Tokyo to Kyoto by Train
 

How long does it take to get to Kyoto from Tokyo by train? I also want to return from Kyoto to Narita Airport, can you go direct or only through Tokyo?

I've done exactly this trip. I believe there are a couple of different speeded trains. The Nozomi train we took got us to Kyoto in about 140 minutes.

We were able to stop directly at Narita on the way home.

If I recall correctly, it takes 2 plus hours, may 2 hours and 30 (?) by Shinkansen between those cities.

When we went Kyoto/Tokyo/Narita, we had to switch trains in Tokyo.

Those trains can really move.

Hope to see you around again one of these days Echelon.

If you do a search for 'Shinkansen' you'll find additional info such as

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthrea...ght=shinkansen

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthrea...ght=shinkansen

Dan

You can look up train times for Japan here:
http://grace.hyperdia.com/cgi-english/hyperd01.cgi

There are a lot of posts about doing this trip in the Tokyo section of flyertalk.

You can also try this website as it provides good information on how the train system is divided, types of service, where you can get tickets, prices, etc. We used it to figure out Osaka-Kyoto this summer. I think you can buy a discounted tourist pass good for a couple of days in the JR East (Tokyo to Kyoto) area that is available for purchase in the US.

http://www.japanrail.com/