Hakone to Kyoto train with JR Central

Information about the Hakone to Kyoto train route

The Hakone to Kyoto train journey is one of Japan's most rewarding routes for travelers who want to combine natural scenery with cultural immersion. Starting from Hakone-Yumoto Station (707-1 Yumoto Shiraishishita, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0311), the route takes you from one of Japan's most beloved hot spring and mountain resort areas to one of its most historically rich cities, arriving at Kyoto Station (Higashishiokoji Kamadacho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 600-8216).

Because Hakone sits outside the Shinkansen network, the journey to Kyoto requires a transfer, most commonly via Odawara Station, where travelers connect to the Tokaido Shinkansen heading west. Odawara is easily reached from Hakone-Yumoto by the Hakone Tozan Railway in just a few minutes, making the transfer quick and straightforward. From Odawara, the Tokaido Shinkansen carries you directly to Kyoto, with Hikari services making the journey without requiring a change.

This is a route popular with travelers building a classic Japan itinerary, often combining a stay in Hakone for hiking, onsen bathing, and views of Mount Fuji with the temples, shrines, and traditional neighborhoods that make Kyoto so distinctive. The two destinations complement each other well, one defined by nature and relaxation, the other by history and culture.

We recommend using the JR Pass for traveling in trains all around Japan to save more money if you plan to do many trips. You can check the correct prices for every station or shinkansen connection in Omio's JR Pass information.

Hakone to Kyoto by train: what to expect on board

Traveling the Hakone to Kyoto bullet train route means experiencing two very different styles of Japanese rail in a single journey. The first leg, the Hakone Tozan Railway from Hakone-Yumoto to Odawara, is a charming, narrow-gauge mountain railway that winds through forested valleys and past seasonal blooms. It is a slow, scenic ride that sets a pleasant tone before the contrast of Shinkansen speed takes over.

Boarding the Shinkansen at Odawara

Once at Odawara Station, the transition to the Tokaido Shinkansen is clearly marked. The Hikari service is the recommended choice for travelers using a JR Pass on this leg, as it stops at Kyoto and covers the distance efficiently without requiring a further change.

Best seats for the view

The stretch between Odawara and Kyoto passes through some of Japan's most iconic landscape. Notably:

• Sit on the right-hand side of the train (D or E window seats) when traveling from Odawara toward Kyoto for the best opportunity to spot Mount Fuji.
• Clear views of the mountain are most likely in the first 20 to 30 minutes after departing Odawara, before the train moves further west.
• Winter mornings between October and February give the highest chance of seeing Fuji with snow on its peak and no cloud cover.

On-board comfort

The Tokaido Shinkansen is known for its cleanliness, punctuality, and smooth ride. Seating is comfortable in standard class, with enough room to relax for the duration of the journey. If you want more space and a quieter carriage, the Green Car offers wider seats and additional legroom, a worthwhile upgrade if you prefer a more relaxed experience.

Pick up an ekiben (station bento box) at Odawara Station before boarding. The selection may be smaller than at major hubs like Tokyo or Shin-Osaka, but it is part of the authentic Shinkansen travel experience and far more enjoyable than waiting for the on-board trolley service.

Best time of year to travel

• Spring (late March to early May): Cherry blossoms in both Hakone and Kyoto make this one of the most visually spectacular times to make this journey. Book Shinkansen seats well in advance as demand peaks significantly.
• Autumn (mid-October to late November): Autumn foliage transforms Hakone's forests and Kyoto's temple gardens. This is arguably the most beautiful season on this route.
• Winter (December to February): Hakone's onsen are at their most appealing in cooler weather, Kyoto sees fewer tourists, and Fuji views from the train are at their clearest.
• Summer (July to August): Both destinations are busy. Hakone can be misty, and Kyoto is hot and humid. If traveling in summer, start early in the day to avoid the worst of the heat and crowds.

Getting to Kyoto and beyond

Kyoto Station is one of Japan's best-connected rail hubs, and arriving here opens up a wide range of onward options, both within the city and across the wider Kansai region.

Within Kyoto

From Kyoto Station, the Kyoto City Bus network reaches virtually every major sight, from Arashiyama in the west to Gion and Higashiyama in the east. A one-day bus pass is available for purchase near the bus terminal on the station's north side and is worth considering if you plan to cover multiple neighborhoods in a single day. The Karasuma subway line also departs from Kyoto Station and provides fast access to central areas including Shijo and Karasuma Oike.

Day trips and regional connections

Kyoto's position on the Tokaido Shinkansen line makes it a natural base for exploring the Kansai region:

• Osaka, just 15 minutes by Shinkansen, or around 30 minutes via the Hankyu or Keihan private railways for a more budget-friendly option.
• Nara, approximately 45 minutes by the Kintetsu Nara Line from Kyoto Station, ideal for a half-day trip to see the deer and great temples.
• Hiroshima, around 1 hour by Nozomi Shinkansen (JR Pass holders should use Hikari or Sakura services instead).
• Kobe, around 30 minutes by Shinkansen to Shin-Kobe, a compact and underrated city well worth an afternoon visit.

If your Japan itinerary continues westward toward Hiroshima, Hakata, or beyond, your JR Pass remains valid throughout, making Kyoto an ideal staging point between the Hakone and Kyoto leg and whatever comes next.

What to expect when you arrive in Kyoto

Kyoto Station (Higashishiokoji Kamadacho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 600-8216) is one of Japan's most architecturally striking transport hubs. Designed by Hiroshi Hara, the building features a soaring steel-and-glass atrium, open-air terraces, and an iconic staircase that rises through the structure toward a sky garden at the top. After the mountain scenery of Hakone, stepping into this space feels like a genuine arrival moment, allow yourself a few minutes to take it in.

Practical information at the station

• Tourist information: The Kyoto Tourist Information Center is located on the second floor of the station building, offering maps, transport guidance, and accommodation advice in multiple languages. A useful first stop for first-time visitors.
• Luggage storage: Coin lockers in multiple sizes are available throughout the station. For larger bags, luggage forwarding services (takuhaibin) allow you to send luggage directly to your next hotel or the airport, ideal if you want to explore Kyoto unencumbered on arrival day.
• Currency and connectivity: Japan Post and 7-Eleven ATMs inside the station reliably accept international cards. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the station building.

Arriving in Kyoto for the first time

Kyoto rewards a slower pace and some advance planning. The city's key districts, Arashiyama, Higashiyama, Gion, and Fushimi, are spread across different areas, so grouping your sightseeing by neighborhood will save time and reduce unnecessary travel. Most visitors find two to three full days the minimum needed to do the city justice.

Taxis are available from both the central and Hachijo exits of the station, though buses and the subway are often faster during peak hours. The illuminated Kyoto Tower, directly opposite the station's north exit, is a useful landmark to orient yourself as you leave the building for the first time and head toward your accommodation.