Traveling between Kyoto or Osaka and Tokyo is a common route for visitors exploring Japan. Whether you’re looking for speed, affordability, or a scenic experience, there are several transportation options to consider.
I live in Tokyo now, but I frequently visit Kyoto and Osaka and have tried several different travel options.
In this guide, I’ll break down the main ways to travel between these major cities, including my personal recommendations.
1. Shinkansen (Bullet Train) – The Fastest and Most Convenient
The Shinkansen, or bullet train, is the most popular and convenient way to travel between Kyoto/Osaka and Tokyo. Operated by JR (Japan Railways), it offers speed, comfort, and frequent departures.
Ticket prices remain consistent throughout the year.
- Time: 2 hours 15 minutes from Kyoto, 2 hours 30 minutes from Osaka (Nozomi train)
- Cost: 11,000 – 15,000 yen one-way
- Types of Shinkansen:
- Nozomi: Fastest option, with the fewest stops.
- Hikari: Slightly slower but covered by the JR Pass.
- Kodama: The slowest with many stops, but cheapest.
If you don’t have a JR Pass, I highly recommend the Nozomi Shinkansen for its speed and frequency. If you’re using a JR Pass, the Hikari is a great alternative.
How to Get Your Ticket
- Purchase at JR ticket offices, vending machines at stations, or online via JR’s official website or travel agencies. I recommend purchasing online, as lines at ticket offices can get very long.
- If using a JR Pass, you must exchange your voucher and make a seat reservation at a JR office.
What’s a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)?
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a special ticket available exclusively to foreign tourists (those who visit Japan in a short-term stay visa), allowing unlimited travel on most JR trains, including the Shinkansen (except for Nozomi and Mizuho trains). The pass comes in 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day options and can be a cost-effective way to travel if you’re planning multiple long-distance train journeys. It must be purchased before arriving in Japan and activated upon arrival. While it offers great value for those traveling across multiple cities, those making only a one-way trip between Kyoto/Osaka and Tokyo may find it cheaper to buy single Shinkansen tickets instead.
Learn more about JR Pass here
Possible Departure Stations
- From Kyoto: Kyoto Station
- From Osaka: Shin-Osaka Station (Note: Osaka Station does not have Shinkansen services. Shin-Osaka Station is just a 4 min train ride from Osaka Station)
- From Tokyo: Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station
- Choose the most convenient station based on your final destination. These stations are close—about a 20-minute train ride apart—so it’s not a big issue if you pick the wrong one.
- If you’re heading to Haneda or Narita Airport, I recommend Shinagawa Station; otherwise, Tokyo Station is a better choice as it’s larger and connects to more train lines.
2. Domestic Flights – A Budget-Friendly Alternative
Flying can sometimes be a cheaper alternative to the Shinkansen, especially if you book in advance with low-cost carriers (LCCs) like Peach or Jetstar.
If you have extra mileage, you can book through JAL (Oneworld) or ANA (Star Alliance).
- Time: 1 hour flight + travel time to/from airports
- Cost: \5,000 – \12,000 one-way (depending on booking time) + train fares to the airports
- Airports:
- From Kyoto/Osaka: Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Itami Airport (ITM)
- From Tokyo: Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT)
If you’re on a budget and don’t mind the extra airport transit time, this can be a good option. I recommend flying into Haneda (HND) as it’s much closer to central Tokyo than Narita (NRT). (LCCs mostly fly from Narita.)
I opt for flights when I have extra mileage. Otherwise, I prefer the Shinkansen because, in my experience, the total travel time—including airport transfers—ends up being longer when flying.
3. Highway Buses – The Cheapest Option
For budget travelers, overnight or daytime highway buses offer a much cheaper way to travel, though at the cost of comfort and travel time.
- Time: 8-10 hours (overnight or daytime options)
- Cost: \3,000 – \8,000 one-way
- Companies: Willer Express, JR Bus, Kintetsu Bus
How to Get Your Ticket
- Reserve online via bus company websites, booking platforms like Willer Express, or at major bus terminals. I recommend reserving in advance online.
If you’re traveling on a tight budget and can handle long rides, overnight buses save on accommodation costs and arrive early in the morning, giving you a full day in Tokyo.
I’ve taken the bus when traveling on a tight budget. Multiple buses depart from major stations, so if you don’t mind spending the night on a bus, this can be a convenient way to arrive at your destination early in the morning.
For most travelers, the Shinkansen is the best option in terms of comfort, speed, and convenience. However, budget-conscious travelers may prefer flights or buses.
Whichever method you choose, planning ahead can help you save time and money. Safe travels!