Japan Rail Pass Now - Japan Travel Guide

How to get around Kyoto
How to ride the train and subway
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All train and subway stations have automatic ticket machines (with English language option and fare guides nearby). Fares for adults
range from 210 yen to 350 yen, and for kids from 110 yen to 180 yen, depending on your destination.
Insert your ticket into the ticket gate slot and remember to retrieve it as you will need it once you arrive at your destination. If you have
an IC card, simply tap the card onto the card reader on the ticket gate to be able to enter. If you have a sightseeing pass, insert it into
the same slot where single tickets go and do not forget to retrieve it as you pass through the gate.
Walk to the platforms and wait for your train. The stations should have signs and/or monitors to indicate the correct platform for your
train.
Once you reach your destination, exit the train and head towards the automatic ticket gates. If you have a ticket, insert it into the ticket
gate slot to pass through. If you have an IC card, touch your card onto the card reader and go through the gate. For a sightseeing pass, insert
it into the slot and be sure to retrieve it once you pass through the gate.
Additional information on IC cards
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If you need to top up your IC card, you can do so up to 20,000 yen at a re-charging machine at any station.
Some major IC cards, such as Suica and Pasmo, can be used in all Kyoto bus, train and subway lines. They cannot be used for Shinkansen
travel or many highway and airport buses.
IC cards can also be used to pay for purchases at certain convenience stores and vending machines, and for use of storage lockers at
some stations.
Taxis
A typical taxi in Kyoto can seat a maximum of four passengers (excluding the driver), and the bigger ones can accommodate up to five. The
starting fare costs about 650 yen and includes the first two kilometres travel, then adds 80 yen for every additional 300 to 400 metres. It is the
best way to travel if you are travelling with lots of luggage, with small children or the elderly, or with three or more people in a group. It is also
recommended for those who prefer comfort and convenience, and want to avoid extended walking or crowded trains and buses.
Bicycles
The city of Kyoto sits on predominantly flat terrain, making cycling easy and fun. All over the city, there are bicycle rental companies that rent
out bikes for 1,000 yen to 2,000 yen for a whole day’s use. Some hotels and hostels even offer their guests free bikes to use to be able to
better explore the different attractions.
Cycling is more enjoyable outside of downtown Kyoto (particularly around the Kyoto Station area), far from the crowded busy roads and sidewalks.
Usually, attractions and spots located in the outskirts have well-maintained cycling lanes that allow a smooth ride. Just be sure to check
a map to know how far it is from one site to another, so that you can prepare for it and not end up overly exhausted. For instance, travelling
from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama, which is about a 10-kilometre ride, may take about an hour or two, so you might want to bring water and
wear the right kind of clothes.
Special Kyoto Bus and Subway Passes
If you expect to use the buses and trains within Kyoto several times within a single day, it might be economical to purchase one of the following
bus and subway passes:
● Kyoto One-Day Bus Pass – This pass allows you to enjoy unlimited rides on the Kyoto City Bus and Kyoto Bus for one day. It costs 500
yen for adults and 250 yen for children.
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