If there’s one trip that truly highlights Japan, it’s Tokyo to Kyoto. One side’s got this vibrant city full of lights and skyscrapers; the other’s a step back in time, temples and those adorable cobblestone streets that wind around every bend. In all honesty, just like any great adventure, getting there’s half the fun.
So buckle up (or get on the train) after we’ve given you a quick tip that will make travelling a lot easier: stay connected. Whether you’re hopping on and off trains, visiting cool places or sharing everything in real time, eSIM plans in Japan will keep you connected without you having to do a thing. No need to search for an sIM card — just activate it when you arrive and you’re ready to go.
That done, it’s time to get on a ride—because getting to Kyoto from Tokyo is all about style just as much as it is about how far you’re going!
Image Source: Pexels.com
Tokyo to Kyoto: A journey through history
Tokyo and Kyoto have been close friends for centuries, all the way back to the Edo era (1603–1868) when Tōkaidō was the route of choice between old capital and shogun’s dominions. In earlier times, samurais, traders, and pilgrims used to take a fortnight to trek it on foot, visiting 53 vibrant post towns en route.
Some of those hip old places, such as Hakone and Narai-juku, survive to this day, providing a glimpse of Japan’s past. What took centuries is accomplished in a few hours today, yet the character of this route is still strong as ever—just need to determine in which way you want to immerse yourself in it.
Speed, Comfort, or Adventure? You decide
Hey, there’s no one “right” way to get to Kyoto or Tokyo, you know? Whether you’re all about that speed, want to relax in comfort, or just feel like cruisin’ in style with some fantastic sights, there are plenty of ways to get to Japan that feel just right for you.
Shinkansen: Japan in a flash at 300 km/h
If comfort and speed are your style, then Shinkansen is absolutely the way to go. In more than two hours, this bullet train whisks you from Tokyo to Kyoto with freaky timing, and the ride is smooth enough it feels a little magical. On a sunny day, watch after Shizuoka—that’s when you get a glimpse of Mount Fuji, making a regular ride a little unforgettable.
And it just keeps getting better when you treat yourself to a bentō ekiben, essentially a classic Japanese meal you can score at stops on the train. Every place has a special dish—certainly check Tokyo’s Gyutan Bento (grilled beef tongue) or Kyoto’s Makunouchi Bento, loaded up with sashimi and fresh produce.
🚄 Pro tip: Sit in a seat on the right-hand side of the train for a fantastic view of Mount Fuji, and for Pete’s sake, don’t dilly-dally around—Shinkansen trains leave punctually!
Exploring Japan by Land: Night Bus or Road Trip?
If you want to make the trip just as epic as the destination you’re going to, hitting the open road is absolutely the way to do it. Budget-friendly night buses are a great option for those on a tight budget.
Just hop on in Tokyo, take a nap during the journey and wake up in Kyoto to enjoy it all. Companies like Willer Express offer comfortable reclining seats and private cabins for added comfort. If you’re travelling in winter, the sight of snowy landscapes is even more beautiful. To enjoy the journey to the full, take the premium buses — the budget buses can be very cramped.
Adore freedom? A road trip allows you to take it at your own pace and take a few unforgettable side trips:
🚗 Hakone – Relax in an onsen with a great view of Mount Fuji.
🍽️ Nagoya – Sample hitsumabushi, a local specialty that’s all about three ways of preparing grilled eel.
🐵 Shiga-Kogen – In winter, watch snow monkeys soaking in natural hot springs.
Driving there? An English GPS and an ETC Card for tolls will make it a doddle to get around. Whether you take a bus or drive, going via the route that shows you the sights turns the entire trip into a fun adventure!
Arriving in Kyoto: the city of a thousand temples
As soon as you get off the bus or train in Kyoto, everything just feels different. Life just slows down a little, and you’re surrounded by these cobblestone streets, cool temples, and wood bridges that just look like they’re straight out of a different time. So, how do you start your Kyoto adventure? By immersing yourself in one of its longest traditions: the matcha ceremony.
Just a short train ride away is Uji, which is just famous for being where green tea was first introduced in Japan. Before you check in to a hotel, be sure to stop by Tsuji Rihei Honten, one of Japan’s oldest teahouses. Enjoying a cup of matcha done the old way isn’t just drinking tea—it’s getting straight into Japanese culture.
If you roll in after nightfall, Kyoto is even more magical. Walking around Gion, the geisha district, with those soft paper lanterns lighting up is seriously unforgettable. And if you’re up for it, check out Fushimi Inari Taisha at night. With those bright red torii gates looming in the blackness, all empty, it’s almost like you’re in a different world.
Tokyo to Kyoto: choose your own adventure
Heading to Kyoto is more than just a means to get from point A to point B—it’s more a question of how you want to experience Japan. This is not just a ride—it’s your time to immerse in all of the various feels of Japan, from Tokyo’s buzz to Kyoto’s chill.
