Japan is a vast country spanning 377,488 km². Traveling across the archipelago requires covering considerable distances. Fortunately, several transportation options connect the country's major destinations. In this article, we provide you with a guide to distances in kilometers between Japan's principal cities, along with travel times to reach your next destination.

Distance Between Major Cities

Kyoto and Osaka

Kyoto lies 57 km by road from Osaka. The drive takes 58 minutes, while the train journey lasts 45 minutes.

Kyoto and Hokkaido

Kyoto is situated 1,617 km from Hokkaido. The train journey takes over 12 hours.

Tokyo and Kyoto

Tokyo is located 467 km by road from Kyoto. You'll reach the city after just over 3 hours by train.

Tokyo and Osaka

Tokyo lies 512 km by road from Osaka. By train, the journey takes 3 hours and 24 minutes.

Tokyo and Hokkaido

Hokkaido is situated 1,171 km by road from Tokyo. It takes 8 hours and 58 minutes by train to reach this northernmost prefecture of Japan.

Hokkaido and Osaka

Hokkaido is located 1,661 km by road from Osaka. The train journey between these two destinations takes over 12 hours. Consider flying if you want to save time.

Distance Between Cities and Tourist Sites

Tokyo and Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is located in Shizuoka Prefecture, 136 km from Tokyo—approximately 1 hour and 51 minutes by car.

Kyoto and Mount Fuji

Japan's highest peak stands 364 km from Kyoto, about 4 hours and 35 minutes by car.

Osaka and Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is located 414 km from Osaka. Taking the Tokai Expressway, you'll arrive in approximately 6 hours.

Hokkaido and Mount Fuji

A distance of 1,300 km separates Hokkaido from Mount Fuji. If you plan to drive, expect over 20 hours of travel.

Tokyo and Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle lies approximately 577.8 km from the capital Tokyo, or about 6 and a half hours by car. Taking the express train, you'll reach your destination in 3 hours and 16 minutes.

Kyoto and Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is located approximately 123.8 km from Kyoto, or about 1 and a half hours by car. The express train connects the castle and central Kyoto in under 60 minutes.

Osaka and Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is situated 89.4 km from Osaka, or approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes by car. Allow around 35 minutes to reach the castle by express train.

Hokkaido and Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle lies approximately 1,710 km from Hokkaido Prefecture, or roughly 1 day, 4 hours, and 37 minutes by car. Given the geographical distance, taking the train is an excellent option. You'll arrive at Himeji in 13 hours and 21 minutes.