Taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto: everything you need to know

Tokyo to Kyoto is one of Japan’s most iconic journeys — and the best way to make it is on the Shinkansen, Japan’s world-famous bullet train. Covering roughly 450 kilometres in as little as two hours and twenty minutes, this high-speed route connects the nation’s modern capital with its ancient one in comfort and style.

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Jump to:

(1) Which Shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo?

(2) How long does the Shinkansen take from Tokyo to Kyoto?

(3) Where do I get on the Shinkansen in Tokyo and Kyoto?

(4) Which side of the Shinkansen to see Mount Fuji?

(5) What does the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto cost?

(6) Is it better to take the Shinkansen or fly?

(7) Tokyo Kyoto bullet train FAQs

Travelling by Shinkansen, you'll see a lot that you wouldn't by plane

In this article, we’ll look specifically at the Tokyo ⇄ Kyoto route: how long the different trains take (Nozomi, Hikari, Kodama), which stations to use, what you can see along the way (yes, Mount Fuji makes an appearance!), ticket options and prices, and whether it ever makes sense to fly instead. If you’re looking for general tips on how to use the Shinkansen — tickets, etiquette, eating on board — check out our complete Shinkansen guide first.

What Shinkansen do I take to Kyoto from Tokyo?

This route is known as the Tokaido route and Kyoto isn't the last stop. You're going to want to take a train going to Shin-Osaka, Hiroshima, Okayama or Hakata. Now, on this route, you'll have three options when it comes to type of Shinkansen:

• Nozomi – The fastest service, with departures every 10 minutes during peak times. Note: Not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

• Hikari – Slightly slower, but still very fast. This is the best choice if you’re using a JR Pass.

• Kodama – Stops at every station so much slower. Great for doing a little station hopping along the way.

The Tokaido Shinkansen between Kyoto and Tokyo makes different stops along the route, depending on whether you're on a Nozomi, a Hikari or a Kodama train.

How long does the Kyoto-Tokyo Shinkansen take?

Because it makes the fewest stops, the Nozomi Shinkansen is the fastest train between Tokyo and Kyoto. It takes only 2 hours 20 minutes, making even a day trip to Kyoto from Tokyo more than doable. The first train leaves Tokyo at around 6 am, meaning you can be in Kyoto before a lot of other tourists even get out of bed! Keep in mind, though, that a lot of the local trains and subways in Tokyo will stop running at around midnight so it's best to leave Kyoto again no later than around 9pm to make sure you're not stranded in Tokyo Station when you arrive back in the capital.

The Hikari Shinkansen is only 20 minutes slower than the Nozomi on the Tokyo-Kyoto route, despite making an additional six stops. The Kodama, on the other hand, needs around 3 hours 40 minutes between Tokyo and Kyoto, but does allow you to get out at some of the smaller towns along the way, such as Odawara with its beautiful castle, Atami, the popular seaside and onsen resort, or even Shin-Fuji, where you'll immediately be greeted by great views of Mount Fuji when you step out of the station.

Departure and arrival in Tokyo and Kyoto

Tokyo

Tokyo has two stops on the Tokaido Shinkansen line: Tokyo Station and Shinagawa. If you are staying somewhere in the south of the city, it will be more convenient for you to board in Shinagawa, but we recommend getting on at Tokyo Station if you don't have a reserved seat, since this is the terminus and will greatly improve your chances of grabbing a seat for the journey. Both of these stations are on the Yamanote line, for an easy transfer to the Shinkansen. Tokyo Station is also on the Marunouchi Metro line.

In Shinagawa Station, the Shinkansen leaves from tracks 21-24. These are at the east side of the station, so if you're taking a taxi to the station, ask the taxi driver to drop you off at the Konan exit. Tokyo Station is huge: give yourself plenty of time to navigate your way through the station to the Shinkansen tracks (nos. 14-19) or get a taxi to leave you off at the Yaesu exit on the eastern side of the station.

Kyoto

In Kyoto Station, the Shinkansen arrives and departs from tracks 11 to 14 (tracks 12 & 12 to and from Tokyo), accessed on the second floor. These are on the south side of the station, near the Hachijo exit, i.e. on the opposite side from the Kyoto Tower landmark. Kyoto Station is a hub for several other JR lines, including those to Osaka and Nara, and for the Kyoto bus network, and is also on the Karasuma subway line.

Can I see Mount Fuji from the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto?

There is a chance that you might see Mount Fuji from the Shinkansen while travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto. To maximise your chances, you should sit on the right side of the train on your way down to Kyoto and on the left side if travelling up to Tokyo. The seats on these sides of the bullet trains book up very quickly these days, so reserved well in advance if you can.

You're most likely to see it between Mishima and Nagoya stations and if Fuji is visible that day, there will often be an in-train announcement telling you to look out for it. That's a big "if", though and you shouldn't count on getting a good view because Fuji is notoriously elusive. The weather will have to be fine with low humidity, typically in the winter months. To put this into perspective, Japansophy has been travelling up and down the Tokaido line for 30 years (not continuously, obviously) and not once in all those years have we seen Fuji from the Shinkansen!

Ticket prices & seat types

The following prices are for adult, one-way tickets booked through official JR channels (online ticket sales, station ticket sales) as at September 2025. They are subject to change at any time. Child tickets (for children age 6-11) are half of the adult price. Kids under the age of 6 travel for free but without a reserved seat.

Although these are typical next-day fares, the price can fluctuate a little to reflect high demand during peak travel times, such as the O-Bon holiday. Unreserved-seat tickets are cheaper, but you get what it says on the tin: you have a ticket that guarantees you transport from A to B but you'll have to take your chances with getting a seat and might end up having to stand the whole way, especially in peak travel periods. As you can see, the reserved ticket price is just a few hundred yen more expensive, so reserve if you can.

The Green Car is an upgrade (the Shinkansen equivalent of business class maybe) on the regular cars, with more space and trolley service (which you will have to pay for).

Japan Rail Pass users will have to pay an extra 5000 yen to ride the Nozomi from Tokyo to Kyoto. There is no surcharge to use the Hikari and Kodama services.

You can purchase tickets in advance from the Smart Ex website, which is the official JR Shinkansen website. You will have to register in advance. You can also buy your tickets for the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto through Klook. The Klook website allows you choose the date and time, of course, but you can also specify where you want to get on (Tokyo of Shinagawa) and whether you want a "Fuji view" seat or an oversized luggage seat with space behind for your cases. Klook also allows you to change your ticket up to one hour before boarding if your plans change. Click on this link to check prices and book your Shinkansen ticket directly (affiliate link). You'll get a QR code that you just have to scan at the ticket gates.

Is it better to fly or take the Shinkansen?

Between Tokyo and Kyoto, we definitely recommend taking the Shinkansen over flying. By bullet train, you can depart from Tokyo and be in Kyoto in less than 2 and a half hours. A flight from Tokyo to Kyoto takes only 1 hour 15 minutes, but Kyoto doesn't have an airport of its own, which means you'll have to travel in from one of the airports in Osaka (Itami in the north is the closest and takes around an hour from Kyoto by shuttle bus or train). Add to this the time you'll need to get to or from the airport in Tokyo, plus check-in time, etc. and you'll be lucky to come in at under 5 hours. With departures every few minutes, the Shinkansen also allows you more flexibility. Ultimately, the Shinkansen is obviously the more convenient option, with easy city-centre access, plenty of comfort and, dare we say it, more reliability.

We would advise flying between the two destinations if you are connecting to a flight or coming off a flight and are in the airport anyway.

Tokyo ⇄ Kyoto Shinkansen FAQs

• How long does the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto take?

  The fastest Shinkansen Tokyo to Kyoto option is the Nozomi, which takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. Hikari trains take around 2 hours and 40 minutes, while Kodama trains take approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes.

• Can I use the Japan Rail Pass for the Tokyo to Kyoto train?

  Yes, but with limits. The JR Pass covers Hikari and Kodama trains on the Tokyo to Kyoto bullet train route, but it does not cover the faster Nozomi service. The Hikari service takes only 20 minutes more than the Nozomi, however.

• Where do I catch the Shinkansen in Tokyo and Kyoto?

  In Tokyo, the bullet train to Kyoto departs from Tokyo Station, stopping in Shinagawa Station. In Kyoto, all trains arrive at Kyoto Station, which is centrally located and well connected to the city’s attractions.

• Which side of the train has the best Mt. Fuji view?

  If you’re traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto, sit on the right-hand side of the train for the best chance to see Mt. Fuji, especially on a clear day. Sit on the left if you're travelling from Kyoto to Tokyo.

• Is the bullet train better than flying from Tokyo to Kyoto?

  For most travelers, yes. The Tokyo to Kyoto train is faster overall because you avoid airport transfers, check-in, and security lines. It’s also more comfortable, with spacious seating and frequent departures.

• Can I take the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo as a day trip?

  Absolutely. Many travelers do a Kyoto to Tokyo or Tokyo to Kyoto day trip thanks to the short travel time. Early morning and late evening trains make it possible to enjoy a full day in either city.

• Do I need to book in advance?

  You don't have to book in advance: you can buy tickets just before you depart, but advance purchase is advisable, especially for peak travel times (for example, public holidays), or if you want to make sure you can reserve a particular seat, such as the left-hand side to see Mount Fuji or the seats at the end of the car with space for luggage. Klook makes it easy to book either or both of these options: check Klook's prices and book directly here (affiliated link).

  
  

• Are there luggage restrictions?

  Yes, new luggage restrictions were introduced in 2024. Cases up to 160cm (length x width x depth) can be placed on the overhead racks, but luggage bigger than this may only be placed in the oversized luggage compartments. For this, you will have to reserve a special seat. Read more about this in our Shinkansen luggage rules article.

  
  

• How do I get to my hotel in Kyoto from the Shinkansen?

  Kyoto Station is very central in the city and is on several JR lines and the Karasuma subway line. While suitcases are not formally banned on Kyoto City buses, tourists with large amounts of luggage have recently been causing problems and drivers may refuse you entry with a large suitcase if it could inconvenience other passengers. If you aren't able to walk to your hotel or take the train, it may be better to take a taxi or have your luggage forwarded.

  
  

So, did you catch a fleeting glimpse of Mount Fuji on your journey to Kyoto from Tokyo? Let us know in the comments. Still planning your trip? Check out our other articles and free planning resources, including our Ultimate Guide to using the Shinkansen!