We’ll tell you how to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto, whether by bus or bullet train, using your JR Pass. We’ll explore the different options for getting there.
If you’re planning to travel in Japan and wondering how to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll show you all the available options so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
During our own trip to Japan, we faced the same question. How to make the journey to Kyoto from Tokyo? After thorough research and trying out some options, we’re here to share our experience with you and help you make the best decision for your trip.
Tokyo and Kyoto are two incredible cities with a lot to offer, and we’re sure you’ll want to visit both during your time in Japan. Fortunately, there are several ways to travel from one city to the other, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Regardless of your preference, this article will provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision. So get ready to enjoy an exciting journey from Tokyo to Kyoto, and don’t worry, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
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What options are there for going from Tokyo to Kyoto?
There are several practical options for getting from Tokyo to the charming city of Kyoto, whether you have a JR Pass or not.
For JR Pass holders, taking the Shinkansen bullet train from Central Tokyo station to Central Kyoto Station is an excellent choice. This route, which ends at Shin-Osaka Station, gives you the convenience and speed of the Shinkansen, providing you with an efficient journey to the heart of Kyoto on a direct train. This will be the same train you take if the route you want to take is Tokyo to Osaka.
If you don’t have a JR Pass, there’s no need to worry, as there are alternative routes. You can choose to use overnight bus services, which offer various options for departures from different points in Tokyo. These buses provide a comfortable option for those who want to travel overnight and wake up in Kyoto in the morning.
🤩 Buy here your Tokyo to Kyoto shinkansen tickets online
How to get to Kyoto from Tokyo by bullet train using the JR Pass?
The coolest way to move between Tokyo and Kyoto is undoubtedly to hop on the Shinkansen, the famous Japanese bullet train! The fastest train, known as Nozomi, with a travel time of about 2 hours and 15 minutes. But keep in mind that Nozomi bullet train is not valid with the Japan Rail Pass that covers the other trains but not this one, but don’t worry because you can board the next fastest, the Hikari. This one takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes, almost as fast!
And an important note when you take the Tokyo to Kyoto Shinkansen, you should know that the slowest shinkansen train is the Kodama; it stops a lot and is much slower, taking almost 4 hours instead of 2 and a half. Take it only if there is no better option for that time you want to go. Although I must say that sometimes when traveling on these bullet trains, the journey is so pleasant that it’s a bit sad when it ends.
In Tokyo, you can catch the Shinkansen at two key stations: Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station. Both are stops for all Shinkansen.
If you have doubts about how to reserve your seats for the train, if you already have the Japan Rail Pass or are thinking about it, we explain how to make your reservations in this dedicated article and how to buy it. Keep in mind that during peak travel season, you must reserve seats, to make sure you will travel comfortably.
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If you don’t have the JR Pass, you can purchase your Tokyo to Kyoto Shinkansen tickets at ticket offices in all major and many other minor JR stations throughout Japan. You can buy the tickets online as well.
🤩 Buy here your Tokyo to Kyoto shinkansen tickets online
How to reach Kyoto from Tokyo by bus?
If you don’t have the Japan Rail Pass, you prefer to save money, and perhaps a night in a hotel by taking an overnight trip, the journey from Tokyo to Kyoto by bus is a great option! The trip takes between 7 and 8 hours, and there are both daytime and nighttime options. The competition on the Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route has created various comfort levels, from budget buses to very premium ones, and there are many interesting deals.
Tickets for budget buses, such as Willer Express, start at around 4,000 yen, yes, that cheap!
And here comes the money-saving advice: if you are going to take several bus trips, be sure to use the Japan Bus Pass. It can help you significantly reduce the cost of the bus journey.
You can reserve it online through Willer and Japan Bus Online. Don’t miss out on this exciting way to explore Japan!
Frequently Asked Questions about the journey between Tokyo and Kyoto
How to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto?
To travel from Tokyo to Kyoto, a popular option is to use the Japan Rail Pass, which allows unlimited travel on JR trains for a specific period (there are 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day Japan Rail Passes). You can take the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station or from Shinagawa, which will take you directly to Kyoto Central Station, passing through major stations like Nagoya. You can also consider other options, such as the bus or car.
What is the Japan Rail Pass, and how do I use it to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto?
The Japan Rail Pass is a pass that allows unlimited travel on JR trains for a specific period. To go from Tokyo to Kyoto, you can exchange your JR Pass at the station and reserve a seat on the Shinkansen bullet train bound for Kyoto.
What other transport options are there to go from Tokyo to Kyoto?
In addition to the bullet train, you can also travel from Tokyo to Kyoto by bus or car. However, the Shinkansen is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two cities.
How long does the train journey from Tokyo to Kyoto take?
The journey on the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes (with the fastest train), providing a quick and efficient way to travel between these two cities.
What is the distance from Tokyo to Kyoto?
450 kilometers.
Can I purchase train tickets at Tokyo Narita Airport to travel to Kyoto?
Yes, at Narita Airport, you have the option to buy train tickets to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto. You can even pick up or purchase a JR Pass right there if you don’t have one yet.
How long does the Shinkansen take from Tokyo to Kyoto?
The Shinkansen bullet train takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto, making it a fast and efficient transportation option.
Would it be possible to go from Tokyo to Kyoto by bus?
Yes, you can travel from Tokyo to Kyoto by bus. Although it is a slower option than the bullet train, it can be a more economical alternative for some travelers.
How do I reserve a seat for the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto?
You can reserve a seat for the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto at any train station, either from counters or through the automatic ticket machines.
What other transport options are there for going from Tokyo to Kyoto?
In addition to the bullet train, you can consider traveling by bus or car. You can also consider taking a domestic flight from Tokyo to Osaka and then using the train service to reach Kyoto, but the bullet train and bus are usually the most popular choices.
Are Kyoto and Tokyo connected by the JR line?
Yes, Kyoto and Tokyo are connected by the JR line, making train transportation between these two cities convenient and accessible for travelers.
What is the best way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto using the JR Pass?
The JR Pass allows you to travel unlimitedly on the Shinkansen Hikari, which is the most convenient way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto using this train pass.
Can I travel from Kyoto to Tokyo by car?
Yes, you can drive from Kyoto to Tokyo by car. However, keep in mind that the bullet train remains a faster and more convenient option for travel between these two cities.
A trip from Tokyo to Kyoto has many options
In conclusion, I hope this information is useful for your trip to Japan. If you’re planning to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto by train, the best option is to take the Tokaido Shinkansen line, which efficiently connects both cities. You can find a seat for the journey back as well, and reach the station without complications.
Once in Kyoto, you can also make the return route to Tokyo in the same way. Additionally, if you’re coming from abroad and arriving in Osaka, you can get to Kansai Airport and from there figure out how to get on the train that will take you to your destination. Tokyo and Kyoto are perfectly connected by this high-speed train line, making it a convenient and effective option for your trip.
Don’t worry about how to find the train or how to navigate; the transportation system in Japan is very efficient and easy to use. So, if you’re thinking about visiting these two incredible cities on your trip to Japan, feel free to consider this option and enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free journey.
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