Shinkansen fares and ticket booking methods from Kyoto to Shizuoka

Overview of travel methods from Kyoto to Shizuoka

You can travel from Kyoto Station to Shizuoka Station using the Tokaido Shinkansen.

This article explains Shinkansen fares, Travel Time from departure to arrival, and how to book tickets. We've compiled useful information for your trip to Japan, including JR Pass usage rules and the types of trains you can use. Please use this as a reference to help plan your trip smoothly.

Basic information from Kyoto to Shizuoka

• Fastest train: "Hikari" (some trains), Travel Time from departure to arrival: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
• Fare for unreserved seats: 9,900 yen
• Fare for reserved seats (Standard Class): 10,230 yen
• Green Car fare: 13,890 yen
• Available trains: "Hikari" (some trains) and "Kodama"
• JR Pass: Please refer to "Can the JR Pass be used between Kyoto and Shizuoka?" below.
• "Nozomi" trains do not stop at Shizuoka Station. You will need to use "Hikari" (some trains) or "Kodama" trains.

Shizuoka (destination) as a tourist destination

Shizuoka is a city rich in nature and history, known as the gateway to Mount Fuji. From Nihondaira, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay, and Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, connected by a ropeway, is a magnificent shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Miho no Matsubara (Miho Pine Grove) is one of the "New Three Views of Japan," and its harmonious landscape of Mount Fuji and pine forest is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sakura shrimp tempura, Shizuoka oden, and Shizuoka tea are representative local delicacies of Shizuoka. It can be accessed from Kyoto in as little as 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Shinkansen Fare from Kyoto to Shizuoka

Overview of Shinkansen Fares from Kyoto to Shizuoka

Between Kyoto Station and Shizuoka Station, you can use the Tokaido Shinkansen's "Hikari" and "Kodama" trains. Fares, stops, and travel times vary depending on the type of train. "Nozomi" trains do not stop at Shizuoka Station, so please use either the "Hikari" (some trains) or "Kodama". Reserved seats tend to sell out quickly during peak seasons such as Golden Week, Obon, and New Year's. We recommend booking early to ensure a comfortable journey.

Compare Fares Between Hamamatsu and Kyoto

Between Kyoto Station and Shizuoka Station, you can use the Tokaido Shinkansen's "Hikari" (some trains) and "Kodama" trains. Fares, stops, and travel times vary depending on the type of train. "Nozomi" trains do not stop at Shizuoka Station, so please use either the "Hikari" (some trains) or "Kodama" train. Reserved seats tend to sell out quickly during peak seasons such as Golden Week, Obon, and New Year's. We recommend booking early to ensure a comfortable journey.

Features and advantages of unreserved seating

Features and usage scenarios of reserved seats

For reserved seats, which require advance booking, you will be assigned a seat number, guaranteeing you a seat during your journey. Reserved seats tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons such as Golden Week and the New Year holidays, so early booking is recommended. Online reservations for the Tokaido Shinkansen are primarily handled through Smart EX. It can be accessed from smartphones and payment can be made by credit card. Discounts and terms of use vary depending on the season, route, and train, so please check the latest information.

Features and Comfort of Green Cars

Green Cars offer more spacious seats than Standard Class cars, allowing for a more comfortable journey. The seat pitch (distance between seats) is generous, making long journeys less tiring. Many seats have power outlets, allowing you to charge your smartphone or laptop while traveling. Green Cars are recommended for business travelers, special trips, or anyone seeking a more luxurious travel experience. Reservations for Green Cars can be made at JR ticket offices, designated seat ticket machines, or through compatible online reservation services.

Travel Time from Kyoto to Shizuoka

Shortest Shinkansen Travel Time Between Kyoto and Shizuoka

When traveling from Kyoto to Shizuoka by Shinkansen, the "Nozomi" train does not stop at Shizuoka Station, so you will need to use the "Hikari" (some trains) or "Kodama" train. The travel time varies depending on the train and whether or not you need to transfer. Please check the latest travel times on Ekitan's Shinkansen timetable.

Average Travel Time and Difference Between Trains

When traveling from Kyoto to Shizuoka by Shinkansen, the "Nozomi" train does not stop at Shizuoka Station, so you will need to use the "Hikari" (some trains) or "Kodama" train. The number of "Hikari" trains is limited. Travel time varies depending on the train and whether transfers are required. Please check the latest travel times on Ekitan's Shinkansen timetable.

Speed and Features of the Tokaido Shinkansen

Comparison of Travel Time with Air Travel

Compared to airplanes, Shinkansen often have an advantage in terms of total travel time because they eliminate the need for airport access, security checks, and boarding procedures. With airplanes, you need to arrive at the airport 1-2 hours before departure for airport check-in, security checks, and getting to the boarding gate. Furthermore, travel time from the airport to the city center is also added after arrival. On the other hand, Shinkansen only travel from station to station, making access to the city center significantly faster.

Time Comparison with Cars and JR Conventional Lines

Even using expressways, traveling by car takes significantly longer than by Shinkansen, including traffic jams and rest stops. Furthermore, Japanese expressways have high tolls, and parking fees at the destination must also be considered. Using JR conventional lines can take several hours or more, including transfers. Considering travel time, cost, and comfort, the Shinkansen is the most efficient mode of transportation.

Which train is the fastest?

Differences Between "Hikari" and "Kodama"

On the Tokaido Shinkansen line running between Kyoto and Shizuoka, you can use "Kodama" and "Hikari" trains. However, since "Hikari" trains only make a limited number of stops, "Kodama" trains will be more common depending on the time of day. Each train has different stops and travel times, so you can choose the one that best suits your itinerary. With a JR Pass, you can use both "Kodama" and "Hikari" trains without additional charge.

Stations and Features of Each Train

If you want to travel as quickly as possible, some "Hikari" trains that stop between Kyoto and Shizuoka are convenient. However, the number of these trains is limited, so please check the timetable for the date and time you plan to travel. "Kodama" trains stop at every station and take longer, but they are easy to use.

Kyoto to Shizuoka: Travel Time by Train

"Hikari" is a high-speed train on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. However, only some "Hikari" trains stop at Odawara, Shizuoka, and Hamamatsu. If you plan to use "Hikari" between Kyoto and Shizuoka, please check the timetable on Ekitan in advance to confirm whether the train makes these stops.

The "Kodama" train stops at every station. While the journey time is longer, it's a convenient train to use because it stops at every station, including Odawara, Shizuoka, and Hamamatsu.

Recommended trains between Kyoto and Shizuoka

If you want to travel as quickly as possible, check the times when the "Hikari" train makes a stop. JR Pass holders can also use the "Hikari" and "Kodama" trains without additional charge. If there are fewer "Hikari" trains during certain times, or if you have more time, the "Kodama" is also an option. Choose the train that best suits your travel purpose, departure time, and budget.

Points to consider when choosing a train

You can check timetables and seat availability on Ekitan (ekitan.com) or Smart EX. Reserved seats tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak season. We recommend booking as soon as your itinerary is decided. Reserved seats generally go on sale at 10:00 AM one month prior to the date of travel. If you have a JR Pass, please plan your itinerary within the pass's validity period and allow for some flexibility in your schedule.

How to book Shinkansen tickets

Basic methods for purchasing Shinkansen tickets

There are three ways to purchase Shinkansen tickets between Kyoto and Shizuoka: ① at a JR ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi), ② at a designated seat ticket vending machine, and ③ online (e.g., Smart EX). Foreign credit cards can be used at many ticket offices and vending machines, but they may not be accepted depending on the card company and authentication requirements. Visitors to Japan should check the usage conditions in advance.

 

 

How to Purchase Tickets at a JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-madoguchi)

Many major train stations have ticket offices called "Midori-no-madoguchi", where you can purchase tickets while consulting directly with staff. Some stations have English-speaking staff on duty, making it a convenient way for travelers to purchase tickets. Cash and credit cards are accepted. Opening hours vary by station, but are generally from 6:00 to 21:00. JR Passes can also be exchanged at Midori-no-madoguchi.

How to use a ticket vending machine

You can purchase tickets at designated seat ticket vending machines inside the station using touch panel operation. An increasing number of these machines support multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Korean. Since payment by credit card is possible, you can use them even without cash. A major advantage is that you can purchase tickets smoothly even during peak hours when ticket offices are crowded. If you have a JR Pass, you may be able to make seat reservations at the vending machines.

Online Booking (Smart EX)

Smart EX is an online reservation service for the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. Reservations can be made via smartphone or computer, and ticketless boarding is possible by registering a transportation IC card. Overseas-issued credit cards may not be accepted depending on the card company's policies and the requirements of the identity verification service. Visitors to Japan should check the accepted cards and registration requirements in advance.

 

 

Points to note when making a reservation

During peak seasons such as Golden Week (late April to early May), Obon (August), and the New Year holidays (late December to early January), reserved seats may sell out several weeks in advance. We recommend booking as early as possible once your travel dates are decided. Smart EX booking conditions and release dates may vary depending on the product and terms of use. Please check for the latest information.

Can I use the JR Pass between Kyoto and Shizuoka?

Overview of JR Pass

The JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass) is an unlimited travel pass for foreign visitors to Japan. It comes in three types: 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day passes. During the validity period, you can ride many JR trains, including Shinkansen, limited express, and local trains. The "Hikari" and "Kodama" trains used in this section can be used with a regular JR Pass without additional charge. Purchase and redemption methods may change, so please check the latest information on the JAPAN RAIL PASS official website.

Availability between Kyoto and Shizuoka

Use on the "Hikari" and "Kodama" Trains with a JR Pass

"Nozomi" trains do not stop at Hamamatsu Station. You will need to use "Hikari" (some trains) or "Kodama" trains. If using a JR Pass, please also use "Hikari" (some trains) or "Kodama" trains. If you wish to use a reserved seat, please reserve your seat before boarding.

How to reserve seats and important points to note

When using the Shinkansen on this section with a JR Pass, please make a seat reservation if you wish to use a reserved seat. You can use trains with unreserved seats without a reservation. However, during peak seasons and busy times, you may not be able to find a seat in the unreserved section. If you want to be sure to get a seat, we recommend reserving a reserved seat in advance. Seat reservations can be made at JR ticket offices, reserved seat ticket machines, or through the corresponding online reservation service.

Points to note when using JR Pass

JR Passes have an expiration date, so please choose the appropriate number of days (7, 14, or 21 days) according to your itinerary. Using a JR Pass is often more economical when traveling across multiple sections of the line. Purchase and redemption methods for JR Passes may change. Please check the latest information on the JAPAN RAIL PASS official website. Since you can specify the start date of your pass, please plan and use it strategically to match your travel start date.

Shinkansen timetable between Kyoto and Shizuoka

Shinkansen Service Frequency Between Kyoto and Shizuoka

On the Tokaido Shinkansen line between Kyoto and Shizuoka, you can use either the "Hikari" (some trains) or "Kodama" trains. Since the number of "Hikari" trains that stop is limited, please check in advance if there are any trains that stop at your desired time. There are trains running from early morning to late at night, but the type of train varies depending on the time of day.

First and Last Train Times

Shinkansen trains departing from Kyoto Station towards Shizuoka operate from early morning until late at night. Please check the latest timetable for the first and last departure times.

How to read a timetable

Ekitan (ekitan.com) allows you to easily check Shinkansen timetables and fares for the Kyoto-Shizuoka route. Simply enter your departure station, arrival station, and date, and the available trains and fares will be displayed. You can also check this information on your smartphone, so please confirm the latest timetable before your trip.

Kyoto Station to Shizuoka Station (Excerpt, Approximate)

*Actual times and train numbers may change due to seasonal changes or revisions to the operating schedule. Please check the latest information on Ekitan or other sources.

Peak Hours and Points to Note

The trains tend to be more crowded during the morning commute (7:00-9:00) and in the evening (17:00-19:00). They are especially crowded during Golden Week, Obon, and the New Year holidays, and reserved seats tend to sell out quickly. During peak travel seasons, it's recommended to book early and allow ample time for travel. Also, if transfers are necessary, be sure to check the connecting train times in advance.

Summary: Shinkansen from Kyoto to Shizuoka

This is a summary of Shinkansen travel from Kyoto to Shizuoka.

Trains used: "Hikari" (some trains) or "Kodama"

Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes at the shortest. This varies depending on the train, stops, and whether transfers are required. Please check the Shinkansen timetable on Ekitan before your trip.

JR Pass: You can use a regular JR Pass for "Hikari" and "Kodama" trains without additional charge.

Reservation methods: You can use a JR ticket office, designated seat ticket vending machines, Smart EX, etc.

Note: "Nozomi" trains do not stop at Shizuoka Station. "Hikari" trains only stop at a limited number of stations, so please check the timetable.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen, regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.