Train Tickets from Kyoto to Tokyo

Upon arrival, Tokyo Station stands as a gateway to Japan's modern capital, miles away from Kyoto's old capital ambiance. From the iconic and vibrant Shibuya and Shinjuku neighborhoods to the glits and glamor of Roppongi or Ginza, going through the pop culture lovers' haven Akihabara, Tokyo showcases why thousands flock to visit Japan every year. In between the neon-lit streets of Kabukicho and the high-rise buildings of Tokyo's dynamic downtown districts, traditional gardens, historic temples, and shrines also offer unexpected moments of serenity, showing that Tokyo truly has something in store for everyone.

Whether you're a pop culture enthusiast, a food lover, or someone seeking an urban getaway, the Kyoto to Tokyo Shinkansen journey offers a seamless blend of modern travel convenience and the timeless allure of Japan's cultural heritage. And with Tokyo being the heart of Japan's transportation network, it's also the gateway to many other regional treasures, from the shores of Chiba Prefecture to the Japanese Alps to the popular day trip destination Nikko and its sublime natural landscapes, or the traditional, rural and preserved Tohoku region. 

Note: Kyoto Station is usually not the first stop on this Shinkansen line, which can originate from Kobe, Hiroshima, or even Hakata (Fukuoka). Please be mindful of this and preferably book reserved seat tickets to ensure you can hop on your desired train, especially during peak travel times, Kyoto and Tokyo being such popular destinations. 

The Tokaido Shinkansen Line is operated by Japan Railways (JR), the largest rail company in Japan. Tickets booked through Japan Experience are issued in partnership with JR West, ensuring a direct connection with the train operator that will take you from Kyoto to Tokyo.

When taking the train from Kyoto to Tokyo, we highly recommend you book a window seat with a view on Mount Fuji, to get the chance to experience one of Japan's most iconic views from its modern landmark, the Shinkansen bullet train!

Please note that during peak travel seasons, we may have to change your train to another one up to 15 minutes earlier or later than the original booking to ensure a window seat reservation.

Different types of Shinkansen available

When traveling from Kyoto to Tokyo, you have the option to choose between three types of Shinkansen high-speed bullet trains: Hikari, Kodama, and Nozomi. Hikari trains make fewer stops and complete the trip in about 2 hours and 40 minutes. Kodama trains stop at more stations, resulting in a journey time of a little over 3 hours and 30 minutes. The Nozomi is the fastest option, as it is an express service, but it comes at a higher cost. It's important to note that this Nozomi Shinkansen train only operates with reserved seats.

Regardless of the train type, passengers can enjoy reclinable seats, overhead storage, power outlets, and more onboard. Traveling by Shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo ensures both efficiency and comfort. It is recommended to research all seat and car options to book a train ticket that suits your travel needs.

How to get to Kyoto Station

Kyoto Station, situated in the heart of the historic Japanese capital, is conveniently connected to various local public transportation lines in and around Kyoto operated by JR or Kintetsu, the regional rail operator in the Kansai region. Additionally, the Karasuma subway line serves Kyoto Station. The extensive bus network in Kyoto is centered around Kyoto Station, providing easy access to the station from any part of the city.

Where to go from Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station is located in the central area of Tokyo and serves as a major transportation hub for various local public transportation lines. It is the main departure point for Shinkansen trains in Tokyo. Tokyo Station is served by multiple JR lines, including the Yamanote, Chuo, Keiyo, and Sobu lines. The Marunouchi subway line, as well as several bus lines and airport transfer options, also have stops at Tokyo Station. From Tokyo Station, you can conveniently travel to any destination within the Tokyo Metropolitan Area or even continue your journey by boarding another Shinkansen train.

How far in advance can I book train tickets?

You can book train tickets in Japan between 9 months prior to your train's departure date and 3 days before departure. 

Is there a special train ticket fare for children?

Yes, there are special fares applicable for children. Ages 12 and up are considered adults, but kids aged from 6 to 11 benefit from a reduced child fare. Children under the age of 6 travel for free. This free fare is limited to 2 tickets, meaning any additional child under 6 will then pay the classic child fare. 

Where to exchange your train tickets in Japan depending on the region?

In the JR West area (blue), you can exchange your QR code for a physical train ticket at reserved seat ticket machines in stations, or at Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket windows with station staff. In the JR Central area (orange), you can exchange your QR code at reserved seat ticket vending machines at indicated stations. In the JR East area (green), you can exchange your train tickets at Shinkansen stations, major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Narita Airport stations. 

How to use your train tickets in Japan? 

To use your train tickets once you have exchanged them, simply head to Kyoto Station, insert your train ticket into the automatic gates (don't forget to take it back), and head to the right platform to hop on your train. On board the train, find the seat number that is on your ticket if you have a seat reservation, and enjoy the ride from Kyoto to Tokyo! Once you've arrived, insert the ticket again at the gates upon exiting, and Japan's capital is now yours to explore. 

Modification and Cancellation

Order cancellation

Customers have up to 3 working days prior to their departure date to cancel their train ticket orders as long as they have not scanned the corresponding QR code and exchanged for their physical train tickets. A 15% cancellation fee will be charged, and the QR code will be instantly deactivated upon order cancellation. Cancellation of only a portion of the booking is not possible. 

For train ticket orders that have already had the corresponding QR code scanned and where the tickets have been received, or orders in less than 3 working days before departure, orders may be canceled at JR Station offices in the departure city up to 10 minutes before your train departure, where a refund will be issued with a 5%-10% cancellation fee, depending on the station and office. This refund will be made in cash in Japanese yen. 

Cancellation cannot be done at ticket machines. Please note JR Central offices can only cancel routes running through JR Central lines. 

Past the day and time of departure, refunds cannot be issued, regardless if the corresponding QR code has been used or not, and regardless if customers have received their physical tickets or not. Note that however, if you missed the departure train of the time, you can still board the next trains within 1 hour, in non-reserved seats.

These cancellation conditions still apply after one modification, according to the modification conditions below.

Order modification 

If you want to modify:

• Departure time on the same day OR seat for another seat except luggage seat:

Japan Experience can modify one time, free of charge, your booking if the corresponding QR code has not been used AND if it is NOT within 3 working days of the departure date. 

You will then be sent a new QR code to use at JR stations to exchange for your new tickets.

Otherwise, you will need to go to JR station machines to exchange your QR code to receive your tickets and then change the departure time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to your train departure.

You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information.

• Departure date, route, seat for luggage seat, number of seats in the booking: 

Japan Experience cannot modify your booking. You will need to go to JR station machines to exchange QR code to receive your tickets and change time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to departure. There may be a difference in fare to be paid on the spot.

You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information. 

• If you have made a mistake in your departure date or number of seats, you have to make a new booking online. Japan Experience will allow you to cancel your previous order free of charge. Kindly note that modifications for the new issued tickets won't be possible.

Eligibility

All persons above the age of 12, with no restrictions of residence status or nationality, are eligible to buy individual train tickets (unlike the Japan Rail Pass and some JR regional passes, for example). Japanese individuals as well as foreigners living in Japan can thus purchase train tickets online. Under the age of 12, the aforementioned child fare conditions apply. 

Validity of train tickets

Train tickets issued are only valid for the date and time indicated on your booking, and are to be used only on the Kyoto to Tokyo route.