Tokyo to Kyoto
The Shinkansen 新幹線 – Bullet Train is considered the world’s best high-speed train service. As it zips through the country side from Tokyo to Kyoto, you’re sure to be impressed by the quick, convenient and comfortable ride. Shinkansen trains travel on a high speed railway network run by JR (Japan Railways).
Although speeds of trains can vary, (up to 320 km/h/120 mph) the basic difference between them is the frequency of stops. For example, the Nozomi Super Express would have the least number of stops, therefore getting you to your destination quicker than the Hikari Express or Kodama Express because the last two make more frequent stops. The ride between Tokyo and Kyoto station takes only about 2.5 hours. This makes it worth splitting your time between the two must see destinations of Japan.
Lots of big luggage?
Send large pieces ahead of time
Basics
Tokyo to Kyoto: Shinkansen Train Lines
Tokaido Line
Sanyo Line
Train Services
Super Express
Nozomi Super Express: Service on the Tokaido and Sanyo train lines– makes less stops and is more direct
Notice: JR Pass not accepted on Nozomi!
Express
Hikari Express: Service on Tokaido/Sanyo lines-stops more frequently than the Nozomi
Kodama Express: Service on Tokaido/Sanyo lines-stops more frequently than the Nozomi
Round Trip Price:
Nozomi: ¥25,000-28,000
Hikari & Kodama: ¥20,000-24,000
Travel time: about 2.5 h between Tokyo and Kyoto station
Pros: Arrive directly at Kyoto station, as opposed to flying into Osaka, then finding your way to Kyoto
Cons: Luggage space can be restricted. Small carry-on suitcase and maybe a couple of backpacks on the overhead luggage rack. Read about a solution in the Luggage Courier Service tab
Luggage Courier Service
Yes! With the Luggage Courier Service you can take advantage of all the comforts of the shinkansen, while not worrying about the luggage!
If it was any other country, I wouldn’t recommend it … but Japan’s reputation as arguably the safest and most efficient country is indeed true!
My experience working at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kyoto showed me that 99% of the time, luggage sent by courier reached its destination safely and in a timely fashion
Price: from around ¥1,300 for 1 piece of large luggage
Arrival Time: usually it will arrive the day after you send it. At the latest it will probably arrive sometime in the late afternoon
Services: All of the major hotels & ryokans (traditional inns) should provide this service, so please inquire at the front desk.
Yamato Courier is one of Japan’s major couriers
Tickets
Where are tickets sold?
Japan Railway (JR) Green Offices
What – Green Offices (offices with green signs) take care of all information and inquiries regarding JR buses, trains, and ferries. This is where both JR Pass holders (see below) and non-JR Pass holders are able to validate their passes, purchase shinkansen tickets and make seat reservations. Ordinary Car JR Pass holders are also able to reserve seats in and upgrade to Green Car seats but they must pay an additional fee.
Where – Usually located inside major JR Stations all over Japan.
[accordion][accordion_item title=”JR Rail Pass”] What – Railway pass for Japan’s main railway company JR (Japan Railway). Accepted on the majority of JR railway lines, buses and ferries with exceptions
Restrictions – The pass is not accepted on the Nozomi or Mizuho shinkansen trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu lines along with some ferries and buses.
This pass is only sold to visitors prior to traveling to Japan, through select travel vendors
Options -Passes are sold in 1,2, or 3 week denominations. There are two class types, Green Car (first class) or Ordinary Car passes
How does it work? – It is validated once the JR Pass holder visits the Green Office at a JR Station and proves they are the registered holder by presenting a passport. From this point on, the pass holder shows the pass to gate attendants, bus drivers etc. and use it as frequently as they like during the period of validation.
Is it Worth it? – If you only plan to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto once, it’s not worth buying. Good value if you plan to use the shinkansen more than 2 times and travel long distances on and between Honshu (main island) and Kyushu (southern island).
More info – JR Pass Prices and Types
Seating
Classes of cars –
- Green Car – comparable to business class on airplanes, they generally offer more space, comfort and tend to be less crowded. Seat reservations are required!
- Ordinary Car – compared to the Green Car less space and tend to be more crowded
Most shinkansen offer these cars. All cars and seats are non-smoking except for trains equipped with specialized smoking rooms or areas secluded from the general cars.
Reserved & Non-Reserved Seats –
- All Green Cars have reserved seats
- Ordinary Cars are divided into Reserved and Non-Reserved Cars
- Ordinary Pass holders can simply sit in the Non-Reserved Seat cars without prior reservation, but must reserve at the Green Office when riding in the Reserved Seat cars
- Non-JR Pass holders pay extra for Reserved Seat cars
[accordion][accordion_item title=”Should I reserve a seat?”]Typically reservations are unnecessary, except during the main holiday periods in Japan:
- Golden Week (April 27-May 6)
- Obon (August 11-20)
- New Years (December 29-January 6)
Tip: Don’t find yourself without a seat for long journeys! For only an extra ¥600-Ordinary JR Pass holders and around ¥1,000-Non-Pass holders, make sure you reserve a seat
Low-Cost Carrier Air Service
For the longest time, domestic flights were incredibly expensive. Now, Low-Cost Carriers are so cheap, people are reconsidering whether to use the shinkansen to go from Tokyo to Kyoto. Good for budget travelers as one-way flights tend to start at around ¥3,500.
Lots of big luggage?
Send large pieces ahead of time
Basics
Tokyo to Kyoto-LCC Carriers
Peach
Japan’s first LCC, Peach offers daily flights between Tokyo (Narita Aiport) and Osaka (Kansai International Airport) starting ¥3,500〜 [one-way]
Jetstar
Jetstar also offers daily flights between Tokyo (Narita Aiport) and Osaka (Kansai International Airport) starting ¥3,500-4,000 [one-way]
Travel time:
about 1 h between Tokyo (Narita Aiport) and Osaka (Kansai International Airport)
Pros: one-way flight is cheaper than a one-way shinkansen ticket
Cons: must factor in extra travel time and money to and from airport
Keep in mind Narita Airport is about 1h outside Tokyo, closest airports to Kyoto are located in Osaka 1-1.5h from Kyoto, so you will still have to find transportation from either Kansai International Airport or Itami (domestic) Airport to Kyoto.
Luggage Courier Service
Yes! With the Luggage Courier Service you can take advantage of all the comforts of the shinkansen , while not worrying about the luggage!
If it was any other country, I wouldn’t recommend it … but Japan’s reputation as arguably the safest and most efficient country is indeed true!
My experience working at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kyoto showed me that 99% of the time, luggage sent by courier reached its destination safely and in a timely fashion
Price: from around ¥1,300 for 1 piece of large luggage
Arrival Time: usually it will arrive the day after you send it. At the latest it will probably arrive sometime in the late afternoon
Services: All of the major hotels & ryokans (traditional inns) should provide this service, so please inquire at the front desk.
Yamato Courier is one of Japan’s major couriers
Fare Types
Peach
Happy Peach Fare (basic)
-Free 10 kg carry on but charged extra for every individual piece of check-in luggage
-Charged extra for all seat types (charge applied on top of basic ticket price)
Seating
Peach
Happy Peach Fare (basic)
-Standard (extra charge)
-Pleasure (extra charge)
-Stretch (extra charge)
-Fast (extra charge)
Happy Peach Plus Fare (Extras)
-Standard (free)
-Pleasure (free)
-Stretch (extra charge)
-Fast (extra charge)
-No ticket changes (flight date/times)
Happy Peach Plus Fare (Extras)
-One free piece of check-in luggage
-Unlimited ticket changes (flight date/times)
-One piece of free check-in luggage
Getting to Kyoto from Airport
-Private Taxi services
-Limousine bus
-Shuttle service
-Train
Cheapest
Limousine Bus
Most Convenient
Haruka Train
Itami Domestic Airport (ITM)
Private Taxi (Fixed Price)
Of course there are taxis at the airport, but you stand to save some money if you only have one destination and book ahead of time. MK and Yasaka taxi offer a fixed price referred to as “teigaku taku-shi unchin” 定額タクシー運賃. Since the price is fixed, you are restricted to only one destination between the airport and your destination (inside Kyoto City). MK Taxi offers a number of different taxi types, however Yasaka Taxi only offers the Jumbo Taxi.
Taxi Companies
MK Taxi
Small Taxi 小型
Passengers 4 (3 persons in back; 1 in front)
Luggage (1 and half sized large suitcases in trunk)
Price ¥6,000-8000
Mid-sized Taxi 中型
Passengers 5 (3 persons in back; 2 in front)
Note: Two small sized people squeeze in front
Luggage (2 large suitcases in trunk)
Price ¥6,400-8,500
Jumbo ジャンボ
Passengers 9
Luggage (4-5 large suitcases and space for more)
Price ¥8,200-11,000
MK Reservations
Phone 075-778-5489 (9:00〜18:00)
Note: Overseas cell phones, Japan country code is 81
Yasaka Taxi
Jumbo ジャンボ
Passengers 9
Luggage (4-5 large suitcases and space for more)
Price 15,000 Yen
Phone 075-842-1214 (9:00〜18:00)
Note: Overseas cell phones, Japan country code is 81
Email: No email address listed
Shuttle Service
If you have roughly one piece of large luggage per person and a carry on, consider the shuttle service below. Yasaka doesn’t offer a regular shuttle service between Itami and Kyoto. You have to hire it privately. MK Taxi offers the Shuttle Service and will take you to one destination of choice, but your drop off time will be unclear since you will ride with other passengers and subject to a prearranged order.
MK Itami Airport Shuttle
Cost (one-way) Adult ¥2,400
Note: Extra luggage over 1 piece of large luggage & carry on per person
will be an additional charge of ¥500 per piece.
Phone 075-778-5489 (9:00〜18:00)
Note: Overseas cell phones, Japan country code is 81
Online Sky Gate Shuttle Reservation Form
Other Inquiries Email
Location of MK Taxi Itami Counter in Itami Airport.
Limousine Bus
This is your cheapest option, and will only take around 50-55 minutes (Kyoto Station). Of course this depends on the traffic.
Cost (one-way) Adult ¥1,310; Child ¥660
Tickets are sold at vending machines at Itami Airport and Avanti Bus Terminal across from the south side of Kyoto Station. Refer to Limousine Bus Fare/Time Schedule for departures from both Itami Airport and Avanti Bus Terminal.
At the top of the page, click on either “To Osaka (Itami) Airport” or “From Osaka (Itami) Airport” and you will see a list of fares, times, and a map of the location of the bus terminal (bottom of page) at Itami Airport and Avanti Bus Terminal. At Itami Airport there are two terminals-North Terminal & South Terminal. JAL or Japan Airlines lands at the North Terminal and ANA or All Japan Airlines lands at the South Terminal.
When you exit from either terminal there will be a bus terminal at each one with a bank of ticket vending machines. A few vending machines have instructions in English so just push the “English” button and purchase a ticket. You will then have to check you luggage with a staff member standing at the bus stop labeled with your destination-Kyoto Station/Itami Airport.
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Private Taxi Service
If you have lots of luggage and there are 4 or more people, hire a private taxi-van. Usually they are capable of fitting up to 9 passengers and at least 1 piece of mid-sized luggage per person. MK and Yasaka Taxi companies are two of the most highly regarded in Kyoto and I recommend hiring one of them. However, you must book ahead of time either by yourself or through a concierge/travel agent. Both companies have English speaking staff. Cost will differ depending on your destination, but the average cost will be ¥19-25,000 anywhere inside Kyoto City.
MK Reservations
Cost Under ¥20,000 (Jumbo Taxi)
Phone 075-778-5489 (9:00-18:00)Note: Overseas cell phones, Japan country code is 81
Yasaka Reservations
Cost ¥25,000 (Jumbo Taxi)
Phone 075-803-4800 (9:00-18:00)
Note: Overseas cell phones, Japan country code is 81
Email No email address listed
Shuttle Service
Perfect for 3 persons or less who travel light and time is not an issue. Typically one piece of large luggage per person and a carry on is the standard while additional pieces of large luggage will share the van with other passengers and be dropped off according to a prearranged order. You must also book at least two days prior (no later than 5 pm) to the pick up date. For example, an arrival date of September 25 would require a reservation no later than September 23 before 5 pm. Both MK and Yasaka have English-speaking staff to handle reservations.
MK Taxi Reservations
Cost (one way) Adult ¥3,600 *¥1,000 per extra large piece of luggage (1 is included)
Phone 075-778-5489 (9:00-18:00)
Note: Overseas cell phones, Japan country code is 81
Yasaka Taxi Reservations
Cost (one way) Adult ¥3,500; Child ¥1,750 (12 under)
Phone 075-803-4800 (9:00-18:00)
Note: Overseas cell phones, Japan country code is 81
Free Wi-Fi service available
Note: Compared to MK, Yasaka has a special discount for internet reservations of ¥200
Limousine Bus
This service is great if there are only 3 persons or less, and 1-2 suitcases per person. Like the Haruka Express Train it takes you to Kyoto Station, but it is subject to traffic conditions. The bus terminal is located directly outside the main doors in front of the Arrivals Gate. Once you exit the main doors look for the bus stop # 8 (Kyoto will be written on the sign). Near by, you will find the ticket machine and time table. Purchase a ticket and then check your luggage with the baggage attendant standing near the bus stop # 8. The Limousine Bus is cheaper but if time is an issue, the Haruka Express Train is best.
Cost Adult ¥2,550; Child ¥1,280
Schedule and Ticket Information
Express Train
Express Train (Haruka)
After arriving at Kansai International Airport, you must go to the JR Train Station located just across from Kansai Airport’s main building. From the 2nd floor cross a bridge that connects to the JR Station. If you don’t have much luggage (two big suitcases per person) then this is the fastest and most convenient way to travel to Kyoto Station. It’s possible to book Green Car (first class) seats, but apart from their being a little more spacious, the seats aren’t that much different than the Ordinary Cars. All seats in the train are non-smoking. If you want to be certain you have seats, then I’d purchase the Ordinary Class reserved seats. In the event the train is packed, you would still have seats. However, the train rarely reaches full capacity.
Fares (one-way)
Green Car
Reserved ¥4,220
Ordinary Car
Non-Reserved ¥2,980
Reserved ¥3,480
Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Kyoto: At a Glance
| Mode of Transport | Travel Time | Cost | Comfort Level | Description |
| Haruka Express Train | 75-90 min. | Green Car 4,220 JPY Ordinary Car Reserved 3,490 JPY Non-Reserved 2,980 JPY |
High | Direct transfer Kansai Airport to Kyoto Station |
| Limousine Bus | 88-120 min. | Adult 2,550 Yen
Child 1,280 Yen |
Moderate | Direct transfer Kansai Airport to Kyoto Station |
| Shuttle Taxi | 120 + min. | Adult 3,600 Yen
Child 1,750 Yen |
Moderate | Direct transfer Kansai Airport to hotel etc. |
