Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kyoto and more!

If you are planning on visiting Japan, you will likely want to visit both Tokyo and Kyoto, perhaps even Osaka. If this is the case you'll be happy to learn about the Tokyo to Kyoto bullet train tips I have for you. What is the Japan bullet train like?

Can you take public transportation from Tokyo to Kyoto instead of the bullet train?

The local trains around Japan are very affordable and you can find transportation that is cheaper than the bullet train, however it can take 4-5 times as long. For example when I was looking up this journey I found a bus that could take me to Kyoto from Tokyo and the Price was about ¼ of the price for the bullet train but it would take 8 ½ hours assuming the traffic conditions were normal. We ultimately decided that time would be more important and since the train took A little over 2 hours we decided to spend the extra money and take the bullet train. 

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Should I get the JR rail pass for my visit to Japan?

One of the most common options you'll come across on the internet is to get the JR rail pass which you can get in increments of 7 days. This is pricey but if you plan on using the train long distances more than a couple times it could be well worth it. Perhaps a couple round trip tickets within a week. Here are the current prices. 

When should you not get the JR rail pass?

We opted out of the JR pass because we were only in the country a short time and didn't have plans to explore with that much detail. We flew into Tokyo, took the JR bullet train to Kyoto, and then flew out of Osaka to our next destination (Thailand). I would recommend this route to fellow travelers looking for quick and easy transportation.

Should I fly out of Osaka airport if I am visiting Kyoto?

Getting from Kyoto to Osaka Isn’t bad either if you're comfortable with using trains. It took 2 trains to get from Kyoto to Osaka and then one more train to get to the airport. You can find trains for cheap and luxury type trains on this route as well.

Should I take a taxi or train to Osaka airport?

It is however very expensive to get to the airport in Osaka by car because the airport is on an island. I recommend you take the train at least for your last leg of the trip if you plan on taking this route. Let me know if these tips helped you in the comments! 

What will I see on the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto?

Along the journey you will pass through different mountain towns so if you did have the JR pass you could stop and enjoy these towns. If you do a one way trip like we did you will still get to enjoy seeing the towns through the window. We went when all of the beautiful fall colors were vibrant. If you can line up a trip during the fall season you will be amazed by the different colors of the trees all around Japan.

How can I see Mt. Fuji on the bullet train?

You'll be pleased to hear that on a clear day you can see the big and beautiful Mt. Fuji very clearly. On the train leaving from Tokyo in route to Osaka or Kyoto you will be able to see Mt. Fuji if you sit on the right side. If you are riding the train the opposite route you will be able to see it on the left side. The best view is about 40 minutes away from Tokyo near Mt. Fuji train station. On this side of the train there are rows of 2 seats next to each other. On the opposite side there are rows of 3 seats next to each other.

 Can I eat on the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto?

If you forget to bring snacks there are plenty of options in the train station. We stopped at a bakery and grabbed a couple of sandwiches and other baked goods for our trip. On local trains it isn't acceptable to eat along your journey but for long distance travel a lot of people enjoy bento boxes and other snacks that they pick up at the train station. We opted out of the bento boxes because they were prepackaged and room temperature.

 What is train travel like in Japan?

Well, if you're American it is completely different. Japan has a more conservative culture so everything is clean, people are quiet, and you will feel extremely safe along your journey. I would compare the train systems in Japan to the train systems in western Europe. Very modern, affordable, and overall lovely.  As someone who has used public transportation in more than 25 countries, I would rank Japan as the number one in terms of safety and cleanliness. The train stations are equally as impressive as well. The bigger stations have tons of food options, waiting areas, smoking rooms, and shopping. The toilets even have bidets which is amazing in my opinion! Remaining silent on the train is considered polite fyi. 

Looking for a Hotel in Tokyo? Here are a couple of my recommendations based on ratings and location. This hotel is highly rated through Expedia and in a great location close to the Tokyo Dome. 

Here is my affiliate link through Expedia. Thank you for your support!

EXPEDIA HOTEL LINK

TIP: Many hotels in Japan will be much smaller than what the American traveler is used to. Be sure to check the room size. Especially in densely populated areas like Tokyo! 

The second hotel is in one of our favorite 

areas in Tokyo. Shinjuku is a very lively 

area famous for nightlife, bright lights, 

and amazing food. 

This hotel is highly rated on Expedia.

SHINJUKU EXPEDIA HOTEL LINK

Should I purchase a sim card ahead of time?

If you're looking for a Sim card to use throughout your stay I ordered mine ahead of time because I was staying longer than a few days and I didn't want to over pay at the airport. I purchased a 30 day sim card which is linked below for your convenience through my Amazon affiliate link. This particular one was very fast and efficient. It took about 5 minutes for it to activate in my phone and I had directions by the time I was through customs. I used this in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto and had great service everywhere. This also came with a sim card holder with several slots as well as the sim card extraction tool. FYI this is for data only, not for text and calls but the company has different options online. I use apps like WhatsApp and Social Media to keep in contact with people during my travels which can save you a lot of money!

JAPAN SIM CARD AMAZON LINK 

Where can I stay that is more culturally immersive?

If you haven't heard of HomeStay yet, it is a platform that allows you to stay with locals and get a more immersive experience. Through homestay you will find a variety of different local stays, some of which include hosts that may be interested in showing you around or cooking local favorites for you.

Thank you for reading! Check out some of my other travel blogs for more tips :) Cheers and happy travels. Please subscribe to our YouTube channel and blog to support our travels.

ETSY PAGE with postcards and itineraries LINK