Morning
Shinkansen to Kyoto
Take the bullet train from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station. Book reserved seats for a family of 4 — worth it for comfort and guaranteed seating together.
Duration: ~2 hours 15 minutes on the Nozomi (fastest)
Tip: Sit on the right side (seats A-C) for potential Mt. Fuji views!
Ekiben (Train Bento)
Buy a bento box at Tokyo Station before boarding — eating ekiben on the shinkansen is a quintessential Japan experience!
Where: "Ekiben" shops are everywhere in Tokyo Station, especially near the shinkansen gates.
Afternoon
Kyoto Hotel Check-in
Arrive at Kyoto Station, head to hotel, drop bags, freshen up.
Light Kyoto Stroll
Easy walk to get oriented. Explore the riverside, neighborhood streets, and get a feel for Kyoto's pace — it's noticeably different from Tokyo.
Evening
Dinner + Rest
Find a local spot for dinner. Kyoto is famous for kaiseki (traditional multi-course), but tonight can be casual — you have three full Kyoto days ahead.
Tomorrow: Fushimi Inari and Higashiyama!
No Reservations Needed
Just book your shinkansen reserved seats via the SmartEX app or at the JR ticket counter.
Packing Tip
If you’re staying at a MIMARU, grab groceries near the hotel for breakfast supplies — the kitchen saves time and money in the mornings.
Family Notes
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