Kyoto is 364 kilometers (226 miles) southwest of Tokyo by air and the highways cover a distance of approximately 456 kilometers (283 miles). The day trips are not possible, but the weekend getaways become easy with this easy access route.
Bullet train (Fastest) Shinkansen
Nozomi or Hikari Shinkansen takes you in Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station within 2 hours 15-2 hours 30 minutes. Prices are about $100-130 per one-way; JR Passengers can board Hikari at no cost. The trains run every 10 minutes, reaching 300 km/h – scenic Fuji views along the way. reserve through Hyperdia app; initial/final cars less noisy.
Domestic Flights (Fast yet not so comfortable)
Fly Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) to Osaka Itami (ITM) or Kansai (KIX), 55-75 minutes in the air (50-150). Allow 1-2 hours to airports/security; add up door-to-door competitors trains. ANA/JAL frequent hops; low-cost Peach/Jetstar shave fares. Most suitable in heavy luggage, however Kyoto transfers take 45-90 minutes by bus/train.
Highway Buses (Cheapest)
Willer Express or the JR buses 7-9 hours (25-60) at night between Shinjuku and Kyoto. Luxury seats or recliner; leave evenings, arrive mornings. Day buses take 8 hours. Low end travelers save on accommodation; use Willer site in English.
Driving (Flexible but Costly)
Rental vehicles travel a distance of 456km in 4-5hours through Tomei expressway (50 gas/tolls). Foreigners are challenged by the challenges of left-side driving that is required by an International Permit. Tolls were almost 80; parking was rare in cities. Family outings.
Recommendation
Speed/comfort Shinkansen is the winner 90 percent of tourists use it. JR Pass (7 days 350) will be rewarded when visiting both plus Hiroshima. Buses are appropriate to solos/backpackers, flights heavy packers. There are no ferries; it is trains that rule Japan. Pack bento, the seat-reserve–the temples of Kyoto are a neon contrast to Tokyo.
