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Getting Around Kyoto, Japan

Globetrotter

26 Apr 2023 - 5 min read

Besides Tokyo, Kyoto is another fascinating city in Japan that is definitely worth a visit. This city cannot be separated from the beauty that is in it. Because of its beauty, Kyoto was named the best city in the world by Travel Inc.

Besides the city's beauty, Kyoto has many tourist attractions. You'll undoubtedly have a fantastic time exploring this fascinating city and all it has to offer.

Moreover, exploring Kyoto is relatively easy, and there are various types of transportation that you can use while on vacation in this city.

Overview of Kyoto

Kyoto is one of Japan's most famous cities that has existed for over 1,000 years. During this period, Kyoto served as a center of politics and culture. Now, many domestic and international tourists come to see the charm of the old capital, from Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, parks, and castles to other historical sites.

Kyoto also has a unique culture that you won't find in any other prefecture, and much remains a secret to outsiders. This hidden side is what makes Kyoto so authentic and exciting.

This is why many transportation options in Kyoto can take you to various tourist sites there.

Also read: 5 Exciting Day Trips from Kyoto and How to Get There

Transportation Options in Kyoto

While the rail line is a popular option for getting around many Japanese cities, it's not the only choice for exploring Kyoto. This is because not all forms of transportation pass through the entire city.

The following are some transportation options available in Kyoto.

1. Trains

Source: Shutterstock @AfriramPOE

General information: The train system in Kyoto has six train lines serving intercity trips. Several routes can take you to places like Arashiyama, Uji, and Tofukuji. You can also take the subway, which has two main lines, Tozai and Karasuma. The Tozai Line runs west to east, while the Karasuma runs north to south.

Advantages: Riding the train in Kyoto is the right choice for those who want to explore the city center and several tourist attractions included in the route. Taking the train is more comfortable than taking the bus, and you can also reach your destination more quickly. International tourists don't need to worry because all signs on trains, stations, and announcements are in English.

Disadvantages: Kyoto’s train system is run by several companies, which makes buying tickets and changing trains a bit confusing. Visitors are typically advised to ride the train with a Japan Rail Pass. Unfortunately, the owner of this card also has limited access because they cannot ride the subways in cities such as Hankyu, Keihan, Kintetsu, Keifuku, and Eizan. Moreover, transfer fees between train companies are expensive.

Operational hours: The operating hours of this train are from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm.

Fares: There are three one-day passes that you can choose according to your needs, namely the Kyoto Sightseeing Card, which costs ¥1,1000 per day; the Kyoto One Day Bus Card, which costs ¥700; and the Kyoto Subway One Day Card, which costs ¥800.

Recommendations: As a tourist, you can use some of the favorite train lines for other tourists, namely: the JR Nara line, JR Sagano, the Japan Railway Tokaido-Sanyo Main Line (Shinkansen), Keihan, Tozai, Karasuma, Hokuriku, Hankyu, Kintetsu, Keifuku Railway, and Eizan Railway.

Tips: If you're unsure about how much it will cost to take the train, you can use a fare estimator to avoid any confusion. You can also use the Japan Rail Pass to save money. Purchase the card online through JR Rail's official partners. You will receive an exchange coupon to trade for your card upon arriving in Japan.

2. Bus

Source: Shutterstock @norgal

General information: Kyoto has a bus service called the Sky Hop Bus. Unfortunately, the price is relatively high, but it has better comfort than other buses. You can visit various famous locations in Kyoto with this bus. This bus is available in two types, regular buses and double-decker buses. Double-decker buses have the privilege of having an open top and traveling around the city every hour.

Bus Services: There are three bus services: green buses downtown, red buses for suburbs, and brightly colored red Raku buses to tourist spots.

Advantages: You can find buses in every corner of the city. However, you must ensure which bus you should take and where you are going so you don't get on the wrong bus.

Operational hours: Buses also run from 6:00 am to 10:30 pm.

Fares: There are two zones in Kyoto for bus services: fixed and off-fare. Flat-fare zones will charge the same price for all buses, which is ¥230 for adults and half for children. Meanwhile, all passengers must pay an additional fee for buses outside the fixed fare zone.

Tips: When taking the bus, you can enter from the back door and exit from the front. Here, you will get a unique ticket number that will later appear on the front screen of the bus. You can also take advantage of a bus pass. You can pay ¥2,500 for 12 hours of service or ¥3,600 for 24 hours.

3. Taxi

Advantages: Don't worry about getting a taxi in Kyoto because every street you pass will have this transportation, day or night. Taxi services provide a convenient way to travel to tourist destinations, especially if public transit options are limited.

Fares: Taxi fares in Kyoto are quite cheap, especially if you are traveling in a group of three or four people. The first 2 km ride costs around ¥610, and every 300 to 400 meters after that, it increases by ¥80.

Tips: For those of you who are coming to Kyoto for the first time, you can pay attention to the status of the lights on the driver's side. If the light is red, it means there are already passengers. If the taxi light is green or blue, it is empty and available for use.

4. Cycling or Walking

General Information: Like other cities in Japan, Kyoto has regular traffic and cool weather. The road is relatively flat, so it is comfortable to use for cycling. This is what makes many tourists choose to walk or rent a bicycle to get around the city.

Advantages: You can find bicycle rentals along the streets of Kyoto. There is even a dedicated lane on the side of the road for pedestrians and cyclists.

Rates: To rent a pedal bike, you will be charged ¥1,500 to ¥1,500. For an electric bike, you can pay from ¥1,500 to ¥1,700. However, it is not uncommon for hotels in Kyoto to provide free bicycle rentals or have lower prices.

Tips: Bicycles have their own parking area. If you park your bicycle carelessly, it will be towed away. If you plan on walking, it's recommended that you bring boots for hiking the hills of Kyoto and comfortable shoes for getting around the city.

Kyoto is one of the tourist destinations in Japan that you shouldn't miss. Its diverse tourist spots and thick traditional Japanese culture will give you a memorable vacation experience.

To make your vacation even more comfortable, you can download the Traveloka app to book plane tickets and hotels in Japan all in one app.

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