Kyoto is a major tourist destination in Japan; as such, it is easily accessible from any other key cities like Osaka, Tokyo, and Nagoya. There are many ways you can reach Kyoto from these major cities: by plane, by train, and by bus. Depending on your budget and time, each has its own pros and cons. You need to plan your itinerary well to save time and avoid excessive spending on transportation fares.
By Plane
If you are coming from other cities in Japan, you will land at either Kansai International Airport, the main gateway to Kyoto (as well as Osaka and the rest of Kansai region), or Itami Airport, Kansai’s largest domestic airport. Those coming from Tokyo by plane will depart from Haneda or Narita Airport to Kansai or Itami Airport, while those coming from Nagoya will be flying from Chubu Centrair Airport to Kansai or Itami Airport.
By Train
For a hassle-free train transit and navigation, it is recommended to use Hyperdia, a web-based search application for Japan trains. You just need to indicate your destination and it will give you several route options. It will also show you the travel duration, the total fare and the breakdown, the platform number of your train, and the number of transfers if there’s any. You just need to have a good internet access.
Japan Rail Pass
The JR Pass will allow you to take unlimited rides within the JR network. It is best for long-distance train travel.
When is JR Pass worth it? If you are visiting multiple cities in Japan for a period of 7 days or longer. JR Pass covers shinkansen (high-speed bullet trains), which are very expensive. The JR Pass will allow you to take these speedy trains without worrying about the cost. It’s a great buy if you have a busy itinerary spanning multiple cities.
From Osaka
There are four ways you can travel from downtown Osaka to Kyoto. Taking the Shinkansen is the fastest and direct route; it is also the most expensive. The JR Kyoto Line will lead you to JR Kyoto Station, which is close to most of the tourist attractions. The Hankyu Railways will get you to Kawaramachi Station in central Kyoto and can connect you to Arashiyama. The Keihan Railways will also get you to central Kyoto and can link you to Fushimi Inari Shrine.
VIA SHINKANSEN
- From JR Shin-Osaka Station, board the JR Shinkansen train to Kyoto Station.
- Alight at JR Kyoto Station.
Travel Time: Approximately 15 minutes
Fare: ¥560 + Seat Fee
Seat Fee: ¥860 (unreserved); ¥2,260 (reserved, lean season); ¥3,220 (green seat)
Number of Transfer: None (direct)
Reminders:
- JR Shin-Osaka Station is located north of downtown Osaka.
- For JR Pass holder, you can only use it when riding the Hikari and Kodama trains. The pass doesn’t work for Nozomi trains. JR Kyoto Station is located south of downtown/central Kyoto.
VIA JR KYOTO LINE
- From JR Osaka Station, board the JR Special Rapid Service train to JR Kyoto Station.
- Alight at JR Kyoto Station.
Travel Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Fare: ¥560
Seat Fee: None
Number of Transfer: None (direct)
VIA HANKYU RAILWAYS
- From Hankyu Umeda Station, board the Limited Express train to Kawaramachi Station.
- Alight at Kawaramachi Station.
Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes
Fare: ¥400
Seat Fee: None
Number of Transfer: None (direct)
VIA KEIHAN RAILWAYS
- From Keihan Yodobashi Station, take the Limited Express train to Sanjo Station.
- Alight at Sanjo Station.
Travel Time: Approximately 55 minutes
Fare: ¥410
Seat Fee: None
Number of Transfer: None (direct)
From Nagoya
The fastest way to reach Kyoto by train is also by taking the Shinkansen (bullet train). Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama trains are three types of Shinkansen services running along JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line, serving Tokyo/Yokohama, Nagoya, and Osaka/Kyoto.
VIA SHINKANSEN
- From Nagoya Station, take the Shinkansen train going to Kyoto Station.
- Alight at Kyoto Station. Note that the platforms for Shinkansen are located on the southern part of the station.
Travel Time: 36 mins (Nozomi); 40 mins (Hikari); 51 mins (Kodama)
Fare: ¥2,590
Seat Fee: ¥2,480 (unreserved seat); ¥3,010 (reserved seat); ¥5,440 (Green seat)
Number of Transfer: None (Nozomi, direct) / 1 (Hikari/Kodama, Maibara Station)
Reminders:
- The Nozomi is the fastest among the three, but it is not practical to take this train if you are coming from Nagoya, which is not too far, unlike Tokyo.
- Kodama trains stop at every station. If you want to save money and not in a hurry, you can board this train. You can also get a Puratto Kodama Economy Plan, which even lessens the cost of your fare and gives a free drink voucher that you can redeem at either the Shinkansen platform (kiosk) or on board the train (train vendor).
- A Puratto Kodama Economy Plan is not actually a ticket; it’s a one-way package tour product. The package usually offers discounted Kodama ticket fare and free drink voucher. Again, this is useful for a one-way journey. If you are planning to return to Nagoya, it’s best to use the JR Pass instead. If you’ve decided to purchase one, you have to purchase one day in advance. You can only get this from JR Tokai Tours. Visit Platt Kodama website for more information.
- If you have JR Pass and you want to maximize your Kyoto visit, Hikari is the best option for you.
- Only get “reserved seat” if: you are pressed for time, you are traveling during rush hour (7 AM – 9 AM, 4 PM – 7 PM), you are traveling during peak seasons (December – January, Golden Week, Cherry Blossoms season, Mid-August).
- The next Shinkansen usually arrives 10 minutes after the departure of the previous one.
- Check the schedules and timetables for the first train and last train via Hyperdia or JR Central website (English).
VIA LOCAL TRAINS
Getting to Kyoto from Nagoya via local trains will take about two (2) hours and 15 minutes with at least one transfer. The fare is ¥2,590. Local trains require no seat fee. Use Hyperdia to help you navigate.
From Tokyo
The fastest way to reach Kyoto by train is by taking the Shinkansen (bullet train). Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama trains are three types of Shinkansen services running along JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line, serving Tokyo/Yokohama, Nagoya, and Osaka/Kyoto.
VIA SHINKANSEN
- From either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station, take the Shinkansen train going to Kyoto Station.
- Alight at Kyoto Station. Note that the platforms for Shinkansen are located on the southern part of the station.
Travel Time: 2 hrs 20 mins (Nozomi); 2 hrs 40 mins (Hikari); 4 hrs (Kodama)
Fare: ¥8,210
Seat Fee: ¥4,870 (unreserved seat); ¥5,500 (reserved seat); ¥10,480 (Green seat)
Number of Transfer: None (direct)
Reminders:
- You cannot use your JR Pass on Nozomi trains. Only Hikari and Kodama accept JR Pass.
- Kodama trains stop at every station. If you are in a hurry, don’t board this train.
- If you have JR Pass, Hikari is the best option for you.
- Only get “reserved seat” if: you are pressed for time, you are traveling during rush hour (7 AM – 9 AM, 4 PM – 7 PM), you are traveling during peak seasons (December – January, Golden Week, Cherry Blossoms season, Mid-August).
- The next Shinkansen usually arrives 10 minutes after the departure of the previous one.
- Check the schedules and timetables for the first train and last train via Hyperdia or JR Central website (English).
VIA LOCAL TRAINS
If you want to take the local trains, it will take you about nine hours and five train transfers to reach Kyoto from Tokyo. The total fare is approximately ¥8,210. Use Hyperdia to help you navigate.
Tip:
Travel passes can help you save a lot of money on fares if used efficiently. Plan your route and itinerary carefully before you decide which travel pass to get. Learn more about the travel passes that cover Kyoto and other nearby cities and tourist attractions here.
By Bus
From Osaka (Universal City Station)
The (Hotel Keihan Universal Tower) buses bound for Kyoto stop and pick up passengers at Bus Stop #3. This is a day bus.
Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours
Fare: ¥900 (adult); ¥450 (children)
Where to purchase a ticket: Book online and present your e-ticket upon boarding.
From Nagoya
There are many bus companies running the Nagoya-Kyoto route. Highway buses run between Nagoya Station and Kyoto Station. You can check Japan Bus Online for the bus companies plying this route.
Travel Time: Approximately 2 hrs 30 mins
Fare: ¥2,500
Where to purchase a ticket: You can purchase the ticket at the bus terminal or book it online through Japan Bus Online booking website.
From Tokyo
There are two options for bus companies plying the Tokyo-Kyoto route: JR Night Bus and Willer Bus.
- JR NIGHT BUS terminates at the JR bus station in front of JR Tokyo Station and at the JR bus station in front of Kyoto Station, so transit between the two points is easy and direct.
Travel Time: 7 hrs 30 mins
Fare: ¥9,400
Where to purchase a ticket: Purchase the ticket at the ticketing counter or book online or via phone. Note: Online booking can be challenging, especially to those whose web browser can’t properly translate Japanese characters into English. You can check the phone number on the website. - WILLER EXPRESS BUS terminates at West Shinjuku in Tokyo and Gion Shijo Station bus terminal in Kyoto.
Travel Time: Approximately 8 hrs
Fare: ¥7,000
Where to purchase a ticket: You can purchase the ticket at the bus terminal or book it online here.
Note:
For the highway/express buses (long-distance buses), you may also check Japan Bus Online for booking. It offers 138 routes all over Japan and covers 86 bus companies.
Reminder: Please follow train and bus rules and etiquette.
Kyoto Essentials
 Kyoto Pocket Wi-fi Stay Internet-connected while in Kyoto! ➡️ RESERVE HERE |
 Kansai-Kyoto Limousine Bus Hassle-free airport to Kyoto transfer! ➡️ RESERVE HERE |
 ICOCA Card Easy access to train, subway and buses! ➡️ RESERVE HERE |
 JR Pass Unlimited train rides within the JR network. ➡️ RESERVE HERE |
Top Kyoto Hotels
 The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY |
 Hotel Granvia Kyoto ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY |
 Aoi Hotel Kyoto – Luxury Apartment ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY |
 Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY |
