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The Fastest Way to Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto, Japan

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The Fastest Way to Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto, Japan

Exploring Japan: The Fastest Way to Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto with a Toddler and While Pregnant

This post outlines the quickest route to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto, including valuable recommendations for your stay in Tokyo upon arrival. It also covers tips on how and where to book your bullet train tickets to Kyoto, as well as accommodation suggestions in Kyoto for added convenience. This guide is designed to ensure a comfortable experience for families with young children and expectant mothers, making your journey both swift and hassle-free. Let’s go!


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Travel Tips
  • For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.
  • For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.


Best Places to Stay in Tokyo on a Budget for First Time Visitors
This was our one-night stay at Green Hotel, before our trip to Kyoto and Osaka.


One Night Stay To Recuperate

If you've just arrived and need to recharge, especially after long flights with little ones and during pregnancy, it's best to take it easy. We booked a one-night stay to ensure we can rest properly.


For Budget Travelers

  • Check-in: Green Hotel
  • Address: 6 Chome-4-4 Higashiueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0015, Japan
  • 2 days 1 night: 
  • Price: 85 USD (12,440 JPY)

Pros
  • Ideal for a One-Night Stay
  • The Wi-Fi connection is excellent
  • Just a 10-minute walk from Ueno Station
  • Easy Access to the Skyliner Train to the Airport 


How to get there: Ueno Station to Green Hotel

From Ueno Station, you can either walk for 10 minutes or take the Ginza Line (Orange) to Inaricho Station, which is just one stop away (about 1 minute). After arriving, take the stairs and exit through Gate 3, then walk for 3 minutes to reach the Green Hotel (Pink Building).


Affordable Dining Options Near Green Hotel (within Walking Distance)

  • Ministop: We purchased breakfast, drinks, and snacks for 17 USD.
  • Hidakaya: Perfect spot for warm meals.
  • Maruistop: Find fresh fruits and grocery items, conveniently located next to Hidakaya.
  • Andersen Inside Ueno Station: Breakfast and yummy pastries. I absolutely love their Hikaru Pastry!


We chose to stay in Ueno for convenient access to the train station, allowing us to explore the area throughout the day with my brothers. We had a wonderful time shopping, dining, and enjoying our adventures together. Read more: Easy Day Itinerary in Ueno, Tokyo

The Green Hotel is ideal for a one-night stay; it’s budget-friendly and perfectly suited as we prepare to leave for Kyoto the following day.


For Solo Travelers and Couples Seeking Affordable Lodging

  • Check-in: Tokyo Ueno Youth Hostel
  • Address: 4階 1 Chome-13-6 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
  • 3 days and 2 nights
  • Price: 13,221.79 PHP / 34,400 JPY

Pros
  • Only 3 stops away from Tokyo Station
  • A 10-minute stroll from Keisei Ueno Station
  • A 5-minute walk from Okachimachi Station on the JR Yamanote Line (one stop from Ueno Station)


My brothers stayed at Tokyo Ueno Youth Hostel. This option is perfect for solo travelers and couples seeking budget-friendly lodging in Tokyo. They liked having their own room with a private bathroom and free slippers. The rooms are small, as is usual in Tokyo, but they are very affordable and in a good location! Since they got to Japan before us, they also bought a Commuter Pass. Read more: Which pass to get for tourists: Commuter Pass, Suica Card vs Tokyo Subway Pass


Oct 19: How To Travel From Tokyo To Kyoto 

Here’s the most efficient way to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto while pregnant and with a toddler in tow. You’ll want the fastest and easiest option: the bullet train. This choice not only saves you money—since flying costs twice as much—but also allows you to skip the lines and airport transfers, ultimately saving time. Although flying to Kyoto is faster, the additional travel required to navigate the airport can feel like a hassle.


Book a Bullet Train via Klook

  • Bullet Train via Klook
  • Travel Duration with Nozomi Shinkansen: 2 hours and 15 minutes
  • One-way Ticket Price: $95 / 14,000 JPY
  • Departure Station: Tokyo Station (look for the Shinkansen platforms)


The “Shinkansen”, commonly referred to as the Bullet Train, is the fastest means of traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto. Keep in mind, this is not included in the JR Pass

We traveled from Tokyo to Kyoto on the Bullet Train via Klook. It’s the fastest option with frequent departures. We chose the 10:30 am train, as it’s better to start early. The train was clean and spacious, providing a comfortable ride even with my toddler and me being six months pregnant.


Children's fee: Under the age of 6

  • Children under the age of 6 are not required to have a Japan Rail Pass and can travel free of charge. 
  • Take note that seat reservations are not available for those under 6.


How to Collect Tickets 

  • Pick up Bullet Train Tickets via Klook using the QR Code.
  • Simply scan your QR code at the ticket machine to collect two tickets for each passenger. 
  • For additional information, just refer to your pick-up guide.


Bullet Train Luggage Rules

  • Suitcase Dimensions: To avoid extra fees on the bullet train, luggage should not exceed 160 cm.


This is how you calculate: for example, the dimensions of our suitcase are 40 cm in width, 53 cm in height, and 24 cm in depth. When you add all the dimensions together, the total comes to 117 cm - we were perfectly within the required limits!


Train Journey from Tokyo to Kyoto

Start Early: Opt for a Morning Train

We boarded the 10:30 a.m. Bullet Train at Tokyo Station; be early and easily find your way to the Shinkansen platforms. We dedicated four incredible days to exploring the beautiful sights of Kyoto, and we also reserved one day to venture into Osaka.


Japanese Train Etiquette

  • It's important to respect others and be aware of those around you.
  • Don't stand on the yellow lines. Let others who are searching for their train and car number pass by.


Important Tips

  • If you want a view of Mt. Fuji, choose the Mt. Fuji seat views when purchasing your Bullet Train Tickets via Klook. These are seats D and E on the left side of the train.
  • You can eat on the bullet train.


The Fastest Way to Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto

For Lunch: Purchased the Famous Bento box 

  • Bento Box for 4 people: 31 USD

Before boarding our train, we arrived early at the station to buy lunch for the trip. Yes, you’re allowed to eat inside the bullet train, especially during longer trips. They even provide a foldable table, similar to those on planes, for your dining convenience while aboard.


The Fastest Way to Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto

Where to Stay in Kyoto

  • Check-in: Seiki Kyoto Station Hotel
  • Also called Hotel Seiki Kyoto Station
  • Address: 24-5 Higashikujo Kitakarasumacho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8017, Japan
  • 5 days 4 nights
  • Price: 520 USD / 75,411 JPY (VAT included) for 1 unit with 2 bedrooms, accommodating 4 adults and 1 toddler.
  • Take note: All guests staying in Kyoto City will be charged an accommodation tax of 200 JPY per person per night.

Pros
  • Great for Budget Travelers
  • Suitable for solo travelers, couples, and families
  • Just a 6-minute walk from Kyoto Station
  • Within walking distance of two major shopping malls
  • Experience traditional Japanese-style rooms with Tatami mat flooring
  • Bonus: Washer-dryer combo inside the room


I absolutely love the traditional Japanese-style rooms at Seiki Kyoto Hotel. The use of tatami mat flooring in the bedrooms enhances the authentic Japanese experience even more.

Read more: Budget-Friendly Place to Stay in Kyoto for Families - In this post, I will highlight our accommodation in Kyoto, along with nearby dining options, shopping spots, attractions, and much more.


Kyoto Station


Kyoto Tips

  • Use bug spray if you're prone to insect or mosquito bites. My husband and little one got big, swollen, itchy bites that lasted two days, and scratching them can lead to wounds.
  • There are malls within walking distance from the Kyoto Train Station.
  • Try to book your hotel just a few minutes' walk from Kyoto Station. This way, you can easily walk to the station, access laundry facilities, and have plenty of dining options nearby.
  • If you're visiting in October, bring an umbrella or buy an affordable one at Don Quijote. Rain is always a possibility.
  • In October, bring a light jacket since it can get chilly in the mornings and evenings. You’ll experience both warm and cool weather during this month.


The Fastest Way to Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto

Things To Do in Kyoto: Top Attractions to Explore
  • Oct 22: Imperial Palace, Jidai Matsuri (Oct 21-22 Festival)  and Nishiki Market 


Souvenir Shopping

We visited the Kyoto Avinta Mall near Kyoto Station and shopped at Don Quijote. There, we purchased a variety of Kit Kats, cookies, and more for 50 USD. If your total exceeds 5,000 JPY, you can enjoy tax-free shopping!


Shopping for Matcha Pastries

Matcha Pastries at Koto Miyabi Store
  • Kyoto's Whole Matcha Milk for 680 JPY
  • Kyoto Warabi Mochi Kyoto Bura for 650 JPY


My top pick among matcha treats is the Kyoto Warabi Mochi Kyoto Bura. This delightful mochi offers a uniquely soft texture paired with the rich aroma of matcha.


More Matcha Pastries at Kyokasho Tsuruya Chosei Store
  • Matcha Milk Bun and Kyoto Matcha Milk Manju for 930 JPY.


These delightful treats, popular at Kyokasho Tsuruya Chosei—also known as "Kyoto Confectionery: Tsuruya Chosei"—are rich in matcha flavor, featuring a subtly milky exterior and a delicious bean paste filling.


The Fastest Way to Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto
 IC Card (Suica/Pasmo) reloading station

Oct 24 - Getting Back to Tokyo from Kyoto

For Train Meals & Snacks

  • Snacks at Grand Kiosk: 3 pastries, fruit cup, milk tea bottle and more for 10 USD
  • Drink at Starbucks: Matcha Cappuccino 
  • Lunch at Eki-ben: 2 bento boxes for 20 USD


The Fastest Way to Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto

Eki-ben: Must-try when Traveling in Japan!

  • Bento Box for 2 people: 20 USD

We experienced the Eki-ben, or train station bento lunch box, again, and we are still absolutely amazed by how delicious and affordable it is. The bento box we bought was, as always, beautifully arranged and thoughtfully filled with an assortment of Japanese delicacies. We even tried one that heats the food, making it a blockbuster experience! This is truly a must-try when traveling in Japan.


Train from Kyoto Station to Tokyo Station

  • Train Schedule: 12:30 PM from Kyoto to Tokyo
  • Travel Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes


  • At the station

Use your IC card (Suica or PASMO) or Occa card to enter the station. If you want a packed lunch or bento box, look for Eki Ben, which is nearby and also available on both sides inside the station after you tap your card.


  • Inside the station

Head to the JR Shinkansen Train and show your bullet train ticket. If you have a Klook voucher, scan it at the QR code reader, then use your IC card (Suica or PASMO) or Occa card. From here, you'll find many stores to grab food and more.

Once on the platform, take the escalator or elevator, and find the right train and car number. Be sure to check your tickets carefully.


Train from Tokyo Station to Ueno Station

  • Once you exit the Bullet Train, scan the QR code along with your IC card (Suica or PASMO) or Occa card. Then, head up to take the JU Line (Red Line) to Ueno Station. Read more: Where to Stay in Ueno, Tokyo - Budget-Friendly too!


Travel Packing Checklist for couples

Bonus Tip: Use a Travel Packing Checklist

This is my ultimate secret to making travel hassle-free: I use a Travel Packing Checklist. This ensures I don’t forget essential items and prevents those frantic last-minute shopping trips for things I already own but left behind. I didn’t realize how much I needed this notebook; it truly keeps my journeys organized and stress-free. Check out Flying Starfish Studios for unique journals, notebooks, and planners.

Here's another special Packing checklist designed for families. It includes packing lists for babies and kids to ensure nothing is overlooked!


Upon returning to Tokyo, we spent a day exploring Shibuya. It was an enjoyable and effortless itinerary, especially since we have a toddler and I am pregnant. We still managed to experience all the highlights of the vibrant Shibuya area. Read more: Easy Shibuya Itinerary For A Day

Have fun and be safe ^__^


Do you want more adventure in Japan?

Tokyo Travel Tips

  • Pokémon Center Tokyo DX: Largest Pokémon store, with a Pokémon Café.
  • Tokyo Station: Must-visit for Amazing Ramen, Anime, & Manga Stores
  • Shibuya: Easy Itinerary, World's Busiest Pedestrian Crossing & Pokémon Centre
  • Ueno: Simple Itinerary, Things To-Do and Delicious Eats at Ameyoko Market


Explore Kawaguchiko "Best Mt. Fuji Views"



 Explore Kyoto



Explore Osaka

Travel Visa for Filipinos
Where am I going next?
  • For our next adventure, we're looking forward to Discovering the Beautiful Island of Hokkaido in Japan. I can't wait for this trip!

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