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Tokyo to Kyoto: Transportation Options, Costs, and Travel Tips

Traveloka Team

12 Jun 2024 - 4 min read

Tokyo and Kyoto are 2 of Japan's most fascinating cities with a blend of modern urban sophistication and heritage tradition. This legendary city pairing guarantees a great travel experience, whether you're a history buff looking to visit the royal palaces in Kyoto or a tech enthusiast looking to enjoy the neon lights of Tokyo's Akihabara district.

Planning your trip between Tokyo to Kyoto is essential, before you learn about its rich culture. The most effective routes from Tokyo to Kyoto will be shown in this guide from Traveloka, guaranteeing a smooth and effective trip.

Best Way to Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto

To visit between Tokyo and Kyoto, which is about 450 kilometers away, there are several modes of transportation that can take you. Traveling by land using a private vehicle such as a car will take you about 5 to 6 hours.

However, there are 2 other options that can get you from Tokyo to Kyoto quickly; Shinkansen and plane.

The Bullet Train (Shinkansen)

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Japan's famous bullet train, the Shinkansen, is the best option for a smooth and quick ride. This is the reason why you should travel from Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen:

Speed: The Shinkansen can travel from Tokyo to Kyoto in an amazing two to three hours, with top speeds of 320 km/h (200 mph). You may spend as much time as possible exploring both cities thanks to the quick journey time.

Comfort and Convenience: The Shinkansen is well known for its luxuriously comfortable and generously sized legroom carriages. A comfortable ride is guaranteed by roomy seating arrangements and reclining seats. Luggage racks and wide passageways will also make organizing your items easy.

Scenic Views Along the Way: Take in breath-taking views of Mount Fuji (on clear days) and lush surroundings as you race throughout the Japanese countryside.

Wide Network: The Shinkansen provides a great deal of flexibility when it comes to scheduling your schedule, with multiple departures made throughout the day.

Taking Flight

Planes may be the quickest travel option between Tokyo and Kyoto, at 1 hour. But after factoring in travel to and from the airport, security checks, and baggage claim, in practice, the total travel time between the city centers can be similar to the Shinkansen. Before choosing an airplane, consider the following:

Time-limited savings: Although the flight is shorter, the actual time saved may be reduced due to the extra time required to travel to and from the airport.

Comparing Prices: Airplane tickets are not always cheaper than Shinkansen tickets, depending on the time of day and availability. You can use Traveloka to view and compare airfares and Shinkansen fares.

Airport Location: Airports in Kyoto (Kansai International) and Tokyo (Haneda and Narita) are located outside the city center, requiring additional transit costs.

When it comes to pluses and minuses, for most travelers, the Shinkansen is a winner. Its combination of speed, comfort, and scenic value along the way makes the Shinkansen the most convenient and enjoyable way to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto.

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Tokyo to Kyoto Shinkansen Fare

The cost of your Shinkansen ticket depends on several factors:

Train Type: There are three types of Shinkansen trains that run between Tokyo and Kyoto: Nozomi (fastest, 2 hours), Hikari (slightly slower, 2 hours 40 minutes), and Kodama (slowest, almost 4 hours). Nozomi trains are generally the most expensive, while Kodama trains offer the most budget-friendly option.

Seat Type: Choose between Green Car, which offer more comfort and space, or Ordinary Car, which are slightly cheaper but have the possibility of standing if the train is full.

Japan Rail Pass: Consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) if you plan to ride multiple bullet trains across Japan. This pass offers unlimited travel on JR lines, including most Shinkansen routes, for a set price within a certain validity period.

Average Shinkansen Ticket Prices from Tokyo to Kyoto (one-way)

Nozomi: ¥13,080 (approx. USD $120) - Reserved Seat

Hikari: ¥12,020 (approx. USD $110) - Reserved Seat

Kodama: ¥11,130 (approx. USD $100) - Reserved Seat

Pro Tip: Booking your Shinkansen tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons, is highly recommended to secure your preferred travel date and time. Go check out Traveloka! We have a wide selection of Shinkansen tickets, including Tokyo to Kyoto for your convenience.

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Planning Your Tokyo to Kyoto Trip

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Once you've secured your Shinkansen ticket that will take you from Tokyo to Kyoto or vice versa, follow these tips!

Pack Smart: If you intend to visit other cities after Kyoto and have large, heavy luggage, think about using luggage forwarding services. This saves you the trouble of hauling around bulky luggage and enables you to travel light on the Shinkansen.

JR Pass vs. Individual Tickets: The JR Pass is significantly less expensive than buying individual tickets if you intend to take numerous bullet train trips or visit other cities that are reachable by JR lines. But if your schedule is mainly focused on Tokyo and Kyoto, with little time spent on bullet trains, then individual Shinkansen tickets may be more affordable.

Accommodations: From contemporary hotels to historic ryokans, Tokyo and Kyoto offer a wide variety of lodging choices. When selecting your accommodation, take your desired experience and budget into account.

Seasonal Considerations: With their agreeable temperatures and colorful seasonal sceneries, spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are thought to be the most enjoyable seasons to visit Japan. But there are also more tourists during these busy times of year, which could mean higher travel expenses.

Tokyo to Kyoto Alternative Travel Options

There are a few other travel options available for visitors who want to try out various transport in Japan to suit their budget:

Highway Buses: For individuals on a budget, the overnight highway bus is an affordable option. For night owls who can sleep on the bus, this can be an even more affordable option although the journey takes longer (around seven to nine hours).

Night train: If you're feeling nostalgic, try taking a ride on the scenic night train. Traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto is a great way to relax and enjoy the starry sky.

Once you have this in-depth guide, you can choose the ideal means of transport for your journey from Tokyo to Kyoto. Get ready to be mesmerised by the stunning scenery, and embark on an incredible journey through the centre of Japan!

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Traveloka Travel Tip: Use the Traveloka app to easily book accommodation, JR Pass and Shinkansen tickets for your trip to Tokyo and Kyoto. It's easy to organise your ideal trip to Japan with our secure booking platform and easy-to-use interface! Explore Traveloka for great deals on activities, flight, and hotel. Visit Traveloka for more information!