How to Travel on Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka

What is Shinkansen?

Major Shinkansen Lines

Source: Wikipedia

Tōkaidō Shinkansen Bullet Train Types

Source: Wikipedia

*The fare for all 3 Shinkansen trains is the same for non-reserved seats. However, reserved seats are more expensive, with the Nozomi's reserved seats being the most expensive of the three train services.

Shinkansen Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka

Source: from JR Rail Pass Offical Website

Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto

Kyoto is about 370 kilometers west of Tokyo. The route from Tokyo to Kyoto is one of the most popular Shinkansen routes and is served by the Tokaido Shinkansen line, which is the oldest and most famous Shinkansen line.

How Much is Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto

There are 3 types of bullet trains to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto. The Nozomi operates as the quickest option on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen line, with a slightly higher fare. It's worth mentioning that the JR Pass allows for travel on all lines, including Nozimi.

Special Note👀

• The price for a single trip for non-reserved seats is the same across all 3 Shinkansen lines.
• When you travel in the off-peak season, you can reduce the cost of a reserved seat by JPY 200. However, during the high-demand season, you'll need to pay an additional JPY 200, and during the very high-demand season, the surcharge increases to JPY 400.
• For a reserved seat, the price increases by approximately 420 JPY for the Hikari and Kodama trains, and around 630 JPY for the Nozomi train.
• Holders of the JR Pass can travel at no extra cost on the Hikari and Kodama services.

Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto Timetable

Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka

Shinkansen trains from Tokyo to Osaka leave from Tokyo, Shinagawa, and Shin-Yokohama Stations, arriving at Shin-Osaka Station, which is not the main station in Osaka but is designed for Shinkansen services. From Shin-Osaka, passengers can access various trains to central Osaka, the airport, Kyoto, and Nara.

How Much is Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka

Special Note👀

• The price for a single trip for non-reserved seats is the same across all 3 Shinkansen lines.
• When you travel in the off-peak season, you can reduce the cost of a reserved seat by JPY 200. However, during the high-demand season, you'll need to pay an additional JPY 200, and during the very high-demand season, the surcharge increases to JPY 400.
• Tickets from Tokyo or Shinagawa station to Shin-Osaka cost the same, while those from Shin-Yokohama station are cheaper.

Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka Timetable

Nozomi Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka runs every 10 minutes and operates between 6 a.m. and 21:03. Here is the timetable for Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka:

How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets from Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka

Source: Photo by Aimee Gardner

Buy Shinkansen Tickets on Trip.com Website

Trip.com offers Shinkansen Tickets from Tokyo to Kyoto with non-reserved seats, reserved seats for ordinary cars and green cars. Passengers can also book Shinkansen Tickets from Kyoto to Tokyo and Osaka to Tokyo.

Buy Shinkansen Tickets at the Station

Go to any major JR station in Tokyo, such as Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station, or Ueno Station, queue at the ticket office (みどりの窓口, Midori no Madoguchi) and tell the staff your destination (Kyoto or Osaka), preferred departure time, and whether you want a reserved or non-reserved seat.

Step-to-Step Guide to Buy Shinkansen Tickets by Vending Machine

Step 1: Change Language and select one of three choices

Photo by Aimee Gardner

Step 2: Choose your departure station

Photo by Aimee Gardner

Step 3: Select your date, time, number of people, and seat type

Photo by Aimee Gardner

Step 4: Remember to reserve a seat if you have a lot of baggage

Photo by Aimee Gardner

Step 5: Choose your seats

Photo by Aimee Gardner

Step 6: Opt for the basic ticket fare

Photo by Aimee Gardner

Step 7: Confirm and pay Shinkansen tickets

Photo by Aimee Gardner

Online Booking

You can also buy Shinkansen tickets online. JR East offers an online reservation service for certain trains, and there are also third-party websites and travel agencies that offer online booking options for foreign tourists. Websites like JR-Central's "Smart EX" service or the "Japan Rail Pass" official site can be used for this purpose.

How to Reserve Shinkansen Tickets from Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka

Reserving Shinkansen tickets in Japan can be done in several ways. Here are the common methods to reserve your seat:

Luggage Rule on Shinkansen

Photo by Carey Finn

Since 2020, JR has decided to bring in limits for extra-large luggage on certain routes, including Tōkaidō Shinkansen (between Tokyo and Osaka, including Kyoto), the San’yō Shinkansen (between Shin-Osaka and Fukuoka, including Himeiji and Hiroshima) and the Kyūshū Shinkansen (between Hakata and Kagoshima).

Size Restrictions

Passengers are allowed to bring up to two pieces of baggage on board. Each piece of luggage must not exceed a total of 160 cm when adding the width, height, and depth, and should not weigh more than 30 kilograms.

Oversized Luggage

As of 2020, Japan Railways introduced a reservation system for oversized luggage on certain Shinkansen lines, which requires passengers to book a seat with oversized luggage space if their baggage exceeds 160 cm but is within 250 cm (width + height + depth).

What happens if you don’t reserve?

If you fail to reserve a space for your luggage, you will be issued with a fine of 1000 yen. And you will have to upgrade to a reserved seat for your over-sized luggage.

Oversized Luggage don't require reservation

• Baby strollers
• Musical instruments
• Sports equipment

Why Choose Shinkansen to Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka

Choosing the Shinkansen, also known as the bullet train, to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka is a popular option for several reasons:

• 1. Speed: The Shinkansen is one of the fastest trains in the world, capable of reaching speeds up to 320 km/h. It can take you from Tokyo to Kyoto in about 2 hours and 7 minutes and to Osaka in about 2 hours and 21 minutes, making it significantly faster than driving or taking a bus.
• 2. Frequency: Shinkansen trains run very frequently, with departures every 10-15 minutes during peak times. This means you don't need to plan your schedule around the train times as much as you would with less frequent services.
• 3. Comfort: Shinkansen trains are known for their comfort and smooth rides. Seats are spacious and well-maintained, with ample legroom. There are also restrooms, power outlets, and sometimes even Wi-Fi service on board.
• 4. Convenience: The Shinkansen stations are centrally located in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, making it easy to get to and from the train stations. They are well-connected to local transportation networks, such as subways and buses.
• 5. Reliability: Japanese trains are famous for their punctuality. The Shinkansen is no exception, with an impressive track record for on-time performance. This reliability makes it easier to plan your trip without worrying about unexpected delays.
• 6. Safety: Japan's rail system is one of the safest in the world, with an excellent safety record. The Shinkansen uses advanced technology and rigorous maintenance schedules to ensure the safety of its passengers.
• 7. Scenic Views: Depending on the route and the time of day, traveling by Shinkansen can offer scenic views of the Japanese countryside, including mountains, rivers, and rural areas.
• 8. Baggage: Unlike airlines, there are no strict baggage limits on the Shinkansen, and you don't need to check your bags. This can save time and hassle, especially for travelers with larger luggage.
• 9. Eco-Friendly: Trains are generally more environmentally friendly than cars or airplanes, producing less carbon emissions per passenger.
• 10. Experience: Riding the Shinkansen is a quintessential Japanese experience. It's not just a mode of transportation; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and technology.

Main Facilities on Shinkansen

The Shinkansen is known for its punctuality, speed, and safety. It offers various classes of service, typically including Standard (Economy), Green (First Class), and Gran Class (Luxury Class). Here are the facilities on a Shinkansen train:

Other Popular Tokyo Transportation Options

Narita Airport (NRT) - Ueno/Nippori | Keisei Skyliner Ticket

• 3% off any option
• E-Voucher
• 4.8/5 | Departs from Narita & other locations
• From US$14.77 (Adult) Buy Now >

Cheap Japan Car Rental

• Free Cancellation
• No Credit Card Fees
• Big Brands, Big Discounts
• New Users Enjoy 8% Off Buy Now >

Airport Limousine Bus Ticket（One Way/Round Trip）

• Available from Today
• E-Voucher
• 3% Off
• 4.4/5 | Departs from Haneda/Narita Airport
• From $4.37 Buy Now >