Dubrovnik09

Hi. Is it true that Tokyo and Shinagawa stations are the only two stations where you can take the shinkansen to Kyoto? I am in the process of finding an apartment to rent in Tokyo for our stay in late March 2016. We will be taking the Shinkansen to Kyoto and wonder which areas I should be particularly looking into that would not require a lot of transfers on the trains. Ideally, walking to the station is our preference, or a short cab ride. Thanks in advance for any input!

mrwunrfl

Yes, those are the two shinkansen stations in Tokyo. Either one is easy to reach by just one subway or train ride from many locations in Tokyo.

Kavey

If your stay in Tokyo is more than just an overnight on the way to Kyoto, I would not restrict your choice of location based only on the train routing to Kyoto.

If you check a map you should be able to find a number of options that are a single change to take you to Tokyo station easily.

http://www.bento.com/pix/subway/tokyosubway2011.png

But I would decide your location in Tokyo based on what you want to see and do there. I found Tokyo so vast, more like several cities in one, and I'm from London which is pretty large! So it's worth doing some research on what kind of area appeals, and then tying that in to the train/ metro map for your journey to Kyoto.

mrwunrfl

This map shows the Yamanote Line as well as the Chuo Line from Shinjuku to Tokyo
http://tinyurl.com/pmfm5z6

Does your desire to be close to a shinkansen station have something to do with luggage?

kja

I'm also going to encourage you to check other options. You might use a route planner like jorudan...
http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/

Good luck!

Dubrovnik09

Thank you for everyone's input. Yes, we would prefer to stay close to the shinkansen stations because of luggage. We are travelling with two teenage boys so Tokyo is going to appeal to them more than Kyoto. We will be in Tokyo at the beginning and end of our trip (3 and 2 days each) so we should be able to satisfy everyone's must-do Tokyo list for this trip. I will be looking for lodging that is easy reach to the Yamanote line and hopefully find an apartment or hotel near Ginza or Tokyo Station.

Kavey

You could look at Ueno for one of the two Tokyo stays, it's got lots to see and do right there, but is also a short and easy hope to Akihabara, which your boys will probably love, and it's also easy for Tsukiji too. You are not far from Asakusa, another area with lots to see and do. And just a single line journey from there to Tokyo. All the main stations had elevators/ lifts so we rarely had to carry luggage up and down stairs, maybe an occasional flight of two or three steps very rarely.

mrwunrfl

Japan has a luggage delivery service that is widely used, efficient, reliable, and inexpensive:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2278.html

Here is some good luggage advice:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2274.html

Ueno would be convenient for Narita Airpot using the Keisei Skyliner train.

kja

"We will be in Tokyo at the beginning and end of our trip"

Have you considered putting all of your time in Tokyo at the end of your trip? If the timing works out -- and it might not -- doing so can give you a bit more time for Kyoto....