Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen

東京から京都へ

The Tokaido Shinkansen links Tokyo and Kyoto in just over 2 hours, with trains every few minutes for most of the day.

At a Glance

Route Map

Main stations on the route. Click a station for details.

The Journey

Shinkansen trains to Kyoto leave from Tokyo Station and call at Shinagawa and Shin-Yokohama, which are often closer to your hotel. The line then runs along the Pacific coast past Mt Fuji to Nagoya, before crossing to Kyoto. Nozomi trains are the fastest at about 2 hours 15 minutes; Hikari trains make a few more stops, and Kodama trains stop everywhere.

Nozomi trains run up to 12 times an hour at peak times, so you rarely wait long. You can compare times and book Tokyo–Kyoto Shinkansen tickets on Omio.

Seeing Mt Fuji

Heading west from Tokyo, Mt Fuji appears on the right-hand side, about 45 minutes to an hour after leaving Tokyo, near Shin-Fuji Station. Book a window seat E (the two-seat side) for the best view. Fuji is often hidden by cloud, so mornings and winter days give the best chance.

Tickets and Passes

The Japan Rail Pass covers Hikari and Kodama trains. Since October 2023, pass holders can also ride Nozomi trains by buying a supplement ticket. Reserved seats are worth booking at weekends and in cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons, when Kyoto is very busy. On the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen, suitcases with total dimensions of 161 to 250 cm need a reserved seat with an oversized baggage area. Book it when you reserve.

Kyoto Station is the hub for the city's buses and subway. Many visitors continue on to Nara or Osaka, both less than an hour away by local train.

Plan Your Trip

Shinkansen tickets and things to do when you arrive.

🚄 Shinkansen ticketsCompare times and book on Omio ⛩️ Kyoto tours & ticketsTemples, tea ceremonies and guided walks 🦌 Nara day tripsDeer park and Todai-ji from Kyoto

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FAQ

How long does the Shinkansen take from Tokyo to Kyoto?

About 2 hours 15 minutes on the Nozomi, about 2 hours 40 minutes on the Hikari and about 3 hours 40 minutes on the Kodama.

How much is the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto?

A reserved seat on the Nozomi costs around ¥14,000 one way; unreserved seats are a little cheaper.

Which side of the Shinkansen is Mt Fuji on from Tokyo to Kyoto?

The right-hand side. Book seat E for a window on the two-seat side.

Is the Nozomi covered by the Japan Rail Pass?

Not by itself. Since October 2023, Japan Rail Pass holders can ride the Nozomi by buying a supplement ticket; Hikari and Kodama trains are fully covered.