Your complete guide to navigating Kyoto

Kyoto is a compact city with an efficient public transport system, making it easy to travel around. Its straightforward streets and mostly flat terrain also make it a delightful place to explore on foot or by bike.

Discover all the insider tips and tricks for effortlessly navigating Kyoto.

Quickly reach major attractions using the subway

Kyoto features two subway lines: the Karasuma Line, which traverses the city from north to south, and the Tozai Line, running from east to west. These lines intersect at Karasuma Oike Station in the city center, allowing for convenient transfers. They also link with other train lines at several stations, forming a robust transport network.

Although it has just two lines, the subway offers a convenient way to access many major attractions in downtown Kyoto and the Higashiyama sightseeing area. It’s quick, comfortable, and simpler to navigate than buses, while also being more affordable than taxis. You can purchase unlimited day passes that provide discounts at several tourist sites, including Nijō-jō castle and the Kyoto International Manga Museum. For broader access, one- and two-day passes allow unlimited travel on both the subway and city buses.

Venture beyond the city center by train

Japan is renowned for its superb rail networks, and Kyoto is no exception. The city boasts several train lines, including national JR lines and local private options. You can anticipate comfortable and clean services that depart right on schedule. Taking the train is often the best way to reach attractions a bit farther from the city, such as Arashiyama, Tōfuku-ji temple, and Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine. It’s also the most efficient means to visit nearby cities like Osaka and Nara.

HyperDia is a top English-language resource for planning your travel, allowing you to purchase tickets at booths in the station or through numerous automatic ticket machines. If you happen to make an error, don’t fret—most stations feature fare adjustment machines near the exit barriers, where you can pay any additional fare and obtain a new ticket.

Buses reach areas of the city that trains do not serve

Many of Kyoto’s top attractions, such as Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji temples, are not situated close to train or subway stations, making buses the perfect solution. The city boasts a comprehensive network of bus routes managed by several companies, with announcements made in both English and Japanese. Buses can get quite packed, especially during the cherry blossom season in spring and the fall foliage period. Often, walking or cycling is a faster alternative.

On most buses, passengers board from the rear and exit through the front. To pay your fare, simply drop the exact amount in coins into the box next to the driver as you disembark (there’s also a machine nearby that dispenses coins and breaks ¥1,000 bills). Within the city center, the fare is a flat rate of ¥230 per trip. For longer routes, take a numbered ticket when you board and use it to check your fare on the screen at the front upon exiting. Unlimited day passes are also available for travel within the flat fare zone.

Get an Icoca card for cashless transactions

Kyoto offers a prepaid IC card known as Icoca, which can be utilized on the subway, almost all of the city’s trains and buses, as well as in several other cities. While these cards don’t provide travel discounts, they are far more convenient than waiting in line for paper tickets or searching for change on the bus. If you're arriving from Tokyo, you can also use the Pasmo IC card in Kyoto. Additionally, if you hold a JR Pass, you can enjoy unlimited travel on the JR train lines within Kyoto, though it may not be cost-effective for local travel.

Experience the city on two wheels

Cycling is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore Kyoto. The city is predominantly flat and easy to navigate, featuring well-kept roads and numerous rental shops. The main challenge lies in finding appropriate parking, as bicycles must be secured in designated areas; failing to do so may result in your bike being towed.

Most temples, museums, and tourist attractions have small bike parking facilities, along with some city-operated ones in high-traffic areas. When cycling, be sure to ride on the left side of the road or share sidewalks with pedestrians. While helmets are mandatory only for children under 12, it's essential to use a light when riding after dark.

Strolling through Kyoto is a delight

Kyoto is an incredibly pedestrian-friendly city, characterized by its compact layout, flat terrain, exceptional road safety, and logical organization. Walking allows you to immerse yourself in the city's charming streets and picturesque paths. Some of the most enjoyable routes include the Path of Philosophy, which stretches along a canal between Ginkaku-ji and Eikan-dō temples, as well as the walkway beside the Kamogawa River. The Higashiyama and Arashiyama areas also feature routes that connect many of their renowned attractions, though these can become crowded during peak cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

For groups, taxis can be an economical choice

Taxis are readily available in Kyoto, easily hailed from the street or found at designated taxi stands. Drivers automatically open and close the rear doors for passengers. Metered fares are displayed inside the cab, and while it can be costly for solo travelers, it often proves more affordable than taking the bus when traveling in a group.

Many taxi drivers have limited English skills, so it's beneficial to have your destination written in Japanese to show them (hotels often provide a business card for this purpose). Alternatively, if you're at Kyoto Station or using the Japan Taxi app, you can catch a clearly marked 'foreigner-friendly' taxi at no additional cost.

Driving a car can be a hindrance in the city

While renting a car isn't essential for getting around Kyoto, it can often be more of a hassle. However, having a car can be advantageous if you plan to explore some of the more secluded areas of the wider prefecture. Those opting to drive will need an international driving permit. Driving in Japan is generally safe, but navigation may be challenging if you can't read Japanese.

Accessible transportation options in Kyoto

Kyoto's accessibility has seen significant improvements in recent years, especially in the city center. Most major train and subway stations now feature wider ticket gates and elevators to reach the platforms, and most train lines offer priority seating and designated areas for wheelchairs.

If you need assistance, don't hesitate to ask the station staff. Raised blocks on station floors and platforms help passengers with visual impairments. Most buses in the city center are also accessible, with drivers deploying a ramp for wheelchair users and offering assistance getting on and off at their stops.

Click here to download Dinogo Planet's free resources for accessible travel.