Transportation in kyoto
Train station in Kyoto @ JuniperPhoton, Unsplash
Looking for a particular topic? Jump down from the links below:
Trains
Kyoto has various JR Lines and privately operated train lines. The two local train lines, Eiden Railway and Keifuku Randen Tram Line, connect central Kyoto to the tourist attractions further away. With the Eiden Railway you can visit the northern Kyoto, Kurama, and the Kibune-Yase area. The Keifuku Randen line allows you to explore the Arashiyama area.
The JR (Japan Railway) offers access to destinations such as Fushimi, Arashiyama, Uji, Osaka, and Nara.
The Keihan Railway operates between Osaka and Kyoto, offering access to various destinations. The line consists of the Keihan Main Line, Uji Line, Oto Line and others. By using the Main Line, you can visit popular attractions including Fushimi Inari Shrine and Tofuku-ji Temple. The Uji Line offers access to well-known spots such as Byodo-in Temple and Ujigami-jinja Temple. With the Oto Line, you can visit for example the World Heritage Site Shimogamo-jinja Shrine.
The Hankyu Railway Kyoto Line runs between Osaka-umeda Station and Kyoto-kawaramachi Station, and the Arashiyama Line runs between Arashiyama Station and Katsura Station. The line is convenient for visiting popular spots such as the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Kawaramachi tourist area.
The Kintetsu Railway offers access to popular attractions in Kyoto, such as the five storied pagoda at the Toji Temple. You can also visit the city of Nara, where you can find various spots worth visiting.
Train at Kyoto Station @ Zhipeng Ya, Unsplash
Bus & Subway
There are several bus routes going around Kyoto, which are great for both transporting between sightseeing spots as well as everyday traveling. The bus routes have good coverage for the areas where trains are not available. The main bus operators in Kyoto are Keihan Bus, Kyoto Bus, Kyoto City Bus, Miyama-Keihoku Bus, and Sky Hop Bus (“hop on - hop off”).
Please keep in mind that the bus drivers don’t give change for the fares, so be prepared to have the exact amount available when paying with coins. It is recommended to purchase a transportation card, such as the Kansai One Pass for traveling around the city.
The subway system of Kyoto is composed of only two lines, the east-west Tozai Line (red color) and the north-south Karasuma line (green color), which intersect in the middle of Kyoto. The Tozai Line operates from the Uzumasa-Tenjingawa Station in the west via Nijo Station to Rokujizo Station in the east. The Karasuma Line operates from Kokusaikaikan Station in the north via Kyoto Station to Takeda Station in the south. There it also connects with the Kintetsu Line, which you can use for traveling to the city of Nara. Using the subway routes is convenient for visiting locations such as central Kyoto, Toji Temple, Daitokuji Temple, Gosho Imperial Palace, Daigoji Temple, and Nijo Castle.
If you want unlimited traveling on the subway and buses in Kyoto, consider purchasing the Subway, Bus One-Day Pass & Two-Day pass. These passes cover Kyoto Municipal Subway lines, Kyoto City Bus routes, Keihan Bus routes (with some exclusions), and Kyoto Bus routes (with some exclusions). You can find more information about the passes and bonus discounts on this webpage.
“Rush hour in Kyoto” @ Kristin Wilson, Unsplash
Travel Pass
When traveling in Kyoto, please notice that there will be a separate fee for each railway you use - the fares vary depending on which section of the line you are traveling. It is recommended to purchase a travel pass to save money on the fares, such as the Kansai One pass, one-day pass, or multiple-day pass. The Kansai One pass is specialized for foreign tourists, and it offers additional discounts at various attractions in the Kansai region.
Transportation Hours & Useful Apps
Like many major cities, the subways and trains in Japan typically stop running between midnight and 5AM, so be sure to plan accordingly. This is called 終電 (shyuu-den) or last train.
To help with using the public transport in Kyoto, there are several websites and apps available for the visitors to use. For example, the Arakumachi Kyoto Route Planner has information on the routes of buses and trains, and also offers a smartphone app.
With Hyperdia and Navitime you can also explore the routes and timetables of the public transport. Another good option for exploring destinations and trip planning is the website and app of the Japan National Tourism Organization.
Also, the Kyoto City Bus & Subway Route Map and Information Guide could be helpful on your trip.
Taxi in Kyoto @ Marek Piwnicki, Unsplash
Taxi
The taxi ranks can be found outside most bus terminals, train stations, and larger stores, but you can also hail a taxi on almost any street in Kyoto. Please keep in mind that all taxis do not accept credit cards, so it is best to have the appropriate amount ready to be paid in cash. Rear taxi doors open and close automatically using hydraulic actuators, so you do not need to worry about opening or closing them by yourself.
Related Articles
