The fastest way from Tokyo to Kyoto is the Tokaido shinkansen: the Nozomi takes a little over two hours, the Hikari about two hours forty minutes and the stopping Kodama closer to four. Trains leave Tokyo and Shinagawa every few minutes through the day, so most travellers simply choose a time. Highway buses are cheaper but take most of a day, or run overnight.
Which train to take
- Nozomi — the fastest and most frequent, around two hours and fifteen minutes. The standard Japan Rail Pass does not cover it without an extra supplement ticket.
- Hikari — a few more stops and about two hours forty minutes. Covered by the standard Japan Rail Pass.
- Kodama — stops at every station and takes around four hours. Quieter, and useful for a stop on the way.
All three run from Tokyo Station and also stop at Shinagawa and Shin-Yokohama, which can be closer to your hotel. Our guide on how to ride the shinkansen explains tickets, seats and the large-luggage rules.
Seeing Mt Fuji on the way
On the way from Tokyo to Kyoto, Mt Fuji appears on the right-hand side of the train, around Shin-Fuji station: book seat E in an ordinary car, or seat D in the Green Car. The mountain is most often clear on dry winter mornings and often hidden by cloud in summer.
By bus or by air
Highway buses run between Tokyo and Kyoto by day and overnight, taking around seven to eight hours. They cost less than the train and an overnight bus saves a night's hotel, but most travellers arrive tired. Flying is rarely worth it: Kyoto has no airport of its own, and the journey to and from the airports takes longer than the train.
Tips
- Reserve seats in cherry blossom season, Golden Week, Obon and the New Year, when trains fill up.
- Forward large suitcases to your Kyoto hotel instead of carrying them on board.
- Stop on the way at Hakone, Atami or Nagoya if you have time, and continue on a later train.
Our 2-day Kyoto itinerary and 3-day Tokyo itinerary help you plan both ends of the trip.
FAQ
How long is the train from Tokyo to Kyoto? About two hours fifteen minutes on the Nozomi, two hours forty minutes on the Hikari and around four hours on the Kodama.
Does the Japan Rail Pass cover Tokyo to Kyoto? Yes, on the Hikari and Kodama trains. The fastest Nozomi trains need an extra supplement ticket on top of the standard pass.
Which side of the train has the Mt Fuji view? The right-hand side going from Tokyo to Kyoto: seat E in ordinary cars and seat D in the Green Car.
Is there a bus from Tokyo to Kyoto? Yes. Day and overnight highway buses take around seven to eight hours and cost less than the train.
Planning a trip from Tokyo to Kyoto for yourself, your family or your clients? Write to b2b@explera.jp or message us on WhatsApp at +66 93 656 8090 with your dates and group size, and we will reply within 24 hours. Explera is a destination management company for Japan — IATA TIDS 96215733, ASTA member 900408341.
