* By clicking this button, you will be taken to the website of our official partner, 12Go.
Travelling by train from Tokyo to Kyoto
Planning a trip to Japan soon? If you want to know more about the journey from Tokyo to Kyoto by train, look no further!
One of the most iconic train journeys in Japan, the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto whisks you between the current capital and the former capital in just over two hours.
Let's get into it, find out more about:
Tokyo to Kyoto by train: fast facts
It takes an average of 2h 22m to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto by train, over a distance of around 290 miles (466 km). There are regular trains per day traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto and rail passes valid for this journey start from approx. £160/$208*.
| First train | Last train | Departure station | Arrival station | Journey time | Distance | Changes | Rail pass price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:00 | 21:21 | Tokyo station | Kyoto station | 2h 15m | 290 miles (466 km) | Direct trains available |
approx. £160/$208 |
* Based on the price of the Hokuriku arch pass. The currency exchange rate provided is from 12Go's website and is valid as of 21st March 2025. Exchange rates fluctuate and may vary at the time of transaction. Fully up-to-date prices can be found on the 12Go website.
FAQs about the train journey from Tokyo to Kyoto
Want to know more about your journey from Tokyo to Kyoto? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How do you get from Tokyo to Kyoto?
The best way to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto is by train, although you can also travel by bus or plane.
How fast is the journey from Tokyo to Kyoto by train?
The fastest journey time from Tokyo to Kyoto by train is 2 hours and 15 minutes on the quickest Shinkansen trains, which travel up to 200 mph (320 kph).
Can you use a Japan Rail Pass from Tokyo to Kyoto?
Yes, there are two types of Rail Pass that will cover train travel from Tokyo to Kyoto, the Whole Japan Rail Pass and the JR East 1 Hokuriku Arch Pass.
Does the Japan Rail Pass cover the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto?
Yes, the Japan Rail Pass covers travel on certain Shinkansen, or 'bullet trains' from Tokyo to Kyoto. However, there are two types of Shinkansen you won't be able to access with a JR Pass – these are known as Nozomi and Mizuho. These are the fastest trains, usually with no stops between the departure point and destination.
Can you see Mount Fuji on the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto?
If the weather is on your side and it’s a sunny day, then yes, it’s possible to see Mount Fuji whilst you’re on the train from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Which Japan Rail Passes can I use from Tokyo to Kyoto?
Only certain Japan Rail Passes are valid for use on the train journey from Tokyo to Kyoto
Japan Rail Pass
- Valid for 7, 14, or 21 days' travel
- Ordinary class or Green class
- Prices from approx. £259/$336**
- Offers unlimited travel across most Japan Railways networks, including certain Shinkansen and limited express trains
If you're planning to visit multiple destinations during your trip to Japan, then the JR Pass is the one for you. It covers more than just trains too, including airport transfers like the Narita Express and Kansai Airport Express Haruka, some JR-operated bus lines and even the Miyajima ferry route.
With Trainline’s partner, 12Go, you can buy a Japan Rail Pass online today. (By clicking the button below, you will be transferred to the website of 12Go, our official partner.)
** The currency exchange rate provided is from 12GO's website and is valid as of 21st March 2025. Exchange rates fluctuate and may vary at the time of transaction. Fully up-to-date prices can be found on the 12GO website.
JR East 1: Hokuriku arch pass
- Valid for 7 days’ travel
- Ordinary class
- Prices from approx. £160/$208***
- Gives you access to reserved seats on ordinary Hokuriku Shinkansen trains from Tokyo to Kanazawa
Feel like doing something a little different to the norm? Then why not travel the lesser-beaten path from Tokyo to Osaka via the Hokuriku region? You’ll be able to take in modern Japan in Tokyo, before hopping on a Shinkansen (Bullet train) to Kanazawa, enjoying history and culture along the way, before using normal JR lines to reach Kyoto and Osaka.
With Trainline’s partner, 12Go, you can buy a Japan Rail Pass online today. (By clicking the button below, you will be transferred to the website of 12Go, our official partner.)
*** The currency exchange rate provided is from 12GO's website and is valid as of 21st March 2025. Exchange rates fluctuate and may vary at the time of transaction. Fully up-to-date prices can be found on the 12GO website.
Which trains run from Tokyo to Kyoto?
Both Shinkansen (Japanese bullet trains) and ordinary trains run between Tokyo and Kyoto.
The JR East 1 Hokuriku arch pass will give you access to reserved seats in ordinary Hokuriku Shinkansen trains from Tokyo to Kanazawa, where you can then swap to an ordinary train. Please note the Nozomi Shinkansen trains aren’t included with the standard Japan Rail Pass. If you want to travel on this train, you’ll need to pay an extra fee.
Train classes from Tokyo to Kyoto
On services that travel at normal speeds, there may not be First Class carriages.
Ordinary Class (Second Class)
It may not sound exciting, but Japanese trains are that good that this class is anything but ordinary. You can expect:
- Comfortable seating
- Generous leg room
- Space for luggage
Green Class (First Class)
Travel in style and comfort with the JR Green Pass (First Class). Not only will you have a more enjoyable journey, but you can also expect:
- Wider seats that can recline up to 40 degrees, with footrests
- More space between seats, so you can stretch out on those long sightseeing days
- A reading light
- A power socket
Things to do in Kyoto and Japan
Looking for things to do during your trip? Whether you want to soak up all that Tokyo has to offer or you'd prefer to go off the beaten track, let us inspire you with our Japan travel guides.
Tips and tricks from our Trainline team
We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. Discover some travel stories written based on our employees' experiences.
Getting to Tokyo Station
In April, I travelled from Tokyo to Kyoto and chose to take the Shinkansen for a fast and comfortable journey. With my Japan Rail Pass, I was able to reserve my seat in advance through the booking portal, making the process less stressful.
Getting to Tokyo Station was easy, and I had plenty of time to explore before departure. The station is huge, with lots of shops and restaurants, and I picked up a Bento Box to enjoy on the train. I then used my paper Japan Rail Pass to get through the barriers and find my platform.
Travelling on the Tokaido Shinkansen line
We travelled on the Hikari Shinkansen, as the Nozomi Shinkansen isn’t included in the Japan Rail Pass. Boarding was smooth and the train left exactly on time. The standard class carriage was impressive—spacious and modern, with comfortable seats, WiFi and plug sockets. Although we didn’t opt for first class (Green Car), the standard class was more than comfortable. A cool feature of the train was that the seats could be rotated, so you could face forward no matter which direction the train was travelling. Despite being one of the world’s busiest routes, the train was fairly quiet.
The journey
The ride was smooth and relaxing. I spent the journey reading my book and admiring the changing scenery—from the neon lights of Tokyo to the beautiful countryside and then into the heart of Kyoto. If you’re lucky, on a clear day, you can even catch glimpses of Mount Fuji. Just over two hours later, we arrived at Kyoto Station, which was easy to navigate. The station is also really central, making it simple to start exploring the city right away.
If you’re travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto, the Shinkansen is by far the best option. It’s fast, scenic and incredibly easy to use with a Japan Rail Pass.
About Charlie
Charlie, a Trainline employee, chose to share his experience of the journey between Tokyo to Kyoto.