Train Tickets from Kyoto to Tokyo
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Getting from Kyoto to Tokyo by Train
As you travel from Kyoto to Tokyo, enjoy the smooth efficiency of Japan's bullet trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen route. In a relatively short travel time, you will be transported, as the scenery and ambiances of the two popular Japanese cities differ greatly. Kyoto's rich historical legacy and cultural significance stand in stark contrast to Tokyo, a busy multinational megacity.
Passengers can experience the change from the classic charm of Kyoto to the cutting edge of Tokyo as the Shinkansen speeds through the Japanese countryside. Indeed, beautiful mountain scenery and charming villages between the Kansai and Kanto regions will give way to the Tokyo suburbs, and then the world's largest city, in less than two hours, on this well-traveled road through central Japan.
More information about your journey to Tokyo
Upon arrival, Tokyo Station stands as a gateway to Japan's modern capital, miles away from Kyoto's old capital ambiance. From the iconic and vibrant Shibuya and Shinjuku neighborhoods to the glits and glamor of Roppongi or Ginza, going through the pop culture lovers' haven Akihabara, Tokyo showcases why thousands flock to visit Japan every year. In between the neon-lit streets of Kabukicho and the high-rise buildings of Tokyo's dynamic downtown districts, traditional gardens, historic temples, and shrines also offer unexpected moments of serenity, showing that Tokyo truly has something in store for everyone.
Whether you're a pop culture enthusiast, a food lover, or someone seeking an urban getaway, the Kyoto to Tokyo Shinkansen journey offers a seamless blend of modern travel convenience and the timeless allure of Japan's cultural heritage. And with Tokyo being the heart of Japan's transportation network, it's also the gateway to many other regional treasures, from the shores of Chiba Prefecture to the Japanese Alps to the popular day trip destination Nikko and its sublime natural landscapes, or the traditional, rural and preserved Tohoku region.
Note: Kyoto Station is usually not the first stop on this Shinkansen line, which can originate from Kobe, Hiroshima, or even Hakata (Fukuoka). Please be mindful of this and preferably book reserved seat tickets to ensure you can hop on your desired train, especially during peak travel times, Kyoto and Tokyo being such popular destinations.
The Tokaido Shinkansen Line is operated by Japan Railways (JR), the largest rail company in Japan. Tickets booked through Japan Experience are issued in partnership with JR West, ensuring a direct connection with the train operator that will take you from Kyoto to Tokyo.
Reserve your seat with a view on Mount Fuji
On the way from Kyoto, a little before reaching the country's capital, Tokyo, passengers can get a chance to see Mount Fuji from the train. To do so, select a window seat reservation and let yourself be amazed! This will be right before Shizuoka Station. After passing Mount Fuji, the natural landscapes of Japan will disappear to leave room for the Tokyo suburbs, before you reach your destination, Tokyo Station.
More about the Mount Fuji view seat option
When taking the train from Kyoto to Tokyo, we highly recommend you book a window seat with a view on Mount Fuji, to get the chance to experience one of Japan's most iconic views from its modern landmark, the Shinkansen bullet train!
Please note that during peak travel seasons, we may have to change your train to another one up to 15 minutes earlier or later than the original booking to ensure a window seat reservation.
Advantages of taking the train from Kyoto to Tokyo
How to book your Kyoto to Tokyo train tickets?
Shinkansen information
The Tokaido Shinkansen Line, which connects Kyoto and Tokyo, is well-known for its efficiency and speed. It stops at major cities such as Osaka and Nagoya, covering a distance of approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles). The journey typically takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes, allowing passengers to witness the changing landscapes from the Kansai region to the Kanto region. Trains depart from Kyoto Station, in the old Japanese capital, and arrive at Tokyo Station.
Find out more about the different types of available Shinkansen and where they each stop between Kyoto and Tokyo:

More information about your train, Kyoto Station and Tokyo Station
Different types of Shinkansen available
When traveling from Kyoto to Tokyo, you have the option to choose between three types of Shinkansen high-speed bullet trains: Hikari, Kodama, and Nozomi. Hikari trains make fewer stops and complete the trip in about 2 hours and 40 minutes. Kodama trains stop at more stations, resulting in a journey time of a little over 3 hours and 30 minutes. The Nozomi is the fastest option, as it is an express service, but it comes at a higher cost. It's important to note that this Nozomi Shinkansen train only operates with reserved seats.
Regardless of the train type, passengers can enjoy reclinable seats, overhead storage, power outlets, and more onboard. Traveling by Shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo ensures both efficiency and comfort. It is recommended to research all seat and car options to book a train ticket that suits your travel needs.
How to get to Kyoto Station
Kyoto Station, situated in the heart of the historic Japanese capital, is conveniently connected to various local public transportation lines in and around Kyoto operated by JR or Kintetsu, the regional rail operator in the Kansai region. Additionally, the Karasuma subway line serves Kyoto Station. The extensive bus network in Kyoto is centered around Kyoto Station, providing easy access to the station from any part of the city.
Where to go from Tokyo Station
Tokyo Station is located in the central area of Tokyo and serves as a major transportation hub for various local public transportation lines. It is the main departure point for Shinkansen trains in Tokyo. Tokyo Station is served by multiple JR lines, including the Yamanote, Chuo, Keiyo, and Sobu lines. The Marunouchi subway line, as well as several bus lines and airport transfer options, also have stops at Tokyo Station. From Tokyo Station, you can conveniently travel to any destination within the Tokyo Metropolitan Area or even continue your journey by boarding another Shinkansen train.
Why book your train tickets with Japan Experience?
How to use your train tickets in Japan
When you purchase a train ticket with Japan Experience, you will receive a QR code via email. This QR code is your e-ticket, that you can use directly at the gates in stations by scanning it.
In case your QR code does not work, you will find right below it a registration number to show to station staff in order to board your train.
Please find more information below about ticket fares and train tickets usage conditions. With your QR code, you will also receive a detailed user guide to help you through the easy and efficient process of using your train tickets in Japan.
Read more about the conditions and validity of train tickets here
Modification and Cancellation
You can find the conditions of modification and cancellation of our train tickets in our “Frequently Asked Questions” section at the bottom of the page.
How far in advance can I book train tickets?
You can book train tickets in Japan between 9 months prior to your train's departure date and 3 days before departure.
Is there a special train ticket fare for children?
Yes, there are special fares applicable for children. Ages 12 and up are considered adults, but kids aged from 6 to 11 benefit from a reduced child fare. Children under the age of 6 travel for free. This free fare is limited to 2 tickets, meaning any additional child under 6 will then pay the classic child fare.
How to use your train tickets in Japan?
To use your Shinkansen e-tickets once you have received them, simply head to Kyoto Station and scan your QR code at the Shinkansen gates at Hachijo South exits, and head to the right platform to hop on your train.
Please note that your QR code will not scan at other ticket gates than Shinkansen ticket gates, which means you may need to exit the station and re-enter through the Shinkansen zone, depending on the following cases.
If you arrive to Kyoto Station by a JR line:
- If you have a prepaid IC card or paper JR tickets, you can transfer from the JR local lines area to the JR Shinkansen area. First scan your Shinkansen e-ticket, then tap your prepaid card (or insert your paper tickets). The gates will open on this second action.
If you are arriving in Kyoto Station via subway lines:
- You need to exit the station first, and then re-enter via the Shinkansen gates at Hachijo South exits.
On board the train, find the seat number that is on your e-ticket if you have a seat reservation, and enjoy the ride!
Once you've arrived in Tokyo, scan the QR code again at the Shinkansen gates upon exiting Tokyo Station, and the city is now yours to explore.
If you need to transfer to a JR local line, you need to exit the Shinkansen gates first, and then purchase local tickets - or use your prepaid IC card to travel by scanning directly at the transfer gates.
Eligibility
All persons above the age of 12, with no restrictions of residence status or nationality, are eligible to buy individual train tickets (unlike the Japan Rail Pass and some JR regional passes, for example). Japanese individuals as well as foreigners living in Japan can thus purchase train tickets online. Under the age of 12, the aforementioned child fare conditions apply.
Validity of train tickets
Train tickets issued are only valid for the date and time indicated on your booking, and are to be used only on the Kyoto to Tokyo route.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Train Tickets in Japan
Up to 72 hours before departure, you can modify your booking one time free of charge or cancel your booking (with a 15% cancellation fee). Please find more details below.
- How can I cancel or modify my booking?
You can cancel or modify your tickets by contacting Japan Experience by phone or email.
Modifications and cancellation are not possible in stations, neither at ticket machines (even those with a QR code reader) nor at JR counters (except when mentioned by our assistance*).
- What are the cancellation conditions?
You can cancel your train tickets up to 72 hours before departure, with a 15% cancellation fee applied. Past 72 hours before departure, no cancellation can be done.
- What if I miss my train?
If you have missed your train, your tickets allow you to board any train on the same route in the same day – in non-reserved seat cars only.
- What are the modification conditions?
You can modify your booking for free one time up to 72 hours before departure. Any extra modification will result in booking cancellation to make a new order, with a 15% cancellation fee applied.
Past 72 hours before departure, no modifications can be done.
If you want to modify:
- Seat and/or departure time (for e-tickets or e-voucher before paper tickets issued): Japan Experience can modify your booking for free, one time per booking.
- Departure date and/or ticket class: Japan Experience allows you to change your departure date/ticket class free of charge by canceling your order without fees in order to make a new booking. Please note that a new date in a higher travel season or an upper class will result in a price difference.
- Adding or removing passengers from the booking: Adding a passenger is free of charge, you only need to pay the extra ticket price. Removing a passenger equals to canceling the booking for that passenger only, cancellation conditions apply for the removed passenger ticket (15% fee).
- Departure station/arrival station: This change equals a cancellation, with a 15% cancellation fee applied.
*For the rare and only case of cancellation for e-voucher after paper tickets have been issued, you need to request a cancellation at Japan Railways counters (not machines) in stations, up to 10 minutes before departure. JR will refund you around 70% of your order, in cash (JPY ¥). Modifications at JR machines or counters in stations are also possible up to 10 minutes before departure (some fees may apply).
To use your Shinkansen e-tickets once you have received them:
- Head to your departing station*.
- Scan your QR code at the Shinkansen gates.
- Head to the right platform to hop on your train.
- Find the seat number that is on your e-ticket (if you have a seat reservation)
- Enjoy the ride!
Note: Upon scanning your e-ticket at the gates, a small piece of paper will be printed, grab it and keep it. This is your ticket certificate, to be presented if asked by JR staff or if you lost/deleted your e-ticket after scanning.
*In your departing station, note that your QR code will not scan at other ticket gates than Shinkansen ticket gates. This means you may need to exit the station and re-enter through the Shinkansen zone, depending on the following cases:
- If you arrive to the station by a JR line:
With a prepaid IC card (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA…) or paper JR local train tickets, you can transfer from the JR local lines area to the JR Shinkansen area.
- Scan your Shinkansen e-ticket.
- Tap your prepaid IC card (or insert your paper tickets).
- The gates will open on this second action.
- If you are arriving in your station via subway lines:
- Exit the station (with your IC card or paper ticket).
- Re-enter via the Shinkansen gates with your e-ticket.
In Tokyo Station for example, the Shinkansen zone can be accessed through the Yaesu exits (not Marunouchi). In Kyoto Station, Hachijo (South) exits.
Once you've arrived at your destination, scan the QR code again at the Shinkansen gates upon exiting. Please note:
- If you need to transfer to a JR local line:
You can use your prepaid IC card to travel by tapping it first directly at the transfer gates, and then scanning your e-ticket.
- If you need to purchase tickets, or need to transfer via subway lines:
- Exit the Shinkansen area with your e-ticket.
- Re-enter to your desired local line area.
This applies to all train stations where there are other lines than just Shinkansen (Tokyo Station, Kyoto Station, Shin-Osaka, Shinagawa Station…)
The below routes are eligible for e-ticket use, and the QR code you will receive can be directly used to enter ticket gates and board your train.
- Tokyo ↔ Kyoto
- Tokyo ↔ Shin-Osaka
- Tokyo ↔ Hakone (Odawara)
- Kyoto ↔ Hakone (Odawara)
- Tokyo ↔ Nagoya
- Tokyo ↔ Hiroshima
- Kyoto ↔ Hiroshima
- Shin-Osaka ↔ Hiroshima
- Shin-Osaka ↔ Fukuoka (Hakata)
- Hiroshima ↔ Fukuoka (Hakata)
- Kyoto ↔ Himeji
- Hiroshima ↔ Himeji
- Kyoto ↔ Nagoya
All routes not listed above will need the exchange of the e-voucher QR code for physical paper train tickets.
If your train's departure date is more than one month away from the date of booking, you will receive your QR code approximately a month before departure.
If your train's departure date is less than one month away from the date of booking, you will receive your QR code within 48 hours.
Reminder : you can book train tickets in Japan with Japan Experience between 9 months and 3 days prior to train departure.
With over 40 years of dedicated experience dealing specifically with Japan travel and tourism, you can rest assured that we will have the best knowledge and familiarity with getting around the country. Our train tickets are acquired through an official partnership with JR West. We also offer reliable and expert assistance thanks to our onsite team in Japan, flexible modification options, and a fully digital booking experience with no hidden fees.
The Shinkansen is the premier form of travel in Japan. “Shinkansen” is the Japanese word for “bullet train,” whose name is derived from the locomotive’s high speeds and shape. They are commonly used for traversing longer distances in Japan.
Reserving seats on the Shinkansen bullet train isn’t a necessity; however, we do suggest making a reservation during peak travel times, specifically during Spring (sakura season) and during New Year's, for example. Trains may also be crowded during major holidays and events, such as large festivals. You’ll also need to make a reservation for oversized luggage on the Shinkansen.
- There are different types of carriages on the Shinkansen, with different levels of accommodation. The Ordinary Car is the most general seating option, but Shinkansen bullet trains are, by default, more luxurious than other types of trains due to them being built for long-distance travel. These accommodations include reclinable chairs, overhead storage, hooks for outerwear, deployable trays, and electrical outlets.
- The Green Car is the next step up in luxury from the ordinary car, featuring even deeper reclining chairs and more legroom. All seats in these cars need a reservation. The oversized luggage area is also included with a seat on the Green Car.
- The Gran Class Car is much like the Green Car but with even more elevated accommodations. Seats are formatted 2x1, optimizing room, and often, snacks and refreshments are included. Gran Class cars exist only on JR East lines, such as Tokyo <-> Nagano and Tokyo <-> Kanazawa.
If you're traveling with baggage measuring less than 160 cm (length + width + height), you don't need to make an additional reservation, and you can store your baggage in the overhead compartment above your seat.
For baggage measuring more than 160 cm and up to 250 cm (length + width + height), you need to make an advance reservation before you can take your baggage on board the Shinkansen. On board, you'll need to stow your baggage in the areas reserved for bulky luggage, generally located behind the last seats in the car, and in special compartments located between the cars. This includes luggage such as sports equipment, musical instruments and strollers.
Luggage measuring more than 250 cm (length + width + height) is not permitted on board the Shinkansen. Each passenger can take up to two pieces of luggage on board the Shinkansen.
You can find more details about luggage rules aboard the Shinkansen here.
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