How to get from Kyoto to Himeji

Himeji in Hyogo Prefecture and Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, are considered two of the most culture-and-history-rich locations in the Kansai Region. Getting between the two is made easy with the Shinkansen bullet train!

Trip Duration Approx. 45 mins
First & Last Departure 6:05 AM/ 10:45 PM
💶 Cost From 4,100 to 6,500 yen
🚆 Distance 124 kilometers
🚉 Departing/Arriving Station Kyoto Station
Himeji Station
Nozomi Shinkansen Bullet TrainHikari Shinkansen Bullet Train
READ MORE ABOUT SEAT RESERVATIONS // How to Reserve Seats on the Train in Japan

Oversized Baggage on the Shinkansen

In order to board the bullet train, passengers who are carrying a lot of luggage must follow certain rules. According to Japan Railway regulations, any baggage exceeding 160 cm in length, width, and height needs to be checked into the special bulky baggage section at the back of the train car. Owners of such bags must additionally make reservations for seats near this section. Please be advised that baggage exceeding 250 cm in total is not permitted on the Shinkansen bullet train.

Baby carriages, musical instruments in cases, and sporting goods (bikes, snowboards, etc.) in cases are all excluded from these baggage limits.

NOTE: These oversized baggage rules ONLY apply to the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen bullet train line. Other Shinkansen bullet trains such as the Hokuriku Shinkansen and Limited Express Trains DO NOT have a limit or special regulations in regards to reserving oversized baggage sections or compartments.

Dimensions for luggage on the Shinkansen bullet train

READ MORE ABOUT OVERSIZED BAGGAGE RULES // New Luggage Reservation Rules for the Shinkansen

While still a city, Kyoto differs from other major cities in Japan with the absence of towering skyscrapers; instead, it is surrounded by mountains on three sides and laced with traditional architecture. Take advantage of Kyoto’s unique geography and take the time to take a relaxing hike to enjoy the surrounding nature. The hike from Shogunzuka to Seiryuden is one of the easier hikes to do in the area and leads to Chion-in Temple in about two hours. Take in the unhindered view of the city from a high-elevation viewpoint and see Kyoto in a way that you’d never expect.

Arriving at Kyoto Station brings travelers right to the center of the ancient capital. The current iteration of the station was designed by acclaimed architect Hiroshi Hara and erected in 1997 to celebrate Kyoto's 1200th anniversary as a city, an accolade not many other cities in the world can claim. Not as large as other major stations like Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, or even Hakata Station the inside houses a few convenience stores, cafes, and restaurants.

Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

@Wikimedia

Right by Himeji Castle is Kokoen Garden, and in fact, this traditional Japanese garden was built upon the location of former samurai residences in the area. There are joint tickets for visiting both Himeji Castle and the gardens, but the gardens alone will cost 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for children. The view of the garden with the strong presence of the castle in the background is a distinctly Japanese aesthetic that must be seen to be believed. 

No itinerary to Himeji is complete without mention of the overwatching Mount Shosha. On top of the mountain is Engyoji Temple, a spiritual destination worth visiting. However, rest assured reaching the temple at the mountain’s peak can be done via bus or the iconic cable cars that traverse up the slope with amazing views of the surrounding area. To get to the actual temple, a bus takes people from the top, taking around five minutes. 

Himeji castle

Himeji Castle in Spring

Wikimedia Commons, 663highland, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en

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