If you are planning a trip from Tokyo to Kyoto, the Shinkansen is the most efficient and comfortable way to travel. Japan’s railway system is highly developed by global standards, and the Shinkansen stands out for its speed and service.
In this article, we will explain in detail how to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen, focusing on travel time, fares, and seat types. We will also touch on alternative transportation methods, providing options to meet the needs of various travelers. Even if it’s your first trip to Japan, this information will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
1.Traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen
There are numerous ways to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto. Among them, taking the Shinkansen is the simplest and is recommended for first-time visitors to Japan. Japan’s railway system is highly developed, and you can reach most cities by train or Shinkansen.
Tokyo Station and Kyoto Station are operated by different railway companies. Tokyo Station is managed by JR East, while Kyoto Station falls under the jurisdiction of JR West. However, when traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen, you do not need to switch lines or buy a new ticket along the way. A single ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto allows you to stay on the same Shinkansen and reach your destination without any transfers.
When boarding the Shinkansen in Tokyo, you will depart from either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station. The Shinkansen you will board heads to destinations such as Shin-Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima, or Hakata. Depending on the type of Shinkansen you choose, the destination will vary. Kyoto Station is the stop just before Shin-Osaka Station. Therefore, if you board a Shinkansen bound for Shin-Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima, or Hakata, you will definitely arrive in Kyoto.
1-1.Travel Time and Fares
Japanese trains and Shinkansen typically depart and arrive on schedule, unless there are unforeseen issues.When traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto, the journey takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes to about 3 hours and 40 minutes, depending on the type of Shinkansen you board.
There are three types of Shinkansen traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto, listed in order of speed, are “Nozomi,” “Hikari,” and “Kodama.” If you take the Nozomi, you will reach Kyoto in about 2 hours and 10 minutes. The Hikari takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes, while the Kodama takes approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes. The exact travel time may vary by a few minutes depending on the specific train.
The difference in arrival times is reflected in the ticket prices for each type of Shinkansen. The cost of a Shinkansen ticket includes both the base fare and the express fee for the specific service. If you depart from Tokyo Station, the Nozomi costs around 13,320 yen, while the Hikari and Kodama cost approximately 13,850 yen. If you opt for a reserved seat on the Nozomi, the price is about 14,170 yen.
Depending on the season, an additional surcharge of 200 yen or 500 yen may apply. Conversely, during periods of lower demand, the fare may be reduced by 200 yen. Be sure to check the latest information in advance for exact ticket pricing.
出典:JRおでかけネット
2.Types of Seats on the Shinkansen
The Shinkansen offers three seating options: Non-reserved Ordinary Seats, Reserved Ordinary Seats, and Green Car Seats. Each comes with different fare levels, so choose the ticket that best suits your budget and travel needs.
This section explains the types of seats on the Shinkansen and their respective features.
2-1.Non-reserved Ordinary Seats
Non-reserved Ordinary Seats can be purchased for the total cost of the Shinkansen fare and the express fee. Since there are no specific train or seat reservations, you can board any Shinkansen running on your travel day.
Inside the train, there is a central aisle with seats arranged on either side, typically in a 3-2 configuration. This means there are five seats in each row, and you can sit anywhere within the designated non-reserved cars. However, you can only sit in the “Non-reserved Cars.” To sit in reserved or Green Cars, you will need to pay an additional fee.
The advantages of Non-reserved Ordinary Seats include the flexibility in travel time and seat choice, as well as being the cheapest option. Additionally, there are no peak season surcharges, so the price remains consistent regardless of when you travel.
On the downside, there is a risk of not getting a seat during busy periods. If the train is full, you may have to stand in the aisle or on the deck until you reach Kyoto.
2-2.Reserved Ordinary Seats
Reserved Ordinary Seats allow you to select a specific seat in advance. When purchasing a ticket, you decide on the train and seat.
The layout of Reserved Seat cars is the same as that of Non-reserved cars, with a central aisle and five seats per row (three on one side and two on the other). The locations of the reserved seat cars are as follows: For the Nozomi, they are cars 4-7 and 11-16; for the Hikari, cars 6-7 and 11-16; and for the Kodama, cars 11-12 and 16. Follow the numbers on your ticket to find your car and seat.
The advantage of Reserved Ordinary Seats is that your seat is guaranteed. Even during peak seasons, if you can purchase a ticket, you will have a seat on your way to Kyoto. However, in addition to the base fare, you need to pay an extra fee for the reserved seat. People without a Reserved Seat ticket cannot sit in the reserved cars, even if there are empty seats.
Your ticket will indicate the train and seat number. You cannot board a different train than the one you reserved, so pay attention to the departure time. Reserved Ordinary Seat tickets can be purchased online, for both one-way and round-trip journeys.
2-3.Green Car Seats
For a more comfortable journey from Tokyo to Kyoto, the Green Car is highly recommended. The Green Car offers a luxurious travel experience.
With only four seats per row, there is more personal space compared to Reserved Ordinary Seats and Non-reserved Seats. The seats are also more spacious front to back, providing extra legroom, which is particularly beneficial for taller passengers.
The benefits of the Green Car include its luxurious amenities. Each seat is equipped with large armrests, reading lights, seat heaters, and power outlets for charging smartphones or laptops.
The main downside to the Green Car is the higher ticket price. In addition to the base fare and express fee, there is an additional Green Car surcharge based on the travel distance. For a trip from Tokyo to Kyoto, the total cost is approximately 18,520 yen.
3.Alternative Ways to Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto
You can also travel from Tokyo to Kyoto using transportation methods other than the Shinkansen. With some planning, you can reach Kyoto at a lower cost than by Shinkansen, making these options ideal for travelers looking to save on transportation expenses.
The two main alternatives to the Shinkansen are highway buses and a combination of airplane and conventional railways. Here are detailed explanations of each method.
3-1.Highway Bus
Highway buses are a convenient way to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto via major highways. There are buses departing at all times throughout the day, such as early in the morning, during the day, in the evening, and at night. By taking an evening or night bus, you can sleep during the journey and wake up in Kyoto.
The main advantage of using highway buses is the low cost of tickets. Depending on the bus company, you can find tickets ranging from about 4,000 yen to 7,000 yen. By choosing wisely, you can travel to Kyoto for roughly half the cost of a Shinkansen ticket. Higher-priced buses often offer more comfortable seats and on-board amenities like restrooms, making them a popular choice for those who prioritize comfort.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider.The travel time is significantly longer, ranging from about 7 to 9 hours, even when using highways. Traffic congestion can also cause delays, potentially making you arrive later than planned. If you have reservations for a restaurant or hotel check-in at a specific time in Kyoto, it may be better to choose another mode of transportation.
3-2.Airplane and Conventional Railways
Airplanes use either Haneda Airport or Narita Airport. Since there are no airports in Kyoto Prefecture, you will need to arrive at either Itami Airport (ITM) or Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka Prefecture and then take a local train to Kyoto Station.
The price of airplane tickets ranges from approximately 4,000 yen to 36,000 yen. The cost varies significantly depending on the airline and the time of year. Booking a low-cost carrier (LCC) flight during the off-peak season can result in tickets that are about 90% cheaper than during the peak season.
When traveling to Kyoto by airplane, it is important to be aware of the location of the airport you will be arriving at. Itami Airport is the closest airport to Kyoto. However, if you choose a flight to Kansai International Airport because it offers cheaper tickets, the overall cost may be higher due to the additional train fare.
Conclusion
Traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto is simple and comfortable by using the Shinkansen. You can choose the best option according to your budget and schedule, considering factors such as travel time, fare, and seat types. Additionally, there are more affordable ways to travel, such as using highway buses, airplanes, or local trains.
Each mode of transportation has its advantages and disadvantages, so select the best method based on your purpose and schedule for a smooth and enjoyable journey from Tokyo to Kyoto.
*This article is based on information available as of July 2024.