Have you flown from Tokyo to Kyoto and if so, how was it?

Have you flown from Tokyo to Kyoto and if so, how was it?

I actually did fly from Tokyo to Kyoto once, but honestly, it was quite a hassle compared to taking the Shinkansen. Kyoto doesn’t have its own airport, so flying there means you need to land at Osaka’s Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport, then take a train or bus into Kyoto. That extra transfer really eats up your time and energy. After that experience, I took the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto, and it felt like magic—direct, fast, and super convenient.

For trips between neighboring regions like Tokyo and Kyoto, Japanese people overwhelmingly prefer the Shinkansen. It’s not just about speed; the trains run on time almost perfectly, have free Wi-Fi, and stations are designed for smooth transfers. Flights start to make more sense when you’re going longer distances, such as Tokyo to Hokkaido or Kyushu, where the Shinkansen takes over 4 hours and flights can be cheaper and quicker.

If Kyoto doesn’t have an airport, which airports do people use when flying near Kyoto?

Mostly, people use Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka Itami Airport (ITM). KIX is about 75 minutes from Kyoto by train (around ¥1,200 ≈ $9 USD), while Itami is closer but mainly serves domestic flights. After landing, you’d need to take a train or bus to reach Kyoto city center. So even if your flight is quick, the transfers add time and hassle.

How long does the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto take, and how much does it cost?

The fastest Shinkansen, the Nozomi, takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Tokyo to Kyoto. Tickets cost around ¥13,500 (~$100 USD) one way. While it’s pricier than some flights, the Shinkansen’s punctuality, comfort, and city-center to city-center service make it worth it for most people.

Are there any situations where flying between Tokyo and Kyoto might make sense?

If you find a super cheap flight deal landing at Kansai Airport and don’t mind the transfers, it could save a little money. Also, if you’re connecting from or to an international flight at Kansai, flying might be convenient. But generally, the extra time and effort to get from the airport to Kyoto outweigh the benefits.

What do Japanese people usually do when traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto for work or leisure?

Almost everyone takes the Shinkansen. It’s like a daily routine for many business travelers and tourists alike. Some bring work or use Wi-Fi onboard, turning travel time into productive time. The stations are bustling but efficient, and there’s no long check-in or security line like at airports.

Are there any perks on the Shinkansen that you enjoy personally?

I love the smooth ride, the clean and spacious seats, and the snack carts that come by with seasonal treats. Also, the trains are rarely delayed, which makes planning stress-free. Flying involves waiting at airports, security checks, and sometimes delays, so the Shinkansen feels like a seamless extension of your day rather than a separate ordeal.

In short, flying from Tokyo to Kyoto isn’t really practical because of Kyoto’s lack of an airport and the extra transfers involved. The Shinkansen is the real winner here—quick, reliable, and deeply woven into how Japanese people actually travel between these two cities. If you want to experience Japan like locals do, hopping on that bullet train is the way to go.