Find the Best Way to Travel! A Guide to Getting from Tokyo to Kyoto

Tokyo and Kyoto are approximately 365 km apart in a straight line, and about 450 to 500 km by travel distance.
As shown below, travel times vary significantly depending on the mode of transportation and route.
If you want to travel quickly and comfortably, the Shinkansen is your best choice.
If you’re looking to save on costs, highway or overnight buses are the recommended option.

The most convenient way to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto is by Shinkansen (bullet train).
It connects Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station to Kyoto Station in about 2 hr 10 min, allowing for a fast and comfortable journey.
The onboard facilities are well-equipped, making it ideal for those who value speed and comfort.
However, the fare is relatively high, and trains tend to be crowded during peak travel seasons like Golden Week or New Year’s holidays, which means you may not be able to get a seat unless you reserve one in advance.
There are three types of services with different numbers of stops and travel times. Of these, the “Nozomi” has the most frequent departures and offers the fastest travel time.
“Hikari” and “Kodama” services are covered by the JAPAN RAIL PASS, available to foreign tourists.

Highway buses are a great choice for budget-conscious travelers with the stamina for long rides.
Although fares vary by bus company and season, on weekdays they typically range from 3,000 to 4,000 yen—making them the cheapest option among all available modes.
If you take a night bus, you can save on one night’s accommodation and start sightseeing as soon as you arrive.
Buses depart from major Tokyo hubs such as Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro.
In recent years, more buses have been equipped with amenities like power outlets and free Wi-Fi, which adds to the comfort.
However, the travel time is long—around 7 to 8 hours—meaning half your day is spent just getting there, and staying in the same position for so long can be physically taxing.
Because highway buses are easily affected by traffic congestion and weather, they are not ideal for trips with tight schedules.

Since there is no airport in Kyoto, flying requires connecting through either Kansai International Airport or Osaka International Airport (Itami).
The flight time itself is short—around 1 hour—and the journey is generally smooth and comfortable.
However, since it takes over an hour to get from either airport to Kyoto Station by train or bus, and with additional time needed for security checks and boarding procedures, the total travel time ends up being longer than that of the Shinkansen.
Airfare is typically between 10,000 and 20,000 yen one-way, so it’s not particularly cost-effective either.
Therefore, unless you plan to include Osaka sightseeing or airport shopping in your trip, other transportation methods are generally more practical.

Renting a car and driving from Tokyo to Kyoto is another possible option.
Unlike public transportation, rental cars allow for door-to-door travel and provide a private space for you and your group.
You can stop at service areas or tourist spots whenever you like, offering a high degree of flexibility which makes this option ideal for families or groups.
However, the burden of long-distance driving is significant, and there are risks of delays due to traffic congestion, weather, or accidents.
Urban areas often have narrow roads and many one-way streets, which can pose significant challenges for visitors unfamiliar with driving in Japan.

The following table summarizes the travel times and one-way fares for the four main transportation options introduced above.
As you can see, if cost is your top priority, the highway bus is your best bet.

Otsu is a city rich in nature and history, centered around Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan.
You can enjoy stunning lakeside views via leisurely cruises or a variety of water sports. The illuminated Lake Biwa Flower Fountain is also a popular attraction.
The area is dotted with historic temples and shrines, such as the UNESCO World Heritage site Enryakuji Temple, Mt. Hiei and Mii-dera Temple (Onjo-ji Temple), which has a history of over 1,300 years.
You can also unwind at hot spring inns and enjoy seasonal scenery throughout the year—cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and snow-covered landscapes in winter.
With just a 10-minute ride from JR Kyoto Station on the Biwako Line (two stops), Otsu is an ideal destination for a day trip from Kyoto.

Famous as “the city of kuidaore” (eating until you drop), Osaka tempts visitors with a wide variety of foods such as okonomiyaki and takoyaki.
Strolling and snacking in classic areas like Dotonbori and Shinsekai is a must.
The city is also home to major attractions like Osaka Castle, the world-famous Universal Studios Japan, and the youth culture hub of Amerikamura (America Village).
Large shopping complexes offer plenty of opportunities for retail therapy as well.
From Kyoto Station, it takes just about 30 minutes on the JR Kyoto Line's rapid service, making Osaka a perfect complement to your visit to Kyoto.

Nara, Japan’s oldest capital, has over 1,300 years of history.
It is home to many World Heritage-listed temples and shrines, including the massive Great Buddha Hall at Todaiji Temple and the vividly red Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Strolling along the deep temple paths allows you to experience Japan’s deep historical roots and rich Buddhist culture.
Another recommended spot is Naramachi, a district filled with traditional lattice-front townhouses and retro cafés.
In Nara Park, you can interact with friendly wild deer, designated as a Natural Monument, while enjoying cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn.
From Kyoto Station, it takes about 45 minutes by Kintetsu express (or about 40 minutes via limited express for an extra fee), making it an easy and rewarding day trip.

Kobe is a beautiful port city surrounded by mountains and sea, blending international influences with modern charm.
In the harbor area, landmarks such as Kobe Port Tower and Kobe Harborland offer breathtaking views both day and night.
You can also explore the Former Foreign Settlement and Kitano area, where Western-style houses built in the Meiji era stand as reminders of the city’s history since it opened to international trade.
Kobe’s food scene is just as rich, highlighted by world-renowned Kobe beef and a wide array of culinary delights.
Popular spots like Arima Onsen and Mt. Rokko provide relaxing escapes and scenic views.
From JR Kyoto Station, take the rapid train on the Kyoto Line for about one hour. Since the train passes through Osaka Station, visiting all three cities—Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe—is easy and highly recommended.