Tokyo to Kyoto Shinkansen times and prices
| Departure | Arrival | Operator | Find Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
10:03 Tokyo | 12:37 Kyoto |  | Find Tickets |
10:04 Shinagawa | 13:34 Kyoto | | Find Tickets |
10:07 Shinagawa | 12:15 Kyoto | | Find Tickets |
10:09 Tokyo | 12:21 Kyoto | | Find Tickets |
10:10 Shinagawa | 12:37 Kyoto | | Find Tickets |
10:12 Tokyo | 12:23 Paris | | Find Tickets |
Tokyo to Kyoto train route details
Japan Rail Pass for travel from Tokyo to Kyoto
Get a JR Pass for your trip and enjoy unlimited train travel for 7, 14 or 21 days. JR Passes are exclusively for visitors and can be used on almost all Shinkansen lines operated by the Japanese Railways (JR) Group, making it a cost-effective option for travel across multiple Japanese cities.
7-Day JR Pass
- Best for round trips: If you're returning from Kyoto to Tokyo within a week, a 7-day JR Pass is often better value than buying a specific round trip ticket for your journey.
- Golden Route-maximizer: Travel the Classic Golden Route through Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka – and then extend your route to Hiroshima for the best value for money.
- Includes seat reservations: Secure your seat in peak seasons by booking in advance - at no extra cost with the JR Pass.
- Tier options: Choose between the clean and comfortable Ordinary class or upgrade to the Green Car, JR's First Class equivalent.
Price key info
Adult from 50,000 YEN (Ordinary)
Child from 25,000 YEN (Ordinary)
14-Day JR Pass
- Best for exploring: Plan multi-city itineraries with the 14-day pass, starting with your Tokyo to Kyoto trip.
- Multi-island access: Connect Japan's four main islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku seamlessly on a single pass.
- Tier options: Choose between the clean and comfortable Ordinary class or upgrade to the Green Car, JR's First Class equivalent.
Price key info
Adult from 80,000YEN (Ordinary)
Child from 40,000 YEN (Ordinary)
21-Day JR Pass
- Best for ultimate freedom: Tokyo is just the beginning of a 3-week Japan adventure with the 21-day pass.
- Nationwide coverage: Valid for use wherever your trip takes you, from North to South and the islands.
- Best for long, flexible trips: Enjoy hassle-free itinerary adjustments thoroughout your 3-week loop of Japan.
- Tier options: Choose between the clean and comfortable Ordinary class or upgrade to the Green Car, JR's First Class equivalent.
Price key info
Adult from 100,000 YEN (Ordinary)
Child from 50,000 YEN (Ordinary)
Tokyo to Kyoto Shinkansen seat classes & reservations
In Japan, bullet trains—known as Shinkansen—are normally divided into two main classes: Ordinary (standard) and Green (first). Some trains have an extra Gran Class (luxury). Exact features vary by operator. Here's what to expect:
Ordinary Car (standard)
2+3 seating
Reserved or Non-Reserved seats
Standard comfort and support
Power outlets
Free Wi-Fi
Restrooms available
Luggage storage
Green Car (first class)
2+2 seating- Reserved seats
Spacious with wide seats and extra legroom- Power outlets
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restrooms available
Personal reading lights
Quieter, premium atmosphere
Perfect for business travelers and those seeking a more relaxing journey
Gran Class (luxury business class)
- 1+2 seating
- Ultra spacious and reclining leather seats
- Power outlets
- Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary water, snacks, and wet towels
(*Not available on "GranClass (No Beverage or Light Meal Service)" trains)
Dedicated attendant service on most services
Luxury amenities like slippers
More privacy and space- Top choice for luxury. Only available on certain lines (like Hokuriku).
Choosing between Reserved and Non-Reserved
- Slightly more expensive but guarantee you a seat.
- Ideal for families and groups traveling at peak season and wanting to sit together
- Allow you to board any train but without a guaranteed seat
- Seating is first-come, first-served in designated cars.
- Choose Reserved seats if you don't want to stand
- Recommended for popular routes like Tokyo to Kyoto and at popular times of year
How to book and use Japan train tickets with Trip.com
Search for trains
Enter your origin and destination, select your travel dates and number of passengers. Add a return date if needed to see Shinkansen schedules on Trip.com.
Select your departure and seat class
Pick your departure time and choose Ordinary or Green Car class. Click through and complete the passenger details in the form.
Pay securely
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Receive your QR code
Receive your e-tickets and itinerary details via email or through the Trip.com app. Confirmation is instant as soon as payment is complete.
Enter the station
For most journeys, you can go through the ticket gates by scanning your QR code. If needed, you can easily print tickets at the ticket machine.
Board the train
Scan your QR code or insert your paper ticket into the barriers to access the platforms and board the train.
Tokyo to Kyoto Shinkansen baggage allowance
Shinkansen luggage policies can vary slightly by line, but baggage allowance is uniform across all Shinkansen routes. If you're traveling with oversized luggage, you'll need to review the Shinkansen luggage rules a bit more closely.
Standard luggage allowance
- Passengers may bring up to 2 pieces of luggage for no additional fee (not including personal items like handbags, umbrellas).
- Each item must weigh 30 kg or less.
- Total luggage dimensions must not exceed 250 cm.
- Bags with total dimensions up to 160 cm can be placed in at your feet, in the overhead racks or in the dedicated luggage area.
Oversized baggage
Baggage with total dimensions between 161 cm and 250 cm (height + width + depth) are considered oversized baggage. Passengers with oversized baggage must reserve an oversized baggage seat on lines between some major cities (same price as regular reserved seat). These seats are usually found at the last row of each car, and oversized bags can be placed in the space behind your seat. Traveling without a reservation for this luggage space can result in a fine on some lines.
Shinkansen luggage tips
- If you need oversized baggage space, make sure you book your seat early, as they are limited in number and often sell out during busy seasons.
- Green Class (i.e. First Class) cars usually include extra space for luggage, which is particularly helpful in peak months like May, August and December to early January.
- Bicycles must be folded or disassembled and stored in a bike bag.
- Luggage forwarding services - such as Luggage Express - can have your luggage delivered from your departure hotel to your arrival hotel so you can travel light.
Shinkansen child tickets from Tokyo to Kyoto
There are three categories of Shinkansen child tickets, each with different pricing and age limits. Consult the different ticket categories below.
| Category | Age Group | Fare Price | Tokyo to Kyoto |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult ticket | 12+ years old | 100% (Full Price) | US$88.92 |
| Child | 6 – 11 years old | 50% (Half Price) | US$44.46 |
| Infant | 1 – 5 years old | Free | 0 |
| Baby | Under 1 year old | Free | 0 |
When you need to buy a child ticket for an infant
Infants (1 to 5 years) and babies (under 1 year) generally travel free on Shinkansen trains, except in some specific situations as follows:
- When they need their own seat: If your infant is occupying their own reserved seat - rather than sitting on your lap - then you must buy them a Child Ticket.
- When you're traveling with three infants: One fare-paying passenger can be accompanied by up to two infants for free. For three or more accompanying infants, a Child fare is required for the third and subsequent infants.
- When traveling alone: Infants traveling unaccompanied (rare for tourists, but a rule nonetheless) requires a Child ticket.
Reserved seat prices for children: Ordinary, Green Car and Gran Class
If your kid needs their own reserved seat, a charge will apply for their seat. This will vary depending on the car class:
- Ordinary Car: A 50% charge of the total fare applies for Children's reserved seats (ages 6-11).
- Green Car & Gran Class: The Luxury Surcharge for Green and Gran Class does not have a child discount. You must pay the full adult rate for children's seats.
Refunds and changes for Tokyo to Kyoto Shinkansen tickets
Changing your Shinkansen booking
- Standard fare Shinkansen tickets allow a one-time change free of charge for the same type of ticket for unused tickets. If you change to a ticket of greater value, you must pay the difference. If you change to a ticket of lesser value, you will be refunded the difference.
- However, specific Shinkansen modification policies vary by ticket type: deep discount and advance fares usually do not permit changes, or if they do, they may not provide refunds in fare difference. As such, always check the conditions of your specific ticket type.
Refund fees
- Any unused, valid Shinkansen ticket can be refunded, but will be subject to a cancellation charge according to ticket type. You must apply for a refund before the train departs, otherwise you cannot be refunded. Cancellation charges vary according to ticket type and proximity to travel date.
What happens if you miss your train?
- If you miss your reserved seat train, your ticket is no longer valid and you will not be entitled to a refund. This applies to Limited Express reserved seat tickets, Green Car tickets, sleeper cars and reserved seats.
- Limited Express reserved seat tickets, however, can be used for travel on non-reserved seats on later trains on the same day as your missed train. Using reserved seating in this scenario incurs the full price of the Limited Express reserved seat fare.
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