.
And of course, the first-hand the hospitality of the Japanese people.
But there'll be times when you’ll crave a different scene on your Japan trip. Somewhere you can have the time to really experience and explore Japan.
Kyoto's the place for you.
Once the proud capital of Japan, Kyoto City now stands as a global icon celebrated for its elegant culture, culinary delights, and the enchanting essence of rural Japan.
With its irresistible allure, Kyoto attractions encounter thousands of domestic and international travellers, all in pursuit of the charms of traditional Japanese culture.
But, how do you get there in the first place?
The fastest transport options from Tokyo to Kyoto
Setting out on your journey presents a ton of travel options. But, no matter which travel route you take, each option presents its own appeal while you travel from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Here are the fastest ways to get from Tokyo to Kyoto:
1. Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
Go from Tokyo to Kyoto in a flash while aboard the Shinkansen! Credits: Fikri Rasyid on Unsplash
Taking the Nozomi bullet trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line is definitely the fastest way to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto. The one-way trip from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station takes only about 2 hours and 15 minutes on the Nozomi and costs the same as the two other slower trains. You can use the JR Pass for this for an additional fee.
You can also take the Hikari Shinkansen which is about 20 minutes longer than the Nozomi bullet train.
The slowest of the bullet train options, which is the Kodama train, can take you to Kyoto station in approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. This train has more stops compared to the other bullet trains, so be careful and remember which stop you’re getting off.
Travel times can vary depending on the type of Shinkansen you’ll be taking and the number of stops.
The JR Pass can be used on both the Hikari and Kodama trains without any extra fees.
When getting on the bullet train, you have two car options available:
Green Car
Enjoy a more luxurious traveling experience in the Green Car with its spacious seats with deeper recline features. There's also extra leg space, extra storage space, a reading light, and complimentary snacks and drinks!
You have access to features already available in Ordinary Cars, like electrical outlets to charge your devices, hooks, and overhead storage.
But of course, premium services equals premium costs.
Green Car tickets typically cost 1.5 to 2 times more than Ordinary Car tickets. But, it’s probably due to this premium pricing that Green Cars tend to be less crowded, giving you a more quiet and comfortable Shinkansen experience.
Ordinary Car
Opting for the standard seating arrangement is a choice embraced by both locals and travelers, making it a popular and well-rounded option.
Traveling with family or friends? The Ordinary Cars are equipped with seating arrangements and tables tailored to accommodate groups, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant journey. Certain trains even have reversible chairs so you can face your friends.
Some amenities you can find on board are electrical outlets for charging, overhead storage, and hooks for hanging your coats.
For those who value spontaneity, certain Shinkansen services offer non-reserved seats, although availability operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s worth noting that if you haven't secured your train tickets in advance, you might face challenges finding available seats when you board the train!
Where to buy shinkansen tickets
Shinkansen tickets can be purchased online or at ticket counters and machines in major train stations.
Ticket prices start at about 142.82 AUD for non-reserved seats if you’re trying to save money, but there is a risk of standing the whole way.
We recommend you book a reserved seat, which costs between 148.50 to 151.93 AUD if you don’t like being on your feet for more than 2 hours, or you’re travelling with kids and have tons of luggage.
Klook Tip: Book your shinkansen tickets online in advance so you can secure your slots or reserved seat. Japan bullet train tickets can run out fast, especially on popular routes such as Tokyo to Kyoto
Can I bring luggage on the bullet train?
If you have a lot of luggage or if you have a really big suitcase, you might want to use a delivery service instead.
It’s worth remembering that if your baggage’s total dimensions are over 160cm but under 250cm, you’ll need to make special reservations (which are covered by your JR Pass).
For bags under 160cm, you can store these on overhead racks. Let’s just hope that there’s available space and it fits!
For more luggage shinkansen information, check out our How to Make A Reservation for Oversized Luggage on the Shinkansen blog.
How fast is the speed of the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto?
The fastest train, Nozomi, goes about 300 km/h, while the Hikari goes about 185 km/h.
2. Regular trains
Exploring via local trains: A scenic journey through Japan's beauty. Credits: @satomi24jp on Instagram
If you don’t want to break the bank for the Shinkansen, you might fall in love with the local train rides instead.
Take it slow and enjoy the organized stations and free Wi-Fi on most routes! On your trip from Tokyo to Kyoto, you’ll be taking the Tōkaidō Main Line.
A one-way trip from Tokyo station to Kyoto station using local trains may take you more than 8 hours of total travel time since it makes multiple stops. Since no train travels the whole route, you also need to make at least four transfers.
Foreign tourists can make the most of their journey with JR Passes for unlimited rides on JR local trains, available for durations of 7, 14, or 21 days!
Secure these passes online before arriving in Japan to fully immerse yourself in inter-city explorations.
You can also opt for the Suica IC Card, a prepaid e-money card used for traveling and shopping. This option is more suitable for short-term visits, than the JR Passes that last for weeks.
Travelers also have the option to consider the Seishun 18 pass, a seasonal rail package with five tickets, costing approximately AUD129.20. This pass accommodates solo travelers or can be shared within a group.
But, there’s a catch: the Seishun 18 pass is restricted to local and rapid JR trains and remains valid for a limited period—three times a year.
3. Air travel
From the skies to the serene streets of Kyoto. Credits: @keos_nissy on Instagram
Prefer the skies? Cheap flights from Tokyo to Kansai Airport take about 90 minutes only! Don’t forget to take into account airport transit, security checks, and check-in time. You'll need at least an hour of travel time, 30 minutes minimum if you opt to go to Haneda instead of Narita.
Reserve your flights early, since last-minute bookings may be more expensive. This is especially true if you’re traveling to Japan during the peak season and holidays like the Golden Week; prices would be soaring during those times!
Passengers can travel from Narita Airport or Haneda Airport to Kansai Airport, with cheap flights going for as low as AUD42.89 plus travel expenses. This is perfect for budget travelers!
Is it better take a plane or train from Kyoto to Tokyo?
For foreigners, we recommend taking the train over flying domestically. With trains, you can hop on and off platforms easily without going through security checks or immigration. With flights, it might take you more than an hour or two to get through to security, especially during peak seasons.
4. Highway bus
Roaming roads to Kyoto's enchantment, one bus ride at a time. Credits: Unsplash
Most travelers won’t typically go for daytime and overnight buses since the trains are more viable and attractive options. However, if you’re one of these rare explorers, some options allow you to enjoy a long, steady journey to Kyoto, amongst others.
Fares begin at about AUD33.24 and can go as high as AUD128.66 for a one-way trip, depending on the season and comforts on board. This is perfect for budget travelers!
You should expect a Tokyo to Kyoto trip of about 7 to 9 hours, with day trip departures being a lot longer due to traffic.
Passengers can opt to hop on the overnight buses instead, which leave Tokyo between 9 pm and midnight. These buses can arrive at Kyoto station as early as 5:15 am, allowing you to have an early start in exploring the wonders of the former imperial capital.
Another bonus for foreign travelers; you can use your JR pass to hop on JR buses at no extra cost!
5. Car
Discover Japan's beauty with every turn of the wheel! Credits: Pexels
Even if you're the type to map out every hour and every minute of the trip, there's just something about the vibe of long car drives that brings out the spontaneity in everyone. Not to mention, you get to make memories with friends or family in the privacy of a rental car without potentially being too noisy for other travelers.
But, remember that Japan has an expensive highway network. Fuel alone can take about AUD85.78 to AUD128.66 of your budget, but you also need to take into account rental car changes, highway toll charges, and costly parking spaces. Those will cost you between AUD107.22 and AUD160.83.
But with rest stops, driving from Tokyo to Kyoto can be faster than daytime buses and local trains—only taking about 6 to 7 hours of travel!
And before you hit the road, make sure you’ve got these essentials with you:
- Driver's license
- International Driving Permit
- Credit card
- Valid ID
- Printed voucher
What is the best way to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto?
The best way to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto is, undoubtedly, the Shinkansen bullet train. It provides the best amenities out of all travel options, and you’d get to your destination a lot faster!
If you travel outside of peak hours, you can opt for non-reserved seats and just take whichever seat is available.
Now that you are equipped with knowledge on how to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto, transform that vacation idea into a reality. Get ready to plan your Japan trip now!
🇯🇵 Tokyo Travel Essentials 🇯🇵
Top things to do in Tokyo
- Day trips: Mt Fuji Instagrammable Spots | Mt Fuji and Hakone
- Visiting multiple attractions in Tokyo? Get the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo and enjoy up to 48% savings!
Getting around
Stay connected with our Japan 4G eSIM and find the best places to stay in Tokyo — plus exclusive hotel promos and bundle deals!
Written by: Russell Tan
More Japan Inspiration
What is Klook?
Klook is a world-leading travel and experiences platform, with over half a million offerings in over 2,700 destinations! Browse our growing collection of travel activities and services in 15 languages, and complete bookings seamlessly with 40 currencies and over 40 payment methods.
We're here to bring the world closer together through experiences. Whether it's something new in your neighborhood or an adventure abroad, with Klook you're always connected to a world of things to do and places to see.
