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Exploring Japan by Rail: Bullet Train Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto

on February 24, 2026

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.

bullet-train-mt-fuji

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.

tokyo-fuji

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.

Kyoto Golden Pavilion

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.

New Year's Around The World
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New Year’s Around the World: Customs, Rituals & Celebrations

on December 30, 2025

USA

In the United States, New Year’s Eve is celebrated with parties, drinks, and watching the iconic Times Square ball drop. Once the ball drops and the clock hits midnight, many toast drinks or kiss their significant other. The first day of the New Year is a national holiday during which many relax after the excitement of New Year’s Eve. In cities across the country this day is celebrated by watching colorful and festive parades.

USA New Years Eve

The Rose Bowl Parade is an iconic New Year’s Day tradition in Pasadena, California, featuring elaborate, flower-covered floats, marching bands, and equestrian units leading into the Rose Bowl football game. This year, the undefeated No. 1 seed Indiana Hoosiers play against the No. 9 seed Alabama Crimson Tide.

The Mummers Parade is a lively and beloved Philadelphia tradition featuring elaborately costumed clubs that perform music, dance, and comedy in themed competitions. It’s one of the oldest continuously held folk parades in the United States.

Want to experience a new tradition for a new year? When 2026 tour departures open, events like the Rose Bowl Parade and the Mummers Parade can be found on our Special Events page, which also showcases other annual favorites including Mardi Gras, Oktoberfest, and more.

Japan

The Japanese New Year (Shōgatsu) is a family-focused holiday filled with traditions like cleaning homes, eating special foods like osechi ryōri (feast boxes) and toshikoshi soba, visiting shrines (hatsumōde), and ringing temple bells 108 times (joya no kane) to cleanse the old year’s sins. Children also receive money (otoshidama) in decorated envelopes, while families enjoy TV, games, and quiet time together.

Japan New Years Eve

At the end of December, the Japanese have numerous preparations to make to get ready for the New Year. Osoji is a thorough “big cleaning” of homes to sweep out the old year’s dust and bad luck. Bonenkai is a party thrown to let go of the past year’s troubles. Homes are decorated with pine, bamboo, and plum (kadomatsu) and kagami mochi (stacked rice cakes) for good fortune.

United Kingdom

Like the United States, people in the United Kingdom celebrate New Year’s Eve with parties, music, food, drinks, and fireworks. At midnight, people sing “Auld Lang Syne,” (which is written in Scots, a language similar to English and traditionally spoken in Scotland. This is followed by the tradition of “First-Footing” on New Year’s Day, where a dark-haired man brings good luck to the house with gifts like coal, bread, and shortbread. This represents the old year being ushered out while the new year is welcomed with good fortune. On New Year’s Day, many get together with family for a large meal similar to Christmas dinner.

United Kingdom New Years Eve

France

On New Year’s Eve the French have a lavish dinner called Le Réveillon. This is a large meal with family and friends, featuring decadent food such as foie gras, oysters, seafood, truffles, and plenty of champagne, often ending with cheese and Bûche de Noël (Yule log cake). At 8 PM, there is a televised speech by the French President to the nation. As the night continues, celebrations range from intimate home parties to large masquerade balls with music and dancing.

France New Years Eve

Once midnight hits, the French participate in Faire la bise, a key tradition were air kisses (usually 2-4) are exchanged with everyone present, wishing them “Bonne Année!” Couples will also kiss under a mistletoe for good luck. At major public displays and events, especially in Paris, the celebrations include elaborate fireworks displays.

Germany

A major highlight of New Year’s Eve in Germany is Silvesterfeuerwerk. This is when Germans buy and set off their own fireworks, creating a chaotic but stunning spectacle. Another tradition consists of watching a classic British comedy sketch called ‘Dinner for One.’ Other unique traditions are Bleigießen, where Germans melt small lead figures and then pour them into cold water to interpret the shapes for fortunes in the new year, Guten Rutsch, many wish friends and family a “good slide” into the new year, and exchanging small tokens like marzipan pigs, four-leaf clovers, ladybugs, and horseshoes for good luck.

Germany Silvesterfeuerwerk

Mexico

Mexicans have a wide array of unique and vibrant New Year’s traditions. First is Las Doce Uvas, in which participants eat one grape with each chime of the clock at midnight while making a wish for each month of the year. Some people wear specific colored underwear for desired outcomes: red for love, yellow for wealth, green for health, pink for true love, and white for peace. Another tradition involves burning resolutions: Mexicans will write down bad habits or negative experiences they wish to leave behind them in the year that is ending and then burn the list to release them.  

Mexico Las Doce Uvas

Unique New Years Traditions All Across the World

Across the globe, many culturally specific traditions are conducted to prepare for and welcome the New Year. Whether watching the ball drop in the United States, setting off fireworks for Silvesterfeuerwerk in Germany, or singing “Auld Lang Syne” in Scotland, everyone celebrates in their own special way. To visit the countries listed in this article, click here to view Gate 1’s full itinerary. What’s your favorite New Year’s tradition? Share this post on social media and tell us about your most memorable celebrations!