An average meal in Kyoto typically costs around 1,000 to 3,000 JPY ($7 to $21). This range covers a variety of dining options, from simple noodle dishes at local eateries to more elaborate meals at mid-range restaurants. For a traditional Kaiseki meal, expect to pay significantly more, usually starting at 10,000 JPY ($70) and up. Street food and quick bites, like takoyaki or yakitori, can be found for as little as 500 JPY ($3.50). Dining options vary widely, so exploring different types of restaurants can fit various budgets.
Traveling to Kyoto alone is perfectly manageable and offers a rewarding experience. The city is safe and well-organized, making it easy to navigate. Public transportation, including buses and trains, is efficient, with signs in English. A prepaid IC card, like Suica or ICOCA, simplifies travel on public transport.
For dining, many restaurants offer counter seating, catering to solo diners. Expect to pay around 1,000-2,000 JPY ($7-$14) for a typical meal. Popular sites like Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari-taisha, and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are accessible by public transport.
While tap water is safe to drink, bottled water is widely available if preferred. English is not widely spoken, so downloading a translation app can be helpful. Keep cash on hand, as some smaller establishments may not accept credit cards.
Start your day at Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates. Arrive early to avoid crowds. Next, visit Kiyomizu-dera, a historic temple with panoramic city views. Walk down the picturesque Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets nearby for traditional shops and tea houses.
For lunch, try a kaiseki meal, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, at a local restaurant. Prices range from ¥3,000 to ¥5,000 ($20-$35).
In the afternoon, explore the Arashiyama district, famous for its bamboo grove and the Iwatayama Monkey Park. Rent a bike for about ¥1,000 ($7) for a leisurely ride.
End your day in Gion, the historic geisha district. Stroll along Hanamikoji Street and consider a traditional tea ceremony experience, costing around ¥2,500 ($17).
Tap water in Kyoto is safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available if preferred.
| Cheapest Transport | $48 |
| Fastest Transport | 2h 15m |
| Earliest Departure | 6:00 AM |
| Latest Departure | 11:55 PM |
| Departures per day | 108 |
| Distance | 466 kilometers |
| Transport Companies | Grace Liner GR2, Haruka Express, Jetstar Japan, Kirakira Bus SK6, Owl Bus, Sakura Kanko Bus CJ, Sakura Kotsu SK4, Shinkansen JR Central, Shinki Bus LM, Sunshine Express SN6, Tokyo Fuji Kotsu NT3 |
When you want to get from Tokyo to Kyoto, you have a few options to consider. Traveling between these destinations is possible by different means of transport:
If you’re looking for a quick trip, it’s recommended that you use Train. However, if you’d rather take your time with a slower, more affordable travel option, you can book a Bus ticket.
The cost of travel will depend on the means of transport you choose for your trip. A Train ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about USD 133.08. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a bus as a bus ticket costs as low as USD 47.43.
If you’re traveling by land, it’s important to know the distance from Tokyo to Kyoto. Your trip will be a total of 290 miles (466 km). The flying distance is 282 miles (453 km).
The travel time from Tokyo to Kyoto can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. All things considered, the whole journey should take from 3 to 8 hours.
The cost of the trip from Tokyo to Kyoto varies according to what means of transport you choose for your journey. The most affordable operator is Sunshine Express SN6: travelling by bus expect to pay as low as USD 47.43 for your ticket.
However, if you’re after more upscale travel . The most expensive variant is to opt for a Train - a one-way Train ticket can cost as much as USD 133.08.
Here is a chart of the average ticket prices and transportation options available from Tokyo to Kyoto:
Depending on your choice of transportation, the number of daily trips varies.
Things to remember before opting for a bus ride:
These passes often provide significant savings compared to individual ticket fares and offer flexibility in travel planning. When comparing prices and considering your itinerary needs for journeys between Tokyo and Kyoto, the JR Rail Pass option is worth evaluating. It can be particularly beneficial for those planning to explore multiple destinations or make return trips within the validity period of the pass.
Things to remember while choosing a train ticket:
Consider everything carefully while choosing the class of your train travel. In most cases, the second class is comfortable enough – it features 2 or 4 berths in each compartment and is often air-conditioned.
If you’re in for a premium experience, consider getting a first class ticket. The price of first class tickets may include Wifi, and a choice of snacks and drinks..
How to choose the most convenient way of travel from Tokyo to Kyoto? In order to make your choice of transportation easier, we asked 1000 users to range their preferences for this route. Here are the results of the poll: