Cheapest Way To Travel From Tokyo To Kyoto
If you're visiting Japan, chances are you're planning on exploring the country's rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unique experiences. Tokyo and Kyoto are two of the most popular destinations in Japan, known for their rich history, beautiful temples, and delicious food. However, traveling between these two cities can be expensive, especially if you're on a tight budget. In this article, we'll explore the cheapest ways to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto, so you can save money and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
1. Go by Bus
Traveling by bus is one of the cheapest ways to get from Tokyo to Kyoto. There are several bus companies that offer express services between the two cities, with fares starting from as little as ¥3,500 ($32) one-way. The journey takes around 8-10 hours, depending on traffic, so it's not the fastest way to travel, but it's definitely the cheapest.
2. Take a Night Bus
If you're looking to save money on accommodation, taking a night bus from Tokyo to Kyoto is a great option. These buses leave late at night and arrive early in the morning, so you can sleep on the bus and wake up in Kyoto without having to spend a night in a hotel. Night bus fares start from around ¥2,000 ($18) one-way, making them one of the cheapest ways to travel between the two cities.
3. Travel by Train
Japan is known for its efficient and extensive train network, and traveling by train from Tokyo to Kyoto is a popular option for tourists. The Shinkansen bullet train is the fastest and most convenient way to travel, taking around 2 hours and 30 minutes and costing around ¥14,000 ($128) one-way. However, if you're on a tight budget, you can also take a slower train, such as the JR Tokaido Line, which takes around 7 hours and costs around ¥4,500 ($41) one-way.
4. Use a Discount Pass
If you're planning on traveling around Japan, it's worth considering purchasing a discount pass, such as the Japan Rail Pass. This pass allows unlimited travel on most trains, buses, and ferries operated by Japan Railways, including the Shinkansen bullet train. The pass is only available to tourists and must be purchased before arriving in Japan, but it can save you a lot of money if you're planning on doing a lot of traveling. A 7-day pass costs around ¥29,110 ($266) and includes unlimited travel between Tokyo and Kyoto, as well as other popular destinations in Japan.
5. Hitchhike
While not the most common or recommended method of travel in Japan, hitchhiking is technically legal and can be a fun and adventurous way to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto. This method is obviously not the most reliable or safest way to travel, but if you're on a very tight budget and willing to take some risks, it could be worth trying.
Ultimately, there are several ways to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. By choosing the cheapest option that works for you, you can save money and still enjoy all that Japan has to offer.
