Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen

Which train, and why it matters

Three services run this line. Nozomi is the fastest, doing Tokyo to Kyoto in a little over two hours. Hikari makes a couple more stops and takes roughly twenty minutes longer. Kodama stops everywhere and takes considerably longer.

If you are buying an ordinary ticket, take the Nozomi — it is the fastest and the price difference is not the issue. If you are travelling on a Japan Rail Pass, this is where it matters: the pass does not cover the Nozomi. Pass holders take the Hikari, and on this particular route that costs only about twenty extra minutes, which is a much smaller penalty than on longer journeys.

Reserved or unreserved

You can book a specific seat, or buy an unreserved ticket and take any train that day, sitting in the unreserved cars on a first-come basis. The Hikari carries more unreserved capacity than the Nozomi, which is another quiet point in its favour if you want flexibility.

Unreserved is fine most of the year on this route. During Golden Week, Obon in August and the New Year period it is not — those are the weeks when people stand, and some services run reserved-only.

The stations

In Tokyo, Shinkansen services leave from Tokyo Station, and many also call at Shinagawa, which is further south and can be more convenient depending on where you are staying. Both are on the Yamanote line that loops the city.

Kyoto Station is the arrival, and it is a destination in its own right — a huge modern building with a department store, restaurants and a viewing terrace. Buses and the subway leave from here for the temples; central Kyoto sights are mostly a short ride rather than a walk.

Mount Fuji, and which side to sit

On a clear day the line passes Mount Fuji. Travelling from Tokyo towards Kyoto, it appears on the right-hand side of the train, roughly 40–45 minutes in. Coming the other way, sit on the left. It is weather-dependent and often hidden, but it costs nothing to pick the right seat when you book.

Train or plane?

The Shinkansen dominates this route and deserves to. Flights exist but both cities’ airports are well outside the centre, and the train runs centre to centre in about two hours with departures every few minutes. There is very little argument for flying.

Booking notes for Japan

Shinkansen trains carry both reserved and unreserved carriages. A reserved ticket is a specific seat on a specific train; an unreserved one lets you take any train that day and sit where you find space — real flexibility that most of Europe does not offer. Unreserved is fine outside Golden Week, Obon and New Year, when it means standing.

If you hold a Japan Rail Pass, remember that the fastest services — Nozomi and Mizuho — are not included without paying a supplement. Pass holders normally take the Hikari or Sakura instead, which on most routes costs only a little extra time.

Our guide to train travel in Asia explains the fare structure, whether a pass is worth it, and the practical things that catch visitors out.

Common questions

Can I use a Japan Rail Pass on this route?

Yes, but not on the Nozomi, which is the fastest service and is excluded from the pass without paying a supplement. Take the Hikari instead — on this route it costs only about twenty extra minutes.

Should I reserve a seat?

Outside peak periods, unreserved is fine and gives you the freedom to take any train that day. During Golden Week, Obon and New Year, reserve — those are the weeks when people stand.

Which side for Mount Fuji?

Travelling from Tokyo towards Kyoto, the right-hand side, roughly forty to forty-five minutes in. Coming back, sit on the left. It depends entirely on the weather, but it costs nothing to choose well.

Where do trains leave from in Tokyo?

Tokyo Station, with many services also calling at Shinagawa. Both are on the Yamanote loop line, so pick whichever is closer to where you are staying.