Train Tickets from Tokyo to Kyoto
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This route uses an e-ticket train ticket. This means that the QR code you receive by e-mail after ordering is your train ticket. You can directly head to ticket gates at your departure station, scan your e-ticket, and board your train.
Please watch our video on how easy it is to use e-tickets!
- Adult ticket
- Child ticket
- *Adult ticket if travelling on the Green Car
- No ticket needed
- *Child ticket if infant needs their own seat or if an adult is with more than 2 infants
- *Adult ticket if travelling on the Green Car
- The most standard and common car available on the Shinkansen bullet train.
- With reclining seats, overhead luggage space, foldable tray tables, electrical outlets for charging devices, outerwear hooks, cupholders, and more!
- Divided into reserved seating (指定席), reserved prior to boarding, and non-reserved seating (自由席), on a first come, first served basis.
- Equivalent of the first-class on Shinkansen bullet trains.
- With more legroom and further reclining seats.
- Seats arranged in 2x2 for improved comfort and space.
- Only reserved seating (指定席) cars.
On this route, you can select between 3 seat placement options:
- Aisle seat
- Window seat
- Window seat with a Mount Fuji view
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Travel advice from our Japan train expert
Traveling by train in Japan
Japan has a well-developed rail system that serves as a practical way to get around, whether locally or across the country. This means that both locals and tourists often find themselves hopping on trains almost every day, whether it's their local lines or the famous Shinkansen bullet trains. If you're visiting Japan for the first time, you might be wondering how important train travel will be during your trip.
Even though train travel is a common part of life in Japan, there are a few things you should know or prepare for before you board your first train. This is true even if you're coming from a place where train travel is already a big deal.
Why are trains so popular in Japan?
Japan's rail system is considered one of the best globally. Riding the train in Japan can be described in three words: efficient, fast, and clean. Until you actually experience it, it's hard to grasp just how easy and incredibly convenient train travel is in Japan. Even with millions of passengers using the system daily, the trains remain spotless, punctual, and well-maintained. For many, this might sound like a dream compared to the train services in their own countries.
There are plenty of reasons behind this amazing railway system, but it really boils down to Japan's dependence on imported fossil fuels. This need pushed the country to invest heavily in its train transportation network. Since the late 1800s, Japanese train companies have been constructing lines to move people and goods efficiently from one place to another. Because of this extensive network, cities started to develop around train stations. While many Western cities focused on car-based infrastructure, Japan primarily shaped its urban areas around these train hubs. In most Japanese cities, you'll find that train stations serve as the economic and demographic heart of the area.
Thanks to smart investments in its train system, Japan has successfully built one of the fastest, safest, and most reliable rail networks in the world!
Shinkansen information
The Tokaido Shinkansen, connecting Tokyo and Kyoto, is a bullet train line renowned for its efficiency and speed. With stops at major cities like Nagoya and Osaka, the Shinkansen covers a distance of approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles) between Tokyo and Kyoto. The journey, taking on average 2 hours and 20 minutes, allows travelers to witness the changing landscapes from the Kanto region to the Kansai region. Bullet trains from Tokyo to Kyoto depart from the Japanese capital at Tokyo Station and arrive at 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.
