By Gemma Tedaldi | Published: 27 May 2024 | Updated: 26th January 2026
Hakone may be a little under the radar for most travellers to Japan, but it is a great stop off location from Tokyo to Kyoto. Plus it is full to the brim with onsens and incredible views of Mount Fuji, why wouldn’t you want to visit! So how do you get between Hakone and Kyoto and what is the best route to take?
Getting Around Japan
When planning a trip to Japan, one of the best and easiest ways to get around is via public transport. Having visited Japan a couple of times, we would always opt for taking the train over driving.
The most popular option for getting around is with the Japan Rail Pass, an all-in-one pass which includes most public transport across the country. With this pass, you simply need to exchange the voucher at a station within Japan for a JR Pass, then keep it with you for your entire trip so you can show it if asked for it. You can book all of your onward trains and seats for your entire trip right away, saving time and hassle!
How to get from Hakone to Kyoto
There are four main transportation options to get between Hakone and Kyoto: renting a car, by bus, by local train or by Shinkansen.
Hakone to Kyoto by Car
It takes roughly 5 hours without breaks, to drive from Hakone to Kyoto. Assuming you take the quickest route, you will also have to pay express tolls on top of any fuel costs.
Hakone to Kyoto by Bus
Strangely, even though it is a bit of a detour, travelling from Hakone to Tokyo and then on to Kyoto is actually cheaper and slightly less time consuming than if you go from Hakone straight to Kyoto. That being said it still takes on average 12 hours on an overnight bus and can cost anywhere between 4,000 – 12,000 yen depending on the bus type to take and the comfort you want. Book your bus here at Japan Bus Online.
Hakone to Kyoto by Local Train
Taking the local trains from Hakone to Kyoto is very difficult and time-consuming, as there is no direct route, so no one actually does it. If you really want to take a local train, then your best bet is to go from Odawara, or elsewhere in Hakone, to Mishima Station, which takes anywhere from 40 minutes, then switch onto the Toakido Sanyo Shinkansen line there.
Hakone to Kyoto by Shinkansen
As with any Shinkansen to and from Hakone, you will have to change at Odawara Station, then switch onto the Hakone Tozan Railway or Hakone Tozan Bus from there, as the Shinkansens do not serve Hakone directly.
If you choose to take the Shinkansen from Hakone to Kyoto, though, it takes anywhere from half an hour to an hour to get from various locations in Hakone to Odawara, then a further 2 hours on the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Also, it is worth noting that only the Kodama and select Hikari trains stop at Odawara, so be sure to get on the right Shinkansen!
If you want to take the Nozomi Shinkansen, which can be a bit faster depending on your connections, then your best bet is to actually travel to Yokohama, then switch trains.
Another tip if you do take the Shinkansen is to sit on the right-hand side of the train, facing the direction of travel. From here on a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji after you leave Odawara Station!
How long does it take to get from Hakone to Kyoto by Shinkansen?
The Shinkansen lines don’t serve Hakone directly, the closest stop you can get to via them is at Odawara, but from Odawara to Hakone takes around 2 hours.
How much is the Shinkansen from Hakone to Kyoto?
One-way the trip from Odawara to Kyoto costs around 11,000 yen.
What rail passes cover the Shinkansen from Hakone to Kyoto?
The Shinkansen from Odawara to Kyoto is fully covered by the JR Pass assuming you take a Kodama or Hikari train. If you take a Nozomi a further fee will be required.
Hakone to Kyoto Tours
There aren’t many dedicated tours between Hakone and Kyoto, as you can easily take the train between them, so why not do a dedicated tour in one of the locations instead? These are our favourite tours for each:
Where To Stay In Hakone & Kyoto
Where to stay in Hakone
🏨 Budget – Guesthouse Azito
🏨 Mid-range – WPÜ Hotel Hakone (we loved our stay here!)
🏨 Luxury – Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora
Where to stay in Kyoto
🏨 Budget – Piece Hostel Sanjo
🏨 Mid Range – Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto (we’ve stayed here on both our trips to Japan, as we loved it so much the first time!)
🏨Luxury – Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion
How To Get From Hakone To Kyoto FAQs
Is it easy to get to Kyoto from Hakone?
It is relatively easy to get between Kyoto and Hakone, although depending on where you are leaving from within Hakone, you might need to make a couple of connections via train. Whilst we were visiting Hakone, we were staying in Gora, which meant switching trains in both Hakone-Yumoto Station and Odawara before arriving in Kyoto.
How do I get from Kyoto to Hakone using JR Pass?
You can’t use the JR Pass within Hakone, but you can however use a JR Pass between Odawara and Kyoto on the Tokaido-Sanyo line.
What is the best way to travel from Hakone to Kyoto?
The best way to travel between Hakone and Kyoto is via train.
Is Hakone to Kyoto a day trip?
Hakone is not a day trip from Kyoto as it could take anywhere between 3 and 4 hours to get between them.
How far is it from Hakone to Kyoto?
Hakone is located approximately 397 km / 247 miles north east of Kyoto.
Conclusion: How To Get From Hakone To Kyoto
Getting between Hakone and Kyoto is relatively easy, assuming you take a mix of public transport. We would highly recommend taking the local trains from within Hakone to Odawara and then switching to the Shinkansen to Kyoto, not only just for speed but also in terms of cost.
Gemma Tedaldi
Gemma is the owner and author of The Travelling Tedaldi, a travel blog helping travellers to discover the best road trips and travel itineraries throughout the UK and Europe. When she isn’t writing about her favourite travel destinations, she can often be found out exploring local hikes or planning future trips.