Tokyo to Kyoto

Tokyo to Kyoto

Tokyo
Kyoto
Wed, Dec 10
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Tokyo to Kyoto Destination Reviews

SD
comfy. not expensive. had enough stops to go out and move a little or going on toilet, staff very friendly love them
Tokyo to Kyoto, Bus Express, Sakura Kanko Bus CJ (さくら観光バス株式会社), Oct 23, 2025
HK
Really comfortable seats and easy journey. Plenty of room for luggage even thought we booked an unreserved seat. A little bit expensive but worth the experience
Tokyo to Kyoto, Train #NOZOMI25 Unreserved seat, Tokaido Shinkansen, Sep 26, 2025
LO
Really fast and clean
Tokyo to Kyoto, Train #HIKARI513 Standard, Tokaido Shinkansen, Aug 9, 2025
MV
Good and trustfull
Tokyo to Kyoto, Train #NOZOMI 29 Green Car, Shinkansen JR Central (Shinkansen JR Central), Aug 3, 2025
AC
Except finding boarding station , that was great
Tokyo to Kyoto, Train #NOZOMI 33 Unreserved seat, Shinkansen JR Central (Shinkansen JR Central), Aug 2, 2025
PM
Just average not flexible with free seats
Tokyo to Kyoto, Bus Express, Yutaka YT (株式会社ユタカコーポレーション), Jun 19, 2025
VB
Booked 4 seats, and of those 3 were together and one seperate. How was it decided.
Tokyo to Kyoto, Bus Liner WC, AT Liner, May 18, 2025
KL
No English no
Tokyo to Kyoto, Bus Standard Plus, Tourist Bus, May 6, 2025
KF
everything went well and neatly, but you really need to reserve space for your suitcase if you have a larger suitcase than hand luggage. for the return journey I bought that ticket at the ticket sales at the station.
Tokyo to Kyoto, Train #NOZOMI 263 Standard, Shinkansen JR Central (Shinkansen JR Central), Apr 15, 2025
IB
fast and comfortable!
Tokyo to Kyoto, Train #NOZOMI 61 Green Car, Shinkansen JR Central (Shinkansen JR Central), Apr 10, 2025
4.6
224 customer reviews
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Tokyo to Kyoto Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Train
Shinkansen
Unreserved seat
06:00
08:08
$103.31
Train
Tokaido Shinkansen
Standard
06:18
08:31
$92.49
  5.0
Train
Shinkansen
Unreserved seat
06:42
08:51
$103.31
Train
Shinkansen
Unreserved seat
07:00
09:12
$103.31
Train
Shinkansen
Unreserved seat
07:18
09:29
$103.31
Train
Tokaido Shinkansen
Standard
07:39
09:51
$89.92
  5.0
Train
Shinkansen
Unreserved seat
07:57
11:34
$103.31
Train
Shinkansen
Unreserved seat
08:18
10:29
$103.31
Train
Tokaido Shinkansen
Standard
08:39
10:51
$89.92
  5.0
Train
Shinkansen
Unreserved seat
08:57
12:34
$103.31
Train
Shinkansen
Unreserved seat
09:18
11:29
$103.31
Train
Tokaido Shinkansen
Standard
09:39
11:51
$92.49
  5.0
Train
Shinkansen
Unreserved seat
09:57
13:34
$103.31
Train
Shinkansen
Unreserved seat
10:18
12:29
$103.31
Train
Shinkansen
Unreserved seat
10:39
12:51
$103.31
Train
Shinkansen
Unreserved seat
10:57
14:34
$103.31
Train
Shinkansen
Unreserved seat
11:18
13:29
$103.31
Train
Shinkansen
Unreserved seat
11:39
13:51
$103.31
Train
Shinkansen
Unreserved seat
11:57
15:34
$103.31
Train
Tokaido Shinkansen
Standard
12:18
14:29
$92.49
  5.0

How much is an average meal in Kyoto?

An average meal in Kyoto typically costs around 1,000 to 3,000 JPY ($7 to $21). This range covers a variety of dining options, from simple noodle dishes at local eateries to more elaborate meals at mid-range restaurants. For a traditional Kaiseki meal, expect to pay significantly more, usually starting at 10,000 JPY ($70) and up. Street food and quick bites, like takoyaki or yakitori, can be found for as little as 500 JPY ($3.50). Dining options vary widely, so exploring different types of restaurants can fit various budgets.

Is it OK to travel to Kyoto alone?

Traveling to Kyoto alone is perfectly manageable and offers a rewarding experience. The city is safe and well-organized, making it easy to navigate. Public transportation, including buses and trains, is efficient, with signs in English. A prepaid IC card, like Suica or ICOCA, simplifies travel on public transport.

For dining, many restaurants offer counter seating, catering to solo diners. Expect to pay around 1,000-2,000 JPY ($7-$14) for a typical meal. Popular sites like Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari-taisha, and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are accessible by public transport.

While tap water is safe to drink, bottled water is widely available if preferred. English is not widely spoken, so downloading a translation app can be helpful. Keep cash on hand, as some smaller establishments may not accept credit cards.

How can I spend a day in Kyoto?

Start your day at Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates. Arrive early to avoid crowds. Next, visit Kiyomizu-dera, a historic temple with panoramic city views. Walk down the picturesque Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets nearby for traditional shops and tea houses.

For lunch, try a kaiseki meal, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, at a local restaurant. Prices range from ¥3,000 to ¥5,000 ($20-$35).

In the afternoon, explore the Arashiyama district, famous for its bamboo grove and the Iwatayama Monkey Park. Rent a bike for about ¥1,000 ($7) for a leisurely ride.

End your day in Gion, the historic geisha district. Stroll along Hanamikoji Street and consider a traditional tea ceremony experience, costing around ¥2,500 ($17).

Tap water in Kyoto is safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available if preferred.

Transportation from Tokyo to Kyoto

Facts about the transport from Tokyo to Kyoto

Cheapest Transport$17
Fastest Transport2h 7m
Earliest Departure6:00 早上
Latest Departure11:55 晚上
Departures per day429
Distance466 kilometers
Transport CompaniesAogaki Bus MA3, ATLINER Shoei Transportation, ATLINER Syoei Kotsu Co, Daytrip private transfer with English speaking driver, Haruka Express, Heisei Enterprise HE0, Jetstar Japan, Karuizawa Bus KZ, Kintetsu Bus ZKN12, Osaka Bus ZOS4, Shinki Bus LM, Sunshine Express SN6, Tokaido Shinkansen, Tokyo Fuji Kotsu NT3, Tourist Bus

How to get from Tokyo to Kyoto

Travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto is possible by Flight, bus, train and taxi. Train guarantees the fastest travel on this route. Bus is the slowest option.

The most expensive ticket will cost you USD 126.42 if you go by Train; to keep it budget-friendly, opt for a bus which will set you back mere USD 16.09.

How long does it take to get from Tokyo to Kyoto?

It can take you anywhere between 3 and 10 hours to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto depending on the means of transport you choose.

Train is the fastest way to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto. Train will bring you to your destination in 2h 7m. Bus does a much slower job and take about 9h 15m to reach Kyoto.

How much does it cost to get from Tokyo to Kyoto?

Travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto can be as cheap as USD 16.09 if you opt for a Sunshine Express SN6 bus and as expensive as USD 126.42 if you buy a Tokaido Shinkansen Train ticket.

Here is the list of how much you can expect to pay travelling by each means of transport available for this route.

How many trips per day are there between Tokyo and Kyoto ?

  • 408 from Tokyo to Kyoto starting from 06:00 Tokyo until 21:24 Tokyo
  • 21 from Tokyo to Kyoto starting from 21:45 Tokyo until 23:55 Tokyo

Check above for a bus, train, flight and ferry timetable from Tokyo to Kyoto.

What mode of transportation is the best one for my route?

Bus

Travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto overland will inevitably take longer but in many cases it is the cheapest option if you opt for a bus.

Things to remember: For a more comfortable ride opt for a higher-class bus wherever possible. These buses usually have soft reclining seats and are equipped with air-conditioning and on-board toilets.

They often include water, snacks or a light lunch into your ticket price and make bathroom stops en-route.

Companies operating bus routes between Tokyo and Kyoto

Aogaki Bus MA3, ATLINER Shoei Transportation, ATLINER Syoei Kotsu Co (株式会社ATLINER、株式会社昌栄交通), Heisei Enterprise HE0 (株式会社平成エンタープライズ), Karuizawa Bus KZ, Kintetsu Bus ZKN12, Osaka Bus ZOS4 (大阪バス ZOS4), Shinki Bus LM (神姫観光株式会社), Sunshine Express SN6, Tokyo Fuji Kotsu NT3 (東京富士交通株式会社), Tourist Bus

Taxi

Some travellers consider taxi to be the most convenient form of overland transport thanks to flexible departure times, a possibility to choose the size of the car you need, and a hassle-free door-to-door service.

Things to remember: If you are planning to make detours during your trip, discuss it with your driver or service provider in advance as it may affect the price.

Companies offering charters between Tokyo and Kyoto

Daytrip private transfer with English speaking driver

Train

Train is a often a great choice for long-haul travel especially if you opt for a night sleeper train with berths which will allow you to sleep all your journey through. To make the most of your train journey, choose the class of your ticket wisely.

Note that there are air-conditioned and fan-only carriages; private compartments for 2 or 4; hard and soft seats.
Though the upper class you get the smoother is your journey, often second class air-conditioned or fan-only sleepers are a good money saving alternative.

What is the most popular transport to get from Tokyo to Kyoto?

There is a choice of transportation means any time of the day with Bus remaining the most popular option due to their reasonable pricing and comfort.

Out of 1000 travellers who bought tickets for this route

  • 51% opted for a bus
  • 49% took a train