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“While visiting Kyoto, why not add Amanohashidate to your itinerary?” Many travelers wonder, “Isn’t it far from Kyoto City?” or “How do I get there?”
In fact, Amanohashidate is about 120 km from Kyoto Station—farther than most people expect. But don’t worry! There are multiple transportation options to suit your travel style, including highway buses, express trains, and local trains.
Want the cheapest option? Prefer comfort above all? Or just looking for a hassle-free, direct route? Which type are you?
This article offers a complete comparison of all access methods from Kyoto Station to Amanohashidate. Whether you’re concerned about cost, travel time, or convenience, you’re sure to find the option that best suits your trip. Use this guide to enhance your Kyoto itinerary with a visit to Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s three most scenic views!
Amanohashidate is located in Miyazu City, in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture—approximately 120 km from Kyoto Station. By car, the one-way journey takes around 2 hours. You may find it surprisingly far.
Although the distance is considerable, there are several travel options from Kyoto Station to Amanohashidate, making it easily accessible for tourists.
From Kyoto Station, Tango Kaikyo Kotsu operates highway buses to Amanohashidate.
The journey takes about 2 hours. Fares vary by season and peak periods, ranging from 2,900 to 3,400 yen for adults.
The bus travels via expressway and stops once for a break at a service area (around 10 minutes). Though it’s a long ride, most buses have onboard restrooms (note: some may not, depending on the operator). Bus size is comparable to standard tour buses.
There are five departures per day. Advance reservations via the website or phone are required. Reservations open five days in advance, and payment is made upon disembarking.
| Departure from Kyoto | Arrival at Amanohashidate | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 7:20 am | 9:25 am | 2h 5m |
| 9:00 am | 11:05 am | 2h 5m |
| 12:55 am | 3:00 pm | 2h 5m |
| 4:20 pm | 6:25 pm | 2h 5m |
| 6:20 pm | 8:25 pm | 2h 5m |
Want to know more about the bus stop at Kyoto Station, what the ride is like, or whether the cheapest travel option is worth it? Check out our detailed guide:
Read more about the highway bus to Amanohashidate
Take the Limited Express Hashidate from Kyoto Station and ride directly to Amanohashidate—no transfers required.
The ride takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, with four daily departures. The one-way fare is 5,200 yen, and all seats are reserved.
| Departs Kyoto | Arrives Amanohashidate | Duration | Train Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:38 am | 10:40 am | 2h 2m | Hashidate No.1 (to Amanohashidate) |
| 10:25 am | 12:36 am | 2h 12m | Hashidate No.3 (to Amanohashidate) |
| 12:25 am | 2:32 pm | 2h 7m | Hashidate No.5 (to Toyooka) |
| 2:25 pm | 4:34 pm | 2h 9m | Hashidate No.7 (to Amanohashidate) |
| Departs Amanohashidate | Arrives Kyoto | Duration | Train Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:50 am | 12:07 am | 2h 17m | Hashidate No.2 (to Kyoto) |
| 1:47 pm | 4:06 pm | 2h 19m | Hashidate No.4 (to Kyoto) |
| 3:51 pm | 6:07 pm | 2h 16m | Hashidate No.6 (to Kyoto) |
| 6:09 pm | 8:21 pm | 2h 12m | Hashidate No.8 (to Kyoto) |
| 7:05 pm | 9:19 pm | 2h 14m | Hashidate No.10 (to Kyoto) |
You can reserve tickets at Kyoto Station via ticket machines or counters, or book online through the JR Odekake Net Reservation Page. Since all seats are reserved, booking in advance is recommended—otherwise, you might not be able to board.
The biggest appeal of the Hashidate limited express is the romantic experience of train travel and the scenic views from the windows. No transfers mean you can relax and enjoy the ride to Amanohashidate. It’s ideal for those who value a leisurely journey over speed or low cost.
If you want to avoid express trains, you can reach Amanohashidate from Kyoto Station using local trains.
The total fare is 2,320 yen, travel time is about 3 hours and 35 minutes, and you’ll need to make three transfers.
Although it takes time, this is the most budget-friendly option. The appeal is riding local lines while enjoying the laid-back scenery of Kyoto’s suburbs.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the three travel methods: highway bus, limited express, and local trains.
Everyone has different priorities—some prefer cheaper fares, others want shorter travel time, and some enjoy scenic local trains. This chart summarizes costs, durations, transfer requirements, reservations, and which type of traveler each option is best suited for.
Use it to find the perfect match for your travel style and plans.
| Method | Cost | Time | Frequency | Transfers | Reservation | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highway Bus | ¥2,900–3,400 | Approx. 2h 5m | 5/day | None | Required (Web or Phone) | Budget - conscious, simple travel |
| Limited Express Hashidate | ¥5,200 | Approx. 2h 10m | 4–5/day | None | Recommended (All Reserved) | Leisurely travel with scenic views |
| Local Trains | ¥2,320 | Approx. 3h 35m | As needed (Transfers) | 3 times | Not required | Lowest cost / Local train lovers |
Each method has its own appeal.
The highway bus is affordable and requires no transfers—perfect for a straightforward trip from Kyoto Station to Amanohashidate. The Limited Express Hashidate offers comfort and beautiful views from the train windows, ideal for those who want to enjoy the journey itself.
And although local trains require more time and transfers, they’re the cheapest and offer a unique chance to enjoy rural Kyoto at a relaxed pace. You can also avoid crowds and travel flexibly at your own timing.
All options have pros and cons. Choose the one that best fits your schedule and travel goals!
