By Laura Caiswell 
Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, beautifully blends tradition and thousands of years worth of history with modernity and innovation. Boasting ancient temples, bustling markets, and a stunning bamboo grove, it’s a unique destination worth visiting.
I personally think that Kyoto should be on everyone’s Japan itinerary. While the city could keep you busy for quite some time, (I’d recommend spending 2-3 days there) I understand that not everyone has the time.
If all you have to spare is a day, the city is still worth the visit. On a day trip from the current capital, Tokyo, you’ll be able to see its major highlights and learn about its history and culture.
Kyoto is 279 miles (450 km) east of Tokyo, but the bullet trains connect the two cities in merely 2 hours and 15 minutes. This makes taking a day trip not only possible but desirable.
I’ve compiled a list of the best day tours from Tokyo to Kyoto. so you can plan a memorable trip.
Are you in a rush? These are my top picks:
THE BEST TOUR 1-Day Kyoto Rail Tour by Bullet Train from Tokyo
PRIVATE TOUR Tokyo to Kyoto 1-Full Day Private Guided Tour
OUR PICK: Day Tour from Tokyo to Kyoto
This 1-Day Kyoto Rail Tour by Bullet Train from Tokyo starts with a morning train ride by shinkansen (bullet train) to the old capital, where you’ll meet your guide for the day.
You’ll be treated to a Western-style lunch, and then embark on a tour around the city’s most remarkable locations.
As you learn about the history and traditions of Kyoto, you’ll pay a visit to the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine. You’ll also go to the Sanjusangendo Temple, home to a thousand Kannon statues, and the UNESCO-listed Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Enjoy spectacular views of the city from the top of a hill, and have plenty of photo opportunities before the day’s over. By the end of it, you’ll be dropped off at the station to catch the bullet train back to Tokyo.
It’s super comprehensive and allows you to see the most important attractions of Kyoto in a single day. An expert guide will provide insights and information on each stop, and you’ll have transfers and lunch covered, so there’s nothing left for you to plan.
Private Day Tours from Tokyo to Kyoto
Gather your group for a memorable Tokyo to Kyoto 1-Full Day Private Guided Tour. Hosting groups of up to 8 people, this excursion starts with a van journey from Kyoto’s train station to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll also explore the Tenryuji temple garden, the ancient Kinkaku-ji temple, and the 17th-century Nijo Castle.
After a deserved lunch break (own expense), make your way to the famous Fushimi Inari shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. You’ll learn all about Japanese history and religion along the way.
Check out the Tokyo to Kyoto and Nara One Full Day Private Tour, a super comprehensive trip to visit some of Japan’s major landmarks.
Start bright and early and catch the morning train to Kyoto, where your guide will pick you up. You’ll then drive you to Nara Park, one of the country’s oldest and home to beautiful Sika deer.
Enjoy a cultural visit at Todaiji temple in Nara before returning to Kyoto. There, you’ll check out Kinkakoji temple and the popular Fushimi Inari shrine. Savor a tasty lunch break (own expense), and wander around the Gion area with your knowledgeable guide.
Since the tour is private for you and your group, you can discuss a personalized itinerary to include other attractions you’d rather visit.
Take a DIY Day Trip to Kyoto from Tokyo
Your DIY day trip starts at either the Tokyo Station or the Shinagawa Station (whichever is closest to your accommodation). From there you’ll catch the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto.
I highly recommend that you buy your train tickets online, as during national holidays or weekends the tickets can sell out rather quickly. Booking in advance is also important if you’re a large group, as risking getting seats for everyone once you’re already at the station…well, it’s a risk ??
Plus, you’ll understand soon after landing in Japan that doing something as simple as buying a train ticket is not that simple. Hello language barrier!
The Shinkansen takes 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach the Kyoto Station, and once in the city you can choose to either explore it on your own or book a tour. These are my recommended excursions:
This Private Kyoto Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Personalised allows you to immerse yourself in-depth in the culture and customs of the city. You’ll get to explore it with a local, making the most of their insights and knowledge.
The tour lasts anywhere between 3 and 8 hours (it’s up to you!) and includes a visit to vibrant neighborhoods, important temples and shrines, parks, and cultural districts. You can choose the sights you don’t wanna miss, or let your guide do the planning for you.
A great alternative is this Kyoto: Heritage Highlights Full Day Tour. Led by a local, you’ll visit the Fushimi Inari Temple, famous for its photogenic torii gate tunnels. You’ll also check out the Kinkakuji Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple (tickets included).
Go on a trip to Arashiyama, a gorgeous bamboo forest, and get insider details and recommendations from your guide. ? BOOK IT HERE
Would you rather explore Kyoto on your own? No problem! Kyoto is a very walkable city, and you’ll be able to visit most of its sights on foot or after a short bus ride. From the train station, take bus 205 to the Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion.
This is the furthest attraction from the train station, and by following this itinerary you’ll start getting closer to the station in order to return in the evening for your train back to Tokyo.
You can also follow the itinerary in the opposite direction, getting further away from the station and finally catching a bus or a taxi back to it.
After exploring Kinkakuji Temple, make your way to Nijo Castle, former home of the shogun Ieyasu. Then move on to explore the vibrant Gion District, where you can have a local bite for lunch and wander around its historic streets.
Within a short walk is Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a gem you can’t miss as it boasts scenic views from the top of Mount Otowa. Finally, take a bus or a taxi to reach Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, where you’ll get to pose in front of its beautiful torii gates.
If you wanted to include Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in your itinerary, I’d recommend skipping Nijo Castle and catching a taxi to the forest to make the most of your time.
Your day trip from Tokyo to Kyoto should end at the train station, where you’ll catch the Shinkansen back to the city.