Exploring Japan by Rail: Bullet Train Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto
When travel is brought up, many people first think of flying. Rightfully so, flying is the main way that foreigners travel from country to country. But when traveling between cities within a country or region, trains are a great option! No train system is more efficient than the bullet trains in Japan.
The Iconic Bullet Trains of Japan
Japanese bullet trains are called shinkansen locally and are operated by Japan Railways. Running at speeds up to 200 mph, the bullet train is known for punctuality (most trains depart on time to the second), comfort (relatively silent cars with spacious always forward-facing seats), safety (no fatal accidents in its 60+ year history), and efficiency. A variety of rail pass options are available as well, making the Japanese bullet train a cost-effective mode of transportation.
Experience this fantastic technological feat for yourself on Gate 1’s 9 Day Tokyo & Kyoto Vacation. After spending four nights in Tokyo, travelers will transfer to the train station and board a bullet train heading to Kyoto. The city was founded in the 8th century and was one of the early capitals of Japan. The ride to Kyoto is around 2.5 hours long and offers scenic views through urban landscapes, rural countrysides, and a stunning view of Mount Fuji. Travel Tip! If seeing Mount Fuji on the bullet train is your goal, make sure you get a seat on the right side when traveling west (or left side when going east) on this route.
Tokyo
On Gate 1’s independent tour, travelers will have four nights to spend at their leisure to explore the city. On their first full day in Tokyo, they can choose to participate in the optional Full Day Mt. Fuji & Hakone with lunch tour. This tour has participants travel along the picturesque roads of rural Japan with its striking natural scenery. Ascend to the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan and one of the most beautiful conical volcanoes in the world. Stop to admire the gorgeous landscape (weather permitting) of the park. After lunch, take a relaxing cruise around the placid Lake Ashi. Take a cable car to the summit to marvel at the sweeping views of Hakone National Park.
The next day, consider trying the optional Half Day Tokyo Highlights tour. First, embark on a morning tour of Tokyo that begins at the serene Meiji Shrine, nestled in a forested area honoring the first Emperor of modern Japan and his Empress. Continue with a visit to the Imperial Palace East Garden, a precious jewel of nature within the bustling city center, located next to the Tokyo Imperial Palace. Afterward, travel to Asakusa, once Tokyo’s leading entertainment district. Stroll along Nakamise Street, a centuries-old shopping area where you can find everything from souvenirs to genuine Edo-style crafts.
Travelers will have another optional tour on their last full day in Tokyo, the Full Day Nikko with lunch tour. Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the entrance of the Nikko National Park, has served as a center for Shinto and Buddhist worship for centuries. It is home to several temples and shrines, including the Futarasan Shrine and the Rinnoji Temple. Travelers will visit the Toshogu Shrine, the mausoleum of the first shogun, and Tokugawa Ieyasu, a complex of colorful structures featuring the superb craftsmanship of Japan’s 17th century artisans. After an authentic Japanese-style lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Lake Chuzenji, created 20,000 years ago by an eruption of Mt. Nantai. Afterward, visit the 318-foot Kegon Falls, considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Nikko. The tour concludes near Shinjuku Station, a popular shopping and entertainments district.
Kyoto
Once finished in Tokyo, board the bullet train and arrive in Kyoto. Travelers will have the rest of this day and two more full days in the city on Gate 1’s 9 Day Tokyo & Kyoto Vacation. On the first day in Kyoto, it is yours to spend the balance of your day at leisure. There’s so much to see and do such as trying local meals at Nishiki Market, experiencing geisha culture in Gion, or just enjoying the panoramic city views.
The next day, feel free to explore Kyoto on your own, or choose the optional Half Day Nara Golden Route Tour. Travel to the 8th century Imperial capital of Nara, a repository of Japan’s cultural heritage, with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Arrive at the exquisite Todai-ji Temple, one of the world’s largest wooden structures and home of the impressive Great Buddha bronze statue, rising over 50 feet high. Continue to Nara Park to see the thousands of tame deer roaming freely. Next, view the famous Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site displaying over 3,000 antique hanging bronze lanterns, before returning to Kyoto.
On your last full day, continue exploring Kyoto or choose the optional Full Day Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour. Meet your guide at the Kyoto train station and take the bullet train to Hiroshima. On arrival, board the bus and catch the ferry to the majestic Miyajima Island. Disembark and begin the exploration of the island. Visit the stunning red Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its iconic floating torii gate. After lunch, reboard the ferry back to Hiroshima. Head to the Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome), a structure that miraculously survived the 1945 attack. Continue to the Hiroshima Memorial Park, a historic site near where the atomic bomb exploded. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, containing an extensive collection of artifacts from the time of the bombing. The compelling exhibitions chronicle the history of Hiroshima before and after the bombing in pictures, movies, and displays. Then board the bullet train to return to Kyoto.
A Journey That Connects Past and Present
Traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto by bullet train perfectly captures Japan’s unique balance of innovation and tradition. The speed and efficiency of modern rail travel, paired with the two cities that represent different sides of the country, create an unforgettable journey. To view Gate 1’s full Japanese itinerary, click here. To see our full Asian itinerary, click here.