Tokyo Day Guides
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.
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).
Before boarding your train, have a nice breakfast at the station or pick up something for the journey.
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.
Matsukaze (Vegan-Friendly, Hiroshima Station) – A plant-based café with healthy options.
The Shinkansen is comfortable and quiet and offers great views of Japan’s landscape.
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.
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 40 minutes from Osaka.
Visit Nagoya Castle (quick 30-minute taxi or subway ride).
Explore Oasis 21, a modern shopping and park complex.
Walk through Osu Shopping Street for snacks and souvenirs.
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.
Loy’s Vegan Café – A plant-based café with healthy meal options.
Once you arrive at Tokyo Station, you have the option to relax, explore, or get dinner before heading to your hotel.
Traveler’s Tip: If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can use the Yamanote Line for easy travel around Tokyo.
Take a short break and relax at a café before dinner.
Hoshino Coffee – Famous for hand-drip coffee and soufflé pancakes.
Blue Bottle Coffee (Marunouchi) – High-quality coffee near Tokyo Station.
Kagurazaka Saryo – A traditional Japanese tea café.
T’s Tantan (Vegan-Friendly, Tokyo Station) – Serves plant-based ramen and drinks.
Before checking in, enjoy a delicious dinner in Tokyo.
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.
Nagi Shokudo (Vegan-Friendly, Shibuya) – A plant-based Japanese restaurant.
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.
