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How to get around Kyoto
Kyoto is Japan’s seventh largest city, and one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Home to many of Japan’s best historical
and cultural treasures, such as centuries-old buildings, world heritage temples and shrines, and well-preserved traditional districts, it attracts
swarms of visitors all year round.
Before heading to Kyoto, it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with how the city’s transportation system works so you can easily
travel from one tourist spot to another. Here is some basic information on getting around Kyoto:
Buses
Kyoto has an efficient bus network that reaches more attractions than the subway or train. At Kyoto Station, there are bus stops that serve different
lines operated by various companies. If travelling within the central part of the city, the green Kyoto City Bus buses are the best option,
while the red Kyoto Bus buses are best for travel to the outskirts.
How to ride the bus
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Once the bus arrives at the bus stop, walk to the rear door of the bus to enter.
The next stop is displayed on the monitor usually placed at the front of the bus and/or is announced.
If your stop is coming up next, push the button.
Before disembarking through the bus’ front door, pay exact fare by dropping your coins into the payment box beside the driver. If you
do not have the exact amount, you can exchange your bills and coins using the change machine attached to the payment box.
If using a one-day bus pass, make sure to insert the pass into the machine beside the driver to get the validity date printed before disembarking.
On your next ride, simply show your pass with the printed date to the driver as you exit the bus.
If you have an IC card, just tap your card onto the card reader when you enter the bus and when you get off.
Train and Subway
In Kyoto there are several JR Lines, private railway lines, and two subway lines.
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The JR Tokaido Shinkansen, JR Sagano, and JR Nara lines all stop at Kyoto Station and give easy access to some popular attractions in
the city, such as Arashiyama (via the JR Sagano Line) and Fushimi Inari Taisha (via the JR Nara Line) and other cities.
The Karasuma Subway Line runs from southern Kyoto to northern Kyoto along Karasuma Street; and the Tozai Subway Line runs from
eastern Kyoto to western Kyoto.
Private railways, such as the Hankyu Railway and Keifuku Railway, go to Arashiyama.
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