These cities provide a significant contrast between traditional and modern, which is definitely a standout feature that comes from visiting Japan.
If you are planning to pay both cities a visit, then it is important to know how to get from Tokyo to Kyoto. Here are some of the best ways that you can do this, and how long each trip is estimated to take.
The 454 km journey seems like a huge ordeal, which is why some of the best modes of transportation have been compared below.
Bullet Train (Shinkansen)
The bullet train is one of the most efficient methods of transportation available in Japan. Passengers sit in comfort while the train speeds through the landscape, it takes only three hours on average to get from Tokyo to Kyoto.
If you need to get between major destinations then there is no better alternative.
Passengers can book a reserved seat, or choose to sit in the unreserved section for a reduced price. However, it is highly recommended that you book ahead as standing is, not only inadvisable, but not permitted.
This is a common issue for those that are looking to travel during peak times when the trains are more likely to be the busiest.
With that said, bullet trains are widely considered to offer the most convenient journey from Tokyo to Kyoto (see also ‘How Much Does The Bullet Train Cost From Tokyo To Kyoto?‘). This is because it is one of the fastest and most comfortable methods of traveling across Japan.
In Japan, the bullet train is known for running on the Shinkansen line though there is some disparity with how fast each train is.
For instance, the fast trains will only stop at those main city stations, while local trains will insist on a stop at every station. The semi-fast trains will make a few more stops than a fast one but not as many as a local one.
As one of the fastest bullet trains on the Shinkansen line between Tokyo and Kyoto, the Nozomi runs on the stretch between Shin-Ōsaka and Hakata.
For that specific trip between Tokyo and Kyoto, it can take only 2 hours and 20 minutes on the fastest available Nozomi train.
The Nozomi is not available for the Japan Rail Pass but the Hikari and Kodama trains are, though they are less frequent and make more stops.
If you still want to make the trip between Tokyo and Kyoto, it would only take just over 2 hours and 40 minutes on an Hikari train or 3 hours and 40 minutes on the slowest Kodama train which is worth bearing in mind.
Driving
If you have more time to spare, then driving can allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside on the way. Road trips through Japan are ideal for appreciating the simple pleasures that the country has to offer.
On average, driving from Tokyo and Kyoto can take around 5 hours and 30 minutes. However, it is highly recommended that you make time for this kind of journey, and plan different stops along the way.
It is sure to create unique memories and experiences for everyone in your group.
Keep The Road Trip Interesting
Some of the places that are worth stopping at during the journey between Tokyo and Kyoto include Kawagoe, Hachioji, Yokohama, and more.
Not only that, but traditional Japanese candy stores and remains of castles can be found in Kawagoe.
Hachioji is towards the west of Tokyo, and it is worth exploring for the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum. The Hachioji castle is also incredibly scenic, as it is surrounded by large oak trees.
Consider taking the cable car and chairlift to see the Yakuoin temple while you are there.
Towards the south of Tokyo, Yokohama (see also ‘Relocating To Yokohama? – Destination Guide For Experts‘) is one of the country’s first ports. There is also an enormous Chinatown and a botanical park with preserved Japanese residences.
Hakone, Ito, Fujikawaguchiko, and Shizuoka Prefecture also offer a unique selection of stunning scenery and signs of previous residents.
It is certainly worth researching each of the stops that you are planning to visit along the way, so that you can appreciate the significance of particular monuments and temples.
The great thing about driving to Kyoto is that you are able to go at your own pace. This is ideal for larger groups, or those that don’t have a strict time limit to stick to.
Being flexible when you are traveling definitely has its advantages in some cases.
Night Bus
On the other hand, individuals that want to make the most out of their time visiting Japan could choose to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto overnight.
The overnight bus can last 7-8 hours depending on the route and traffic, but it could be a cost-effective way to explore multiple areas if you are short on time.
Of course, the main thing to be aware of is that you will need to sleep on the overnight bus. Because of this, it is not recommended for light sleepers, or individuals that require certain conditions in order to sleep well.
Make sure you are considering how easily you could realistically sleep on a bus overnight before getting a ticket on one of these buses.
There are overnight trains that offer a similar journey, which could be an ideal choice for those that need particular conditions to sleep. This is because you can book overnight trains from Tokyo to Kyoto that have bunks and designated areas or beds for resting in.
Flying
Another option that can save time on your journey through Japan is flying. Including ground transportation, the journey from Tokyo to Kyoto can last around three hours.
However, the main disadvantage of this method of transportation is that there isn’t an airport close to Kyoto. This means that you will need to choose between Osaka International Airport and Kansai International Airport.
Each is at least fifty minutes drive away from the city, so you will likely need to book a car rental or arrange further transportation ahead of time.
Summary
Remember to research the weather conditions before heading to Kyoto (see also ‘Does it snow in Kyoto‘), because the winters have been known to reach lower temperatures than Tokyo. This is due to the city being wedged between mountains.
Tokyo and Kyoto are ideal bucket list destinations that are certainly worth exploring in depth. Each has their own selection of unique attractions, temples, and cultural exhibitions.
Consider traveling the 454 km journey using Tokyo’s bullet trains, or making a road trip out of it if you have time to do so.
Remember that organization is key, and it is worth weighing out the needs of your group.
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
