Top Notch Strategy for a One-Day Excursion from Tokyo to Kyoto
Title: Day Trip from Tokyo to Kyoto: quick, economical, or comfortable?
Tokyo and Kyoto – two adored cities in Japan, often included in tourists' itineraries. Despite a short timeframe in Tokyo, a visit to Kyoto is feasible and it's highly recommended.
Kyoto is approximately 2 to 3 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen Bullet Train, depending on the train you opt for. Traveling by bus or car takes 5 to 7 hours. Opt for overnight buses if you’re budget-savvy, with departure times around midnight and arrival in Kyoto early in the morning!
Tour Kyoto on a day-trip tour from Tokyo with our guided tour packages, which immerse you in the best Kyoto highlights like Kinkakuji Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Kiyomizudera Temple.
When you’ve the JR Rail Pass, go for the Shinkansen – fastest and most convenient mode of transport. This high-speed train takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. If you don’t have the JR Pass, choose the Hikari train as it's included in the pass. For a budget choice, night buses are available, costing around ¥1,700 to ¥6,000, and you can even take these late-night rides around midnight!
Concoct your Kyoto experience in a day with these travel plans:
1. Comfortable Plan: Bullet Train Round Trip
Transportation fee: approximately ¥26,000
- 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.: Bullet train journey from Tokyo to Kyoto
- 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.: Discover Kyoto with a 7-hour itinerary
- 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.: Return to Tokyo on the Bullet Train
2. Budget Plan: Go by Bullet Train and Return by Night Bus
Transportation fee: approximately ¥15,000 - ¥20,000
- 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.: Bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto
- 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.: Tour Kyoto for 7 hours
- 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.: Enjoy dinner and stay active in Kyoto
- 11 p.m. - 7 a.m.: Return to Tokyo on a night bus
If you're watchful of costs, check out budget hotels near Akihabara station for easy access to Tokyo station’s bus terminal.
3. Budget Plan: Round-Trip by Night Bus
Transportation fee: approximately ¥4,000 - ¥12,000
- 11 p.m. - 7 a.m., Transfer to Kyoto on a night bus
- 7 a.m. - 8 a.m.: Breakfast in Kyoto
- 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.: Tour Kyoto for 10 hours
- 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.: Enjoy dinner and night activities in Kyoto
- 11 p.m. - 7 a.m.: Return to Tokyo by night bus
Still, contemplating visiting Japan or need suggestions? Join our virtual tour of Kyoto and embark on an online exploration of key spots like Kinkakuji, Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, and more.
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- The journey from Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen Bullet Train takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, making it the fastest and most convenient mode of transport.
- For a more budget-friendly option, night buses are available, costing around ¥1,700 to ¥6,000, and these rides can be taken late at night.
- If you're traveling to Kyoto from Tokyo on a day-trip tour, you'll get to visit Kinkakuji Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Kiyomizudera Temple, among other highlights.
- To immerse yourself in the best of Kyoto's history, culture, and lifestyle, consider staying overnight in budget hotels near Akihabara station for easy access to Tokyo station’s bus terminal.
- Join our virtual tour of Kyoto for an online exploration of key spots like Kinkakuji, Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, and more, if you're contemplating visiting Japan or need travel inspiration.
