Tokyo Day Guides
by Trip To Japan
How to Spend a Day Traveling Back to Tokyo (from Hiroshima, Osaka, or Kyoto)
Traveling back to Tokyo from Hiroshima, Osaka, or Kyoto doesn’t have to be just a long train ride. You can make the most of your day by exploring a new city, trying delicious food, and taking breaks along the way.
This guide will help you plan a smooth and enjoyable travel day with places to visit, meal options, and ways to relax before reaching Tokyo.
Take a Train to Tokyo Station
The Shinkansen (bullet train) is the best way to travel from Hiroshima, Osaka, or Kyoto to Tokyo.
From Hiroshima Station:
Nozomi Shinkansen – Fastest option (about 4 hours).
Sakura Shinkansen – Slower but included in the JR Pass (about 5 hours).
From Shin-Osaka Station:
Nozomi Shinkansen – Fastest option (about 2 hours 30 minutes).
Hikari Shinkansen – Included in the JR Pass (about 3 hours).
From Kyoto Station:
Nozomi Shinkansen – Fastest option (about 2 hours 15 minutes).
Hikari Shinkansen – JR Pass option (about 2 hours 45 minutes).
Enjoy Breakfast Before Departure
Before boarding your train, have a nice breakfast at the station or pick up something for the journey.
Recommended Breakfast Spots
Ekiben (Train Bento Box) – Each station sells local bento boxes with regional specialties.
Tully’s Coffee – A reliable chain with coffee and pastries.
Komeda’s Coffee – A Japanese café famous for thick toast and strong coffee.
Blue Bottle Coffee (Kyoto & Shin-Osaka) – A high-quality coffee shop..
Relax and Enjoy the Train Ride
The Shinkansen is comfortable and quiet and offers great views of Japan’s landscape.
Things to Do on the Train
Look out for Mount Fuji (on the right side when heading to Tokyo).
Eat your ekiben while enjoying the scenery.
Read a book, listen to music, or watch a downloaded movie.
Use Shinkansen Wi-Fi (available on some lines) to browse or work.
Traveler’s Tip: For the best view of Mount Fuji, reserve seat E on the Nozomi, Hikari, or Kodama trains.
Optional Stop in Nagoya
If you want to break up your trip, stopping in Nagoya is a great idea. It’s about 1 hour 30 minutes from Kyoto and 1 hour and 40 minutes from Osaka.
Things to Do in Nagoya (Short Visit)
Visit Nagoya Castle
Explore Oasis 21
Osu Shopping Street
Lunch Options in Nagoya Station
Yabaton – Famous for miso katsu (pork cutlet with miso sauce).
Hitsumabushi Bincho – Serves Nagoya-style grilled eel rice.
Sugakiya – A casual ramen shop with Nagoya-style flavors.
Arrive in Tokyo and Explore Before Checking In
Once you arrive at Tokyo Station, you have the option to relax, explore, or get dinner before heading to your hotel.
Places to Visit Near Tokyo Station
Walk to the Imperial Palace
Visit Akihabara for Anime and Electronics
Take a Short Trip to Asakusa
Traveler’s Tip: If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can use the Yamanote Line for easy travel around Tokyo.
Afternoon Coffee Break
Take a short break and relax at a café before dinner.
Recommended Cafés in Tokyo
Hoshino Coffee – Famous for hand-drip coffee and soufflé pancakes.
Blue Bottle Coffee (Marunouchi) – High-quality coffee near Tokyo Station.
T’s Tantan (Vegan-Friendly, Tokyo Station) – Serves plant-based ramen and drinks.
Dinner in Tokyo Before Heading to Your Hotel
Before checking in, enjoy a delicious dinner in Tokyo.
Recommended Dinner Spots
Ichiran Ramen – A famous ramen chain with private booths.
Gonpachi (Kill Bill Restaurant) – A traditional izakaya with a unique atmosphere.
Sushi Zanmai – A well-known sushi restaurant chain.
Take a Train to Your Hotel
If staying in Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ueno, take the Yamanote Line.
If heading to Narita Airport, take the Narita Express.
If heading to Haneda Airport, take the Keikyu Line or Tokyo Monorail.
