Tsuruga to Kyoto train with JR West

Information about the Tsuruga to Kyoto train route

The train from Tsuruga to Kyoto is a well-established and practical rail connection linking Fukui Prefecture's coastal city with one of Japan's most celebrated destinations. Tsuruga Station (1-1-1 Kanawacho, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture 914-0055) serves as the departure point, while Kyoto Station (Higashishiokoji Kamadacho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 600-8216) is the arrival hub, one of the country's busiest and best-connected railway terminals.

This route has taken on renewed significance following the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tsuruga in March 2024, making it easier than ever to travel between the Sea of Japan coastline and the ancient capital. The Tsuruga to Kyoto bullet train connection now positions Tsuruga as a natural gateway between the Hokuriku region and the Kansai area, drawing more travelers to explore this often-overlooked part of Japan.

For those traveling on the Tsuruga to Kyoto by train route, the most common option involves a transfer at Maibara, where passengers connect from the Hokuriku Main Line to the Tokaido Shinkansen or the Biwako Line toward Kyoto. This makes the journey highly flexible and well-suited to travelers already on a broader Japan itinerary.

Tsuruga itself is worth a brief pause, the city is known for its scenic bay, connections to the historic Silk Road trade routes, and proximity to the Mihama and Obama coastal areas. It also sits at the crossroads of several JR lines, making it a convenient stopover for those exploring the Hokuriku or San'in regions before heading to Kyoto.

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.

Tsuruga to Kyoto by train: what to expect on board

Traveling from Tsuruga to Kyoto by train is a comfortable and scenic experience. Depending on the service you take, the journey passes through some of the most quietly beautiful countryside in central Japan, rolling hills, rice paddies, and glimpses of Lake Biwa as you approach the Kansai region.

Seating and comfort

Most services on the Tsuruga to Kyoto route offer standard reserved and unreserved seating. If you are connecting via the Tokaido Shinkansen from Maibara, you will have access to the same well-appointed carriages found on the broader Shinkansen network, including Green Car options for those who prefer extra space and a quieter environment. On conventional limited express services, seats are clean, spacious, and equipped with fold-down trays.

Best seats for the view

As the train approaches Kyoto from the northeast, passengers are treated to sweeping views of the Lake Biwa basin, Japan's largest freshwater lake. To make the most of this:

• Sit on the left-hand side of the train when traveling from Tsuruga toward Kyoto for the best lake views.
• The scenery around Omi-Shiotsu and Nagahama is particularly picturesque, with the lake reflecting the surrounding hills on clear days.
• In autumn, the forested hillsides along this stretch turn vivid shades of orange and red, making window seats especially rewarding.

On-board tips

Vending machines and light refreshments are available on many services, but picking up snacks or a bento at Tsuruga Station before boarding is a smart move. The station has a small but well-stocked selection of local Fukui specialties, including items featuring the region's celebrated seafood. Traveling on this route is a good opportunity to try something distinctly regional before arriving in Kyoto's more tourist-oriented food scene.

Best time of year to travel

• Spring (late March to early May): Cherry blossoms line the routes through Fukui and along Lake Biwa's shores. Kyoto is at its most beautiful, so booking early is essential.
• Autumn (mid-October to late November): The foliage along this route is stunning, and Kyoto's temples are surrounded by color. High demand, plan well ahead.
• Winter (December to February): The Hokuriku region can see heavy snowfall, which adds drama to the landscape. Trains run reliably, but check for weather-related delays on local lines.
• Summer (July to August): A lively season, though hot and humid. The Obon period in mid-August sees significantly increased passenger numbers across all JR routes.

Getting to Kyoto and beyond

Kyoto Station is one of the most strategically located transport hubs in Japan, and arriving here from Tsuruga opens up an enormous range of onward options, whether you are continuing your journey the same day or using Kyoto as a base for broader exploration.

Within Kyoto

From Kyoto Station, the city's bus network connects to virtually every major sight, from Kinkakuji in the northwest to Fushimi Inari in the south. The Kyoto City Bus one-day pass is available near the bus terminal on the station's north side and is excellent value for a full day of sightseeing. The Karasuma subway line runs directly north from the station into the city center, with stops near Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace grounds.

Day trips and regional connections

Kyoto's position on the Tokaido Shinkansen and its connections to private rail lines make it an ideal base for exploring the wider Kansai region:

• Osaka, around 15 minutes by Shinkansen or approximately 30 minutes via the Hankyu or Keihan private railways, which are a budget-friendly alternative.
• Nara, around 45 minutes by the Kintetsu Nara Line from Kyoto Station, with the deer park and Todai-ji temple among Japan's most memorable sights.
• Hiroshima, approximately 1 hour by Nozomi Shinkansen. JR Pass holders should travel on the Hikari or Sakura services instead.
• Kobe, around 30 minutes by Shinkansen to Shin-Kobe.

For those continuing north or eastward, Tsuruga itself remains a useful hub, the Hokuriku Shinkansen connects toward Kanazawa, Toyama, and ultimately Tokyo, opening up the full length of the Hokuriku corridor to JR Pass holders.

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 impressive railway terminals. Designed by Hiroshi Hara, the building features a sweeping steel-and-glass atrium, an open-air rooftop sky garden, and tiered staircases that draw visitors in their own right. Arriving here for the first time is genuinely striking, give yourself a few extra minutes to take in the space before heading out into the city.

Practical information at the station

• Tourist information: The Kyoto Tourist Information Center is on the second floor of the station building, offering maps, transport guidance, and multilingual support. It is particularly useful for first-time visitors trying to plan their temple and shrine itinerary.
• Luggage storage: Coin lockers in multiple sizes are distributed throughout the station. For bulkier bags, luggage forwarding services (takuhaibin) allow you to send bags directly to your hotel or onward destination, a very practical option if you plan to explore the city immediately on arrival.
• Currency and connectivity: Japan Post and 7-Eleven ATMs inside the station reliably accept international cards. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.

Arriving in Kyoto for the first time

Kyoto rewards travelers who take their time. The city's major districts, Higashiyama, Arashiyama, Gion, Fushimi, and the Nishiki Market area, are each distinct in character and best explored on foot or by local bus. Grouping your visits by neighborhood helps avoid unnecessary backtracking across the city.

If you are arriving after a longer journey through the Hokuriku region, Kyoto makes an excellent place to slow down. Taxis are available at both the central and Hachijo exits of the station, and the illuminated Kyoto Tower directly outside the north exit is a useful landmark for getting your bearings on arrival.