What is the fastest way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto?
The quickest way to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto is by Nozomi bullet train, as it only takes 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach Kyoto.
How much is the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto?
Depending on the type of bullet train you take, it will cost you starting from $84 to $96 (โฌ77 to โฌ86).
What is the best way to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto?
The best way to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto is with Daytripโs private car service. Not only will you be transported between the cities, but you will also have the opportunity to explore along the way, which is not possible with any other modes of transportation.
What is the easiest way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto?
For a hassle-free journey from Tokyo to Kyoto, choose a private car service. With Daytrip, you wonโt have to worry about navigating buses or trains or finding the right station. Our driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Tokyo and drop you off at your destination in Kyoto.
Is Tokyo to Kyoto a day trip?
Although Kyoto is quite far from Tokyo, you can still make a day trip if you take a bullet train. However, to truly explore and enjoy the best of Kyoto, itโs recommended to stay for at least three days.
How long is the Shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Kyoto?
The journey time depends on the type of Shinkansen train you take. The Nozomi takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, the Hikari takes approximately 2.5 hours, and the Kodama takes around 3 hours and 40 minutes.
After exploring the bustling city of Tokyo, Kyoto is a popular next stop for many travelers. Considered one of the most beautiful cities in the country, Japan's former capital attracts around 50 million visitors annually. While Kyoto itself is brimming with attractions, the trip from Tokyo is also filled with scenic and historic sights. To make the most of your journey from Tokyo to Kyoto and enjoy a personalized experience, consider booking a private car service tailored to your preferences.
With Daytrip, you can choose from many different stops to add to your itinerary, such as the Gumyoji Temple, known as one of the oldest Buddist temples in Yokohama, the Taya Cave that was carved by monks and then used for meditation and prayers, the city of Gotemba which is a well-known base for exploring Mount Fuji, or the Hakone Open Air Museum filled with unique sculptures.
About Kyoto
Kyoto is a city with centuries-long cultural and historical heritage and deep-rooted traditions. It was the heart of Japan for over 1,000 years, serving as the capital from 794 to 1868. For that reason, Kyoto is often referred to as the thousand-year capital.
One of the reasons why Kyoto has become like a magnet attracting visitors from all around the globe is because of its countless temples, shrines, picturesque gardens, and unique architecture. While Kyoto is a famous destination throughout the year, it is particularly popular during the cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons, much like other parts of Japan.
Some of the most famous spots for cherry blossom viewing include Maruyama Park, the Philosopherโs Path, the Toji Temple, and Arashiyama. The latter, located on the outskirts of Kyoto, offers truly breathtaking and harmonious views of the blossoms against a mountainous backdrop. If you want to experience the full palette of autumn colors, visit the Tofukuji Temple, the Kifune Shrine, or the Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
In Kyoto, where the term geiko is used instead of geisha as it is elsewhere in Japan, the traditional geiko culture is exceptionally well-preserved. However, despite this tradition being very well-known, there are only around 200 geikos in Kyoto, mainly in the Gion district (remember to be respectful). They usually work in private tea houses, though you can still experience the traditional tea ceremonies at the public tea houses scattered all around Kyoto.
From Tokyo to Kyoto: travel tips
Japanese culture is truly unique, and there are many things to learn before your trip from Tokyo to Kyoto. We have summarized some of the key points for you below:
You can't go to some parts of the Gion district
In 2019, the local authorities introduced a fine of $66 (โฌ61) for harassment of geikos, but unfortunately, this measure did not prevent further incidents of disrespect. As a result, tourists can no longer access some of the private streets in the Gion district due to ongoing harassment and lack of respect towards geikos.
No tipping is expected
Just like in the rest of Japan, there is no tipping culture in Kyoto, whether you are at a restaurant, hotel, or taxi. Instead, a simple 'thank you' is enough. However, if you go on a private guided tour, you may choose to give a tip to your guide. While tipping is not required, it is appreciated.
Purchase the Japan Rail Pass
JR Pass is specifically made for foreign tourists to travel throughout Japan. It provides unlimited train and long-distance JR bus route rides for 7, 14, or 21 days and is valid on nearly all trains operated by Japan Railways, including the Shinkansen. However, as of 2023, the prices have increased, so purchasing the pass may not be convenient. Make sure you calculate the travel expenses to ensure it offers good value for your money. Depending on your itinerary, it might be more affordable to buy individual train tickets.
Know the local customs
Japan has a lot of customs, and it's important to learn them so you don't accidentally offend the locals! You might learn some of them during your stay in Tokyo but just in case here are some things to bear in mind:
Taxi doors are remotely opened by the taxi drivers. Don't attempt opening them yourself.
Donโt eat while walking in public places. Instead sit down at designated areas, like restaurants or rest areas.
There are not many trash bins in public but it does not mean you can dispose of the waste anywhere. You are expected to carry trash with you until you find a bin.
How to get from Tokyo to Kyoto
The distance between Tokyo and Kyoto is 282 miles (455 km). Since the cities are quite far from each other, choosing the most convenient mode of transportation is essential. To help you select the best Tokyo to Kyoto transfer method, we have summarized the most popular transportation options for this route:
From Tokyo to Kyoto by bus
Buses are typically the most affordable mode of transportation, although there are also bus companies that offer premium or luxury services for the route from Tokyo to Kyoto. Here are two of the most well-known bus companies:
JR Bus Kanto: the cheapest tickets start from around $39 (โฌ36 or ยฅ6,100). It takes around 7 hours to reach Kyoto.
Willer Express: the tickets start from around $31 (โฌ29 or ยฅ4,900), and the journey takes around 8 to 9 hours.
Both companies mainly offer overnight routes. If you want to travel by day, you should opt for a train or other below-mentioned options.
From Tokyo to Kyoto by bullet train
As the local trainโs travel time is similar to the buses, letโs look into the famous bullet trains which are the most popular way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto. You can pick from three types of bullet trains:
Nozomi: it takes just 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach Kyoto. While it is the fastest of all, it is not fully covered by JR Pass. The full price (without the pass) is around $96 (โฌ86 or ยฅ14,800) but with the JR Pass the ride costs around $31 (โฌ29 or ยฅ4,900)
Hikari: it is the second quickest bullet train, with the journey time being 2.5 hours. It is covered by the JR Pass, but otherwise, tickets cost $84 (around โฌ77 or ยฅ13000).
Kodama: the slowest of all high-speed trains. It takes 3 hours and 40 minutes, and the tickets for this train also cost around $84 (around โฌ77 or ยฅ13000).
Most Shinkansen trains usually depart from the Tokyo Station, although some also depart from the Shinagawa Station.
From Tokyo to Kyoto by private car service
While buses offer the most cost-effective mode of transportation and bullet trains provide the quickest route from Tokyo to Kyoto, Daytripโs private car service ensures flexibility. If you're looking for more than just a transfer between cities and want to explore along the way, Daytrip is an excellent choice. As you approach Kyoto, you can visit stops like Gumyoji Temple, Sakitori Shrine, the town of Gotemba with its spectacular views of Mount Fuji, or even the Southern Beach in Chigasaki.
Without sightseeing stops, the drive takes around 5.5 hours. Your experienced driver will handle your luggage and ensure a comfortable, air-conditioned ride. As our drivers speak English, your driver, who is local to the area, can offer insider recommendations on what to see or do during your stay in Kyoto. No matter the distance of the trip, with Daytrip, you can leave all worries behind, as you wonโt need to navigate public transport.
Things to do when you get to Kyoto
After exploring the route from Tokyo to Kyoto, the time to unveil Kyotoโs traditional cultural heritage has come. Here are some exciting things to experience in Kyoto that we are sure will quickly become your top picks:
Admire Kyotoโs most famous temple
Step back in time at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been a real icon of Kyoto since 778. Recognized as one of the most important temples in Kyoto, it is famous for its wooden stage that extends out over a hillside, held up by hundreds of pillars. This unique temple offers some truly breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto. It is especially popular during the cherry blossom and fall foliage periods. Visiting it in the early morning or late afternoon light adds an extra touch of magic.
### Hike the Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine
Like Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the famous Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine was also established in the 700s. It is one of Kyotoโs major attractions, formed by red torii gates that create a tunnel leading up Mount Inari. Visitors are invited to walk through these gates on a trail that winds its way to the summit. The hike covers about 12,000 steps and usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the top, so be sure to wear comfortable footwear.
### Get a taste of Kyoto
Japan is famous worldwide for its rich cuisine, and Kyoto is no exception. Kyoto is known for kaiseki which is a luxurious traditional full-course Japanese meal. All the dishes are made of high-quality seasonal products. Some of the dishes kaiseki includes are saizuke, nimono, yakimono, and others.
If you're looking for a sweet souvenir to bring home, search for yatsuhashi. This traditional sweet is made from rice flour, sugar, and nikki (Japanese cinnamon), and you will find it in many places in Kyoto.
### Try the authentic Japanese matcha from Uji
Uji, located in the Kyoto Prefecture, is worth a day trip if you are a true matcha lover, as Uji is only around 13 miles (22 km) away from Kyoto. Although you will find high-quality matcha in Kyoto itself, the tea grown in Uji is known for its exceptional quality and rich flavor. A visit to Uji allows you to experience matcha at its finest, whether you're sampling it at a traditional tea house, exploring local tea farms, or purchasing some to take home.
When is the best time to visit Kyoto
The best time to visit Kyoto is either during cherry blossom season, which typically lasts from the last week of March to the first two weeks of April, or fall foliage season, which usually peaks in mid-November. Keep in mind that these are peak tourist seasons. Since Kyoto is a very popular destination, expect attractions to be crowded with other visitors. It is also the most expensive time to visit, with higher prices for transportation, hotels, and restaurants.
If you want to save money and cherry blossoms or fall leaves arenโt on your bucket list, plan your stay from December to March. However, be aware that temperatures can drop significantly during the winter months (December to February), reaching as low as 41ยฐ F (5ยฐ C).
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Gumyo-ji
Amidst the ever-evolving urban landscape of Yokohama, Gumyoji Temple offers a serene sanctuary steeped in tradition.ย Tranquil Yokohamaย
Taya Caves
This intricate labyrinth of passages and chambers is adorned with a multitude of rock-carved reliefs, from Buddhist deities to mythical creatures.ย Candlelit Odysseyย
Southern Beach Chigasaki
Embraced by the waves of Sagami Bay, this beach has gained fame as the birthplace of surfing culture in Japan.ย Chigasaki Chillย
Sakitori Shrine
This special shrine venerates the great god Sakitori, who is believed to have opened the doors to academic and industrial success in Shinomiya.ย Enlightened Stepsย
Gotemba
Nestled beneath Mt. Fuji, this city boasts Japan's top outlet shopping haven and spectacular Fuji vistas.ย Fuji Outlet Havenย
The Hakone Open-Air Museum
This museum beautifully integrates art and nature through a captivating collection of sculptures displayed amidst the lush landscape of Hakone.ย Open-Air Artistryย
