I woke up at 4 a.m. to take the famous Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto. Welcome onboard – Japan’s iconic high-speed train, operating at the maximum speed of 320 km/h!
Shinkansen connects the capital to the historical heart of Kyoto! Here’s everything you need to know for an unforgettable journey to Kyoto.
Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Tokyo train station looks more like a cosmic platform. I pre-booked a ticket to visit Tenryu-ji (the most important temple in Kyoto) & Bamboo Grove (one of Kyoto’s top sights – a place featuring thousands of tall bamboo plants) from the 14th century. I rushed to catch the train, holding my ticket tight, asking every officer about the way to the platform. The stations are giant and everything feels so punctual in Japan, so you don’t want to be late!
Getting from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Here is Tokyo to Kyoto Shinkansen Tickets & Schedule.
- Train duration: 130 minutes
- Distance from Tokyo to Kyoto: 550 kilometres
- Max speed: 320 km/h (200 mph)
- Ticket cost: ~100 USD one way
- JRP – Japan Rail Pass
The Shinkansen, known as the “bullet train,” is not just a mode of transportation; it’s a symbol of Japan’s dedication to efficiency, technology, and hospitality. The trains are known for their punctuality, speed, and comfort. With speeds reaching up to 320 km/h (200 mph) it takes you 130 minutes to travel with Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto cost.
Tickets can be purchased online, at ticket machines, or through JR Ticket Offices located at major train stations. Single ticket cost may differ, but the one-way cost is around 100 USD.
GET Japan Rail Pass!
If you are planning to explore multiple cities, a Japan Rail Pass is a wise choice, offering unlimited travel on most trains, including the Shinkansen.
Shinkansen network.
The Shinkansen operates several services between Tokyo and Kyoto, with the fastest being the Nozomi train. This service takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, making fewer stops along the way.
Alternatively, the Hikari service takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy the picturesque views while still arriving at their destination in good time.
Onboard experience in Shinkansen.
The trains are high standard with comfortable seating, complimentary wifi, and large windows offering stunning views of the Japanese countryside. You can choose between reserved and non-reserved seating. There is also an onboard food service ranging from light snacks to full meals. Don’t forget to try the train’s famous “eki-ben,” a special bento available on board that showcases regional specialties.
Arriving in Kyoto.
Kyoto is known as the “Thousand-Year Capital”, boasting 17 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites. Don’t miss iconic spots like Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the historic Gion District.
The ease of traveling by Shinkansen makes it simple for adventure travelers to explore also nearby attractions such as Nara or Osaka in a day trip.
Taking a Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto allows you to admire magical views, if you are lucky with the weather, you’ll be able to see Mount Fuji. It looks amazing! Only after getting off the train, did I notice how many tourists are travelling to Kyoto. I am literally walking with the crowd, taking small steps toward the exit. The air is so clear that it almost seems crystal.
The Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto is a great journey with epic landscapes on the other side of the window. The train is extremely clean and quiet.
The first temple in Kyoto looks wonderful, but the queue in front of the entrance is terrible, so I’m skipping. I’m taking a bamboo path to get to the bamboo grave.
The most amazing Kyoto tours booked by thousands are:
- Departure from Osaka – Kyoto & Nara Day Trip Arashiyama Train & Nara Park & Fushimi Inari Shrine’s Thousand Torii Gates & Togetsukyo Bridge & many more!
- Kyoto & Nara & Uji Day Trip – Nara Park’s Adorable Deer & Fushimi Inari Shrine’s Thousand Torii Gates & World Heritage Site Todai-ji Temple & Uji Matcha Food Street & Uji River & Uji Park & Asagiri Bridge Day Trip
- Best of Kyoto & Nara: Kiyomizudera, Nara Park, Todaiji & Much More
Shinkansen from Kyoto to Hiroshima.
There is a direct bullet train from Kyoto to Hiroshima, which takes just 1h 36m.
The tickets are much cheaper than from Tokyo, and you can purchase them with some discounts here: Trains from Kyoto to Hiroshima.
Getting from Kyoto to Nara Deer Park.
Almost everyone traveling to Kyoto visits Nara Park. A train from Kyoto to Nara takes only 45 minutes.
Once you get off the train station in Nara, there is a tourist information on your left side. Get a map to navigate all the spots and shrines you wish to visit.
But the biggest attraction is obviously meeting the famous Sika Deer. It’s possible to buy some crackers to feed them. Deers in Nara are walking freely, without fear of people or traffic. You can interact with them, and some might even follow you to the shop.
The most significant temples in Nara are: Kasuga, Wakamiya, Kafuku, Todaiji. And the top attraction is the red temple Wakamiya. To get there, you need to climb the hill, taking a beautiful path along the tombs. The path is mystic, you hear only two things – silence and birds.
Nara Park is quite huge ands walking the whole distance you may feel tired. There is a bus from Nara Park to the train station. It’s very easy to find the bus stop, as there’s only one main road leading to the train station.
Visiting the Golden Temple in Kyoto.
The Golden Pavillion – the Zen Buddhist temple is covered in gold leaf, reflecting in the waters of its surrounding pond—honestly, this was one of the most stunning pictures I’ve witnessed during years of travelling.
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