How to travel from Yamagata to Kyoto, Japan

The distance between Yamagata and Kyoto is around 682km (424 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the train which takes around 5hrs.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from Yamagata to Kyoto by train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out KyotoYamagata if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
train
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train
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Train

Take the train to Tokyo and then to Kyoto.

  • Duration5hrs
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    ¥24,230($175)
💰 Cheapest
2
bus
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Bus to Kyoto

Take the bus to Kyoto.

  • Duration10h 40m
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    ¥13,690($100)
Operated by

Yamako Bus

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

3
car
+

Drive

Drive to Kyoto.

  • Duration8hrs
  • Distance682km (424 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Yamagata and Kyoto

There are several options for getting from Yamagata to Kyoto by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around ¥13,690 ($100) and will take around 10h 40m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take the train and arrive in approximately 5hrs, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ¥24,230 ($175).

The distance between Yamagata and Kyoto is around 682km (424 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 545km (338 miles)

It takes around 5hrs to get from Yamagata and Kyoto by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 8hrs to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Yamagata to Kyoto is to take the train which takes around 5hrs and will set you back approx ¥24,230 ($175).

The cheapest way to travel between Yamagata and Kyoto, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around ¥13,690 ($100) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Yamagata and Kyoto. It typically takes around 5hrs and departs hourly.

There are no direct train services that runs from Yamagata to Kyoto. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Tokyo and Kyoto. These services run hourly and will take a minimum of 5hrs.

Japan Railways Shinkansen run train services between Yamagata and Kyoto. Trains depart hourly and will take around 5hrs, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Yamagata and Kyoto. It typically takes around 12h 25m and departs once daily.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Yamagata and Kyoto with no changeovers required. The bus runs once daily and takes 10h 40m.

Shonai Kotsu and Yamako Bus run regular bus services between Yamagata and Kyoto. Buses run once daily and take around 12h 25m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Yamagata to Kyoto. We recommend that you take the train to Tokyo and then to Kyoto. instead which will take 5hrs.

The closest major airport to Kyoto is Itami Airport (ITM) (ITM) which is approximately 38km (24 miles) from Kyoto. Kansai International Airport (KIX) (KIX) and Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) (NGO) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Yamagata and Kyoto. The distance is around 682km (424 miles) by road and it will take around 8hrs in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Yamagata to Kyoto is to take the train which takes, on average, 5hrs and will usually cost around ¥24,230 ($175).

How do I get from Yamagata to Kyoto

Compare travel optionsbetween Yamagata and Kyoto

Transport options from Yamagata to Kyoto
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
5hrs
¥24,230($175)
hourly821km (510 miles)
Bus to Kyoto + 1 similar
10h 40m
¥13,690($100)
once daily684km (425 miles)
Bus12h 25m
¥18,345($135)
once daily770km (479 miles)
Drive
8hrs
¥9,855($72)
on demand682km (424 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Yamagata and Kyoto

Airlines

Bus companies

Train operators

Airports near Kyoto

The following major airports near Kyoto offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Japan and internationally.

ITM
Itami Airport (ITM)
Domestic Airport
Distance
38km (24 miles) from Kyoto
KIX
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
International Airport
Distance
80km (50 miles) from Kyoto
NGO
Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)
International Airport
Distance
97km (61 miles) from Kyoto