The ultimate guide to getting around Kyoto

18.12.2023 - 08:07 / lonelyplanet.com

Kyoto is a relatively compact city with a great public transport network, making traveling around a breeze. Its easily navigable streets and mostly flat ground also mean it's an enjoyable destination to explore by bike or on foot.

We've got all the insider tips and tricks you need to easily get around in Kyoto.

Kyoto has two subway lines: the Karasuma Line, which runs from the north of the city to the south, and the Tozai Line, which runs from east to west. They intersect in the city center at Karasuma Oike Station, where you can transfer between them. Both also connect with other railway lines at various stations, creating a comprehensive network. 

Despite having only two lines, the subway is a convenient option for traveling to many key spots in downtown Kyoto and the Higashiyama sightseeing district. It’s quick and comfortable, easier to navigate than buses and cheaper than taking a taxi. Unlimited day passes are available, which also get you discounts at several tourist spots, including Nijō-jō castle and the Kyoto International Manga Museum. For more coverage, you can buy one- and two-day passes that give you unlimited travel on both the subway and the city buses.

Japan is famous for its excellent rail systems, and Kyoto is no exception. Several train lines operate within the city, including national JR lines and local private ones. You can expect services to be comfortable and clean and depart precisely on time. The train is often the best way to reach parts of Kyoto that are slightly farther out, such as Arashiyama, Tōfuku-ji temple and Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine. It’s also the most convenient way to travel to nearby cities like Osaka and Nara.

HyperDia is one of the best English-language sites for planning your journey, and you can buy tickets from booths in the station or one of the many automatic ticket machines. Don’t worry if you make a mistake, as most stations also have fare adjustment machines by the exit barriers, where you can pay any extra charge and get a new ticket.

Many of Kyoto’s most popular attractions – including Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji temples – are not located near train or subway stations, and the bus is the ideal option to bridge the gap. Kyoto has a wealth of bus routes operated by a few different companies, and most make announcements in both English and Japanese. Buses can get very crowded at times, especially during the spring cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons. The quicker option is often to walk or cycle.

On most buses, you board at the back and exit at the front. To pay your fare, put the exact change in coins into the box next to the driver as you get off (there’s another machine next to it that breaks down coins and ¥1,000 bills). Within the city center, it’s a