Train Tickets from Tokyo to Kyoto
Getting from Tokyo to Kyoto by train
On the journey from Tokyo to Kyoto, experience the seamless efficiency of the high-speed Japan bullet trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line. Despite the relatively short travel time, the landscapes and atmospheres between the two destinations diverge significantly. Tokyo, a bustling international megacity, contrasts with Kyoto's rich historical heritage and cultural significance. As the Shinkansen hurtles through the Japanese countryside, passengers can anticipate the transition from the modernity of Tokyo to the timeless charm of Kyoto. Read more below for more information about your destination, Kyoto!
More information about your journey to Kyoto
Upon arrival, Kyoto Station stands as a gateway to the city's cultural treasures. From the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine with its dozens of vermilion torii gates to the serene and historic atmosphere of Gion district, Kyoto offers a glimpse into Japan's preserved past. The city's thousand temples, traditional tea houses, and the gorgeous Arashiyama district showcase a Kyoto that perfectly encapsulates the soul of traditional Japan.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone seeking a tranquil escape, the Tokyo to Kyoto Shinkansen journey offers a seamless blend of modern travel convenience and the timeless allure of Japan's cultural heritage. And with Kyoto being in the heart of the Kansai region, it's also the gateway to many other regional treasures, from the shores of Lake Biwa to the Amanohashidate coast to the popular day trip destination Nara and its deer roaming free in temple grounds or the vibrant and neon-lit city of Osaka.
Note: Kyoto Station is usually not the last stop on this Shinkansen line, which can continue to travel to Kobe, Hiroshima, or even Hakata (Fukuoka). Please be mindful of the stops in order to get off at the right station.
The Tokaido Shinkansen Line is operated by Japan Railways (JR), the largest rail company in Japan. Tickets booked with Japan Experience are issued through an official partnership with JR West, meaning you are dealing directly with the train operator that will take you from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Reserve your seat with a view on Mount Fuji
On this central and popular route for travelers to Japan, the Tokyo suburbs will slowly make room for beautiful landscapes, such as mountains, rice fields, lakes and multiple cities, until after a little over 2 hours, you reach the heart of Japan. On your ride, you may even get to see the iconic Mount Fuji for a couple of minutes, right before Shizuoka Station, if you reserve a window seat.
About the Mount Fuji view seat option
On the way from Tokyo to Kyoto, we highly recommend you book a window seat with a view on Mount Fuji, to get the chance to experience one of Japan's most iconic views from its modern landmark, the Shinkansen bullet train!
Please note that during peak travel seasons, we may have to change your train to another one up to 15 minutes earlier or later than the original booking to ensure a window seat reservation.
Advantages of taking the train from Tokyo to Kyoto
How to book your Tokyo to Kyoto train tickets?
Shinkansen information
The Tokaido Shinkansen, connecting Tokyo and Kyoto, is renowned for its efficiency and speed. With stops at major cities like Nagoya and Osaka, the Shinkansen covers a distance of approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles) between Tokyo and Kyoto. The journey, taking on average 2 hours and 20 minutes, allows travelers to witness the changing landscapes from the Kanto region to the Kansai region. Trains from Tokyo to Kyoto depart from the Japanese capital at Tokyo Station and arrive at Kyoto Station.
Find out more about the different types of available Shinkansen and where they stop between Tokyo and Kyoto below:
Why book your train tickets with Japan Experience?
How to exchange train tickets in Japan
When you purchase a train ticket with Japan Experience, you will receive a QR code via email.
To receive your usable tickets, simply scan the QR code at ticket machines located inside stations in Japan and, if asked, enter the phone number associated with your order, which Japan Experience will provide you with.
In lieu of the QR code, the five digit registration number (beginning with the number “4”) found in the order confirmation email can also be used.
Please find more information below about ticket fares and exchanging your train tickets upon arriving in Japan, whether it is at the airport or at major stations in the city. With your QR code, you will also receive a detailed user guide to help you through the easy and efficient process of getting your physical train tickets in Japan.
Read more about the exchange process, conditions, cancellation and validity of train tickets here
How far in advance can I book train tickets?
You can book train tickets in Japan between 9 months prior to your train's departure date and 3 days before departure.
Is there a special train ticket fare for children?
Yes, there are special fares applicable for children. Ages 12 and up are considered adults, but kids aged from 6 to 11 benefit from a reduced fare. Children under the age of 6 travel for free and do not need to book a seat. This free fare is limited to 2 tickets, meaning any additional child under 6 will then pay the classic child fare and will have to book a seat.
Where to exchange your train tickets in Japan depending on the region
In the JR West area (blue), you can exchange your QR code for a physical train ticket at reserved seat ticket machines in stations, or at Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket windows with station staff. In the JR Central area (orange), you can exchange your QR code at reserved seat ticket vending machines at indicated stations. In the JR East area (green), you can exchange your train tickets at Shinkansen stations, major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Narita Airport stations.
How to use your train tickets in Japan
To use your train tickets once you have exchanged them, simply head to Tokyo Station, insert your train ticket into the automatic gates (don't forget to take it back), and head to the right platform to hop on your train. On board the train, find the seat number that is on your ticket if you have a seat reservation, and enjoy the ride! Once you've arrived in Kyoto, insert the ticket again at the gates upon exiting Kyoto Station, and the city is now yours to explore.
Modification and Cancellation
Order cancellation
Customers have up to 3 working days prior to their departure date to cancel their train ticket orders as long as they have not scanned the corresponding QR code and exchanged for their physical train tickets. A 15% cancellation fee will be charged, and the QR code will be instantly deactivated upon order cancellation. Cancellation of only a portion of the booking is not possible.
For train ticket orders that have already had the corresponding QR code scanned and where the tickets have been received, or orders in less than 3 working days before departure, orders may be canceled at JR Station offices in the departure city up to 10 minutes before your train departure, where a refund will be issued with a 5%-10% cancellation fee, depending on the station and office. This refund will be made in cash in Japanese yen.
Cancellation cannot be done at ticket machines. Please note JR Central offices can only cancel routes running through JR Central lines.
Past the day and time of departure, refunds cannot be issued, regardless if the corresponding QR code has been used or not, and regardless if customers have received their physical tickets or not. Note that however, if you missed the departure train of the time, you can still board the next trains within 1 hour, in non-reserved seats.
These cancellation conditions still apply after one modification, according to the modification conditions below.
Order modification
If you want to modify:
- Departure time on the same day OR seat for another seat except luggage seat:
Japan Experience can modify one time, free of charge, your booking if the corresponding QR code has not been used AND if it is NOT within 3 working days of the departure date.
You will then be sent a new QR code to use at JR stations to exchange for your new tickets.
Otherwise, you will need to go to JR station machines to exchange your QR code to receive your tickets and then change the departure time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to your train departure.
You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information.
- Departure date, route, seat for luggage seat, number of seats in the booking:
Japan Experience cannot modify your booking. You will need to go to JR station machines to exchange QR code to receive your tickets and change time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to departure. There may be a difference in fare to be paid on the spot.
You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information.
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If you have made a mistake in your departure date or number of seats, you have to make a new booking online. Japan Experience will allow you to cancel your previous order free of charge. Kindly note that modifications for the new issued tickets won't be possible.
Eligibility
All persons above the age of 12, with no restrictions of residence status or nationality, are eligible to purchase individual train tickets (unlike the Japan Rail Pass and some JR regional passes, for example). Japanese individuals as well as foreigners living in Japan can thus purchase train tickets online. Under the age of 12, the aforementioned child fare conditions apply.
Validity of train tickets
Train tickets issued are only valid for the date and time indicated on your booking, and are to be used only on the Tokyo to Kyoto route.
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