Japan · Shinkansen bullet train
Tell us when you're travelling. We'll find your Shinkansen seats to Kyoto — and add hotels or things to do there only if you want them.
The fastest Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station takes 2h 7m, direct, covering 475 km. Trains run from about 06:00 to 21:24.
The Tokaido Shinkansen leaves Tokyo Station for Kyoto several times an hour, and the fastest Nozomi services stop only at Shinagawa, Nagoya and a couple of other major cities before pulling in a little over two hours later. Hikari and Kodama trains make more stops and take longer, but run the same line.
Rail beats flying by a wide margin here: there is no airport transfer at either end, Tokyo and Kyoto Stations sit in each city's centre, and you can board a few minutes before departure with a reserved seat already sorted. Baggage racks by the doors handle a standard suitcase; anything larger needs the oversized-luggage seats, reserved separately.
Ordinary Cars run 2+3 seating; the Green Car offers a quieter 2+2 layout with more room. About 40 to 45 minutes out of Tokyo, look to the right-hand window — seat E in an Ordinary Car — for the best view of Mount Fuji as the line passes Shin-Fuji Station.
Travelling the other way? See Kyoto to Tokyo Shinkansen.
| Departure station | Tokyo Station |
|---|---|
| Arrival station | Kyoto Station |
| Train | Shinkansen (Nozomi, Hikari, Kodama), operated by JR Central |
| Fastest journey | 2h 7m, direct |
| Classes | Ordinary Car and Green Car |
| First and last train | 06:00 and 21:24 |
Timetable facts checked September 2026. Times vary by day — we confirm the exact train when you book.
Type it the way you would say it: "Tokyo to Kyoto, two adults, Friday morning."
You get the best-fitting Shinkansen departures for your day, in Ordinary or Green Car. Want a hotel or something to do in Kyoto? Say so — or don't.
We send a secure payment link. Once you pay, our ticketing team issues your tickets and sends them — or collection details — with clear instructions.
Only need the ticket? That's fine. If you want a bed or a plan at either end, add it to the same conversation.
Tokyo Station sits in Marunouchi, a short walk from the Imperial Palace grounds and a few subway stops from Shibuya, Shinjuku and Asakusa. Nearly every Shinkansen calling at Tokyo starts or ends its run here, so it doubles as the city's main rail gateway as well as an attraction in its own right.
Tokyo travel guide
A thousand years as the imperial capital left Kyoto with more temples and shrines than any other Japanese city, from Fushimi Inari's torii gates to Kinkaku-ji's gold pavilion. Kyoto Station sits on the southern edge of the centre, with buses and the Karasuma subway line reaching most sights within thirty minutes.
Kyoto travel guideArriving late or staying a few nights? Add a hotel in Kyoto to the same conversation as your Shinkansen tickets.
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Tours and sights we can arrange in Kyoto. Add one to the same conversation as your Shinkansen tickets, or skip them — the ticket stands on its own.
Group · 2 hours
Enjoy a Japanese tea ceremony experience that provides an engaging induction to the traditional tea ceremony.
Add to my trip: Tea Ceremony and Kimono Experience
Private · 4 hours
Fushimi Inari Shrine is an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of red torii gates, which stand astride a network of trails.
Add to my trip: Fushimi Inari Shrine & Sanjusangendo Temple Discovery
Private · 8 hours
Meet your private guide and embark on a full-day trip to Nara by public transport.
Add to my trip: Explore Nara Tour
Group · 3 hours
Embark on a brief yet immersive visit to Fushimi's largest sake brewery where you'll learn about traditional brewing methods and taste distinct on-site crafted flavors.
Add to my trip: Sake Tasting & Brewery Tour
Private · 8 hours
In the morning after breakfast you meet your private guide and embark on a full day trip to Osaka. Together with your guide you take a train to Shin-Osaka.
Add to my trip: Explore Osaka Tour
Private · 3 hours
This exclusive tour immerses you in the heart of Kyoto's geisha culture, a tradition deeply rooted in the city's spiritual history.
Add to my trip: Geisha and Maiko Show with DinnerThe fastest Nozomi service takes about 2 hours 7 minutes. Hikari trains, which stop more often, take about 2 hours 35 to 2 hours 50 minutes, and Kodama services around 3 and a half hours.
Yes. Nozomi and Hikari Shinkansen run direct from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station with no change of train.
Reserved seats can sell out on the fastest departures during Japanese holidays such as Golden Week and Obon, so book those dates ahead. Off-peak weekdays usually have space closer to travel.
Tokyo Station, in Marunouchi. Some Nozomi and Hikari services also call at Shinagawa Station a few minutes later, useful if your hotel is nearer there.
Yes. Tell us your date, the number of passengers and Ordinary or Green Car. We find the train, send you a secure payment link, then follow up with your tickets or collection details and clear instructions.
Not on its own. Japan Rail Pass holders can ride Nozomi and Mizuho trains only by buying a separate Nozomi-Mizuho supplement ticket at a JR ticket counter. Hikari and Kodama trains on the same line need no supplement.
About 475 km by rail on the Tokaido Shinkansen. The fastest Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station covers it in 2h 7m.
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