Which bullet train goes from Tokyo to Kyoto?

Getting from Tokyo to Kyoto with the Japan Rail Pass is easy. You should take the Shinkansen Hikari bullet train from either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station in central Tokyo, and arrive at Kyoto Station. Three trains run on the Tokaido Shinkansen line: Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama.



The bullet train service that connects Tokyo to Kyoto is the Tokaido Shinkansen, the world's first and busiest high-speed rail line. There are three main types of trains running on this route: the Nozomi, the Hikari, and the Kodama. The Nozomi is the fastest, reaching Kyoto in approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, but it is only partially covered by the Japan Rail Pass (requiring a supplementary fee). The Hikari is the most popular choice for JR Pass holders, stopping at slightly more stations and taking about 2 hours and 40 minutes. The Kodama is the slowest "all-stops" service, which is rarely used for the full Tokyo-Kyoto journey unless you are looking for a more leisurely pace or specific local stops. In 2026, many of these trains feature the newest N700S series carriages, which offer improved suspension and, in some cases, private rooms for a more exclusive travel experience across the heart of Japan.

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How much luggage can I bring onto the shinkansen? Each passenger is allowed to bring on two pieces of oversized luggage each. Each of these pieces of luggage cannot exceed 250 cm in total dimensions as previously stated. Additionally, each piece of luggage cannot exceed 30 kg (66 lbs) in weight.

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Where is Shinkansen station in Tokyo? The famous Shinkansen trains stop at Tokyo and Shinagawa stations, but Tokyo rail station prides itself on being the city's main Shinkansen terminal. You can find it at 1 Chome Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo.

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Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Between Tokyo and Kyoto The fastest type of shinkansen, called the Nozomi, takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes and costs Y13,080 for a one-way trip in an unreserved seat.

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Where Can I Board the Shinkansen? Platforms 14 through 23 at Tokyo Station are for all Shinkansen trains. Platforms 14-19 are for the Tokaido shinkansen and Sanyo shinkansen trains. Travelers headed to cities in western Japan like Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima will board from these platforms.

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Can I use the JR Pass in Kyoto? Yes, to a limited extent. JR lines run to the west and south of Kyoto, with access to highlights such as Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari and Uji. Additionally, a local JR bus runs from Kyoto station to north Kyoto.

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The Japan Rail Pass is valid for West JR Bus company, which operates the Takao Keihoku Line. This line runs between Kyoto station and Shuzan. You will be able to go to Ninnaji Temple and Ryoanji Temple.

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The JR Pass is valid on all Shinkansen services in all the Shinkansen lines, except for the Nozomi and Mizuho services on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines. You will not have access to the trains with the fewest stops on the Tokaido and Sanyo lines.

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When boarding directly from a Shinkansen station, please insert your tickets into the Shinkansen ticket gate prior to boarding. Your tickets are required for on-board ticket checks and exiting the station at your destination. Please do not lose or forget to take your tickets.

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Shinkansen or bullet train The Nozomi trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line are the fastest trains that run between Tokyo and Kyoto. A one-way travel from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station takes just 2 hours and 15 minutes, and costs the same as the two other slower trains. Unfortunately, it is not covered by the JR Pass.

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As mentioned above, Shinkansen trains stop at the Kyoto railway station. If you are planning to travel on a famous Japanese bullet train, you need to find the Shinkansen platforms, located in the southern part of the building known as Hachijo (it faces the Hachijo street hence the name).

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JR EAST Travel Service Centers
  • Tokyo Station.
  • Haneda.
  • Shinagawa Station.
  • Shibuya Station.
  • Shinjuku Station.
  • Ikebukuro Station.
  • Ueno Station.
  • Kashiwa Station.


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There are no crowds on the intercity Shinkansen trains so free seats tend to be available. However, it is recommended to book a seat before boarding any train during the following peak seasons: April 27 to May 6. August 11-20.

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Where is Shinkansen station in Tokyo? The famous Shinkansen trains stop at Tokyo and Shinagawa stations, but Tokyo rail station prides itself on being the city's main Shinkansen terminal.

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Eating and drinking on Japanese trains You should eat on trains only when taking a long-distance train, such as the Shinkansen. These types of trains have a tray and cup holder at every seat, and snacks are sold from a vendor trolley.

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