Train Tickets from Tokyo to Kyoto

*the price displayed is for dedicated seats; children under 6 and babies can be seated on adults'lap free of charge.

121 Number
of daily departures
2h20 Shortest
Travel duration
$99 Our best
available price
06:00 / 21:24 Earliest / Latest
Departure time

More information about your journey to Kyoto

tokyo kyoto train map

Upon arrival, Kyoto Station stands as a gateway to the city's cultural treasures. From the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine with its dozens of vermilion torii gates to the serene and historic atmosphere of Gion district, Kyoto offers a glimpse into Japan's preserved past. The city's thousand temples, traditional tea houses, and the gorgeous Arashiyama district showcase a Kyoto that perfectly encapsulates the soul of traditional Japan.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone seeking a tranquil escape, the Tokyo to Kyoto Shinkansen journey offers a seamless blend of modern travel convenience and the timeless allure of Japan's cultural heritage. And with Kyoto being in the heart of the Kansai region, it's also the gateway to many other regional treasures, from the shores of Lake Biwa to the Amanohashidate coast to the popular day trip destination Nara and its deer roaming free in temple grounds or the vibrant and neon-lit city of Osaka

Note: Kyoto Station is usually not the last stop on this Shinkansen line, which can continue to travel to Kobe, Hiroshima, or even Hakata (Fukuoka). Please be mindful of the stops in order to get off at the right station. 

The Tokaido Shinkansen Line is operated by Japan Railways (JR), the largest rail company in Japan. Tickets booked with Japan Experience are issued through an official partnership with JR West, meaning you are dealing directly with the train operator that will take you from Tokyo to Kyoto.

About the Mount Fuji view seat option

mount fuji shinkansen view

On the way from Tokyo to Kyoto, 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 Tokyo to Kyoto

shinkansen nozomi 700s jr central
Efficiency

Covering the distance of 500km between Tokyo and Kyoto in a little over 2 hours, Shinkansen bullet trains are one of the fastest ways to reach your destination relaxed and worry-free. 

shinkansen 700s interior seat seating japan train nozomi jr central
Comfort

Comfortable seats, plenty of space to relax your legs, regularly cleaned carriages and peace and quiet for a relaxing journey. 

shinkansen driver agent jr
Reliability

With hundreds of departures per day and an average delay per train estimated at 24 seconds, the Shinkansen is very reliable. 

shinkansen 700s nozomi eco friendly green
Eco-friendly

Your Tokyo to Kyoto itinerary corresponds to 15kg of CO2 emissions by Shinkansen, compared to 125kg by plane on the same journey. Traveling by train is 8 times more eco-responsible than flying!

How to book your Tokyo to Kyoto train tickets?

Pick your date, time & seat

You can book up to 9 months prior to your travel date.

Confirm and purchase

Order your train ticket securely online.

Receive your QR code

Get your QR code by email 1 month before departure.

Exchange and enjoy

Follow the instructions received on how to exchange your QR code and enjoy your ride.

tokyo kyoto train map new

More information about your train, Tokyo Station and Kyoto Station

Different types of Shinkansen available

To get from Tokyo to Kyoto, you can choose between three types of Shinkansen high-speed bullet trains: Hikari, Kodama and Nozomi. Hikari trains make fewer stops and take around 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete the trip. Kodama stop at more stations, and thus the Tokyo to Kyoto journey takes a little over 3 hours and 30 minutes. The Nozomi is the fastest of the options, being an express train, but it'll cost you more. This Shinkansen also operates only with reserved seats

No matter the type of train, reclinable seats, overhead storage, power outlets, and more are available on board! You can be sure that traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen will be both efficient and comfortable. Be sure to research all seat and car options to book the train ticket adapted to your travel needs. 

How to get to Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station is located in central Tokyo, and is at the crossroads of many public transportation lines, being the main departing station for Shinkansen trains in Tokyo. Multiple JR lines, such as the Yamanote, Chuo, Keiyo or Sobu lines, stop at Tokyo Station. The Marunouchi subway line, as well as several bus lines and airport transfer options, also stop at Tokyo Station. 

Where to go from Kyoto Station

Kyoto Station is located right in the heart of the old Japanese capital and is served by multiple public transportation lines from JR or Kintetsu, the regional rail operator in the Kansai area. The Karasuma subway line also stops at Kyoto Station. Kyoto's famed and extensive bus network also revolves around Kyoto Station, meaning you can hop on a wide choice of bus lines to get to where you need in Kyoto.

Why book your train tickets with Japan Experience?

Official seller

Our train tickets are issued through an official partnership with the National Japan Railways Group (JR).

Secure payment

You're in control! We offer different payment options.

Quality at our core

Our team of passionate individuals based in Japan works with you directly, no intermediary needed.

Customer support

We're here to help, 7/7. And available through all channels. 

Read more about the exchange process, conditions and validity of train tickets here

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 fare. Children under the age of 6 travel for free and do not need to book a seat. This free fare is limited to 2 tickets, meaning any additional child under 6 will then pay the classic child fare and will have to book a seat. 

Where to exchange your train tickets in Japan depending on the region

train tickets exchange map japan

In the JR West area (blue), you can exchange your QR code for a physical train ticket at reserved seat ticket machines in stations, or at Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket windows with station staff. In the JR Central area (orange), you can exchange your QR code at reserved seat ticket vending machines at indicated stations. In the JR East area (green), you can exchange your train tickets at Shinkansen stations, major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Narita Airport stations. 

How to use your train tickets in Japan 

To use your train tickets once you have exchanged them, simply head to Tokyo Station, insert your train ticket into the automatic gates (don't forget to take it back), and head to the right platform to hop on your train. On board the train, find the seat number that is on your ticket if you have a seat reservation, and enjoy the ride! Once you've arrived in Kyoto, insert the ticket again at the gates upon exiting Kyoto Station, and the city is now yours to explore. 

Eligibility

All persons above the age of 12, with no restrictions of residence status or nationality, are eligible to purchase 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 Tokyo to Kyoto route. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Train Tickets in Japan