The public transport network in Kyoto makes it easy to travel around the city. Kyoto is an enjoyable place to explore by bike or on foot because it is easy to navigate.
There are many ways to get around in Kyoto.
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The Tozai Line runs from east to west and the Karasuma Line runs from north to south. You can transfer between the lines at Karasuma Oike Station. Both connect with other railways at various stations.
The Higashiyama sightseeing district and downtown Kyoto can be reached via the subway. It is easy to navigate, cheaper and quicker than a bus. You can get discounts at Nij-j castle and the Kyoto International Manga Museum with an unlimited day pass. You can get unlimited travel on both the subway and the city buses with one- and two-day passes.
Kyoto is known for its excellent rail system. There are several train lines in the city. The services will be clean and on time. The best way to get to parts of Kyoto that are a bit further out is by train. It is the best way to travel to Osaka and Nara.
One of the best English-language sites for planning your journey is HyperDia, and you can buy tickets from the booths at the station. You can get a new ticket at the fare adjustment machines by the exit barriers if you make a mistake.
Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji temples are not located near train or subway stations, so taking the bus can be a convenient choice. Most of the bus routes in Kyoto have announcements in English and Japanese. During the spring cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons buses can be very crowded. The quicker option is usually walking or cycling.
You exit the bus at the front on most buses. You can pay your fare by putting the change in coins in the box next to the driver. There is a flat fare of 230 per journey within the city center, and you can check your fare on the screen at the front when you exit. There are unlimited day passes available.
Virtually all of the city's trains and buses can be used with a pre-paid card called Icoca, which can be used on the subway. You can use the Pasmo IC card in Kyoto if you want to avoid the hassle of buying paper tickets. If you have a JR Pass, you can use it for unlimited travel on the JR train lines in Kyoto, but it's not likely to save you money if you only use it in the city.
You can get around Kyoto on a bike. There are a lot of shops where you can rent bikes in the city, which is flat and easy to navigate. Finding a place to park your bike is a challenge, as you must use designated parking areas if you want to keep riding.
Most temples, museums and other tourist spots have small parking areas for bikes. On the left side of the road, cyclists can use a shared sidewalk with pedestrians. Helmets are only required for children under the age of 12.
Kyoto is a small city with high levels of road safety and a logical layout. You can discover more of the city on foot. The Path of Philosophy runs along a canal between Ginkaku-ji and Eikan-d temples and is one of the most pleasant walking routes. During the peak cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons, many of the Higashiyama and Arashiyama walking routes are busy.
It is easy to flag a taxi down on the street in Kyoto. The rear door will be opened and closed by drivers. It can be cheaper to get the bus if you are in a group than it is if you are solo.
It is helpful to have your destination written down in Japanese so that you can show them. If you use the Japan Taxi app, you can take a foreign-friendly taxi at no additional cost.
It is not necessary to rent a car to get around Kyoto city. If you are going to visit some of the more remote parts of the prefecture, a car is a good option. International driving licenses are required for those who choose to drive. navigation in Japan can be difficult if you can't read it.
The city center of Kyoto has improved in accessibility in the last few years. Most large train and subway stations have larger ticket gates and elevators, and the majority of train lines have priority seats and carriages for people with disabilities. Station staff can always help you if you need it. Passengers with visual impairments can use raised blocks on the platforms. Most of the buses that run in the city center can now be reached. Wheelchair users will be helped off at their destination by the driver, who will set up a ramp for them to use.
Free accessible travel resources can be downloaded here.
The article was first published in December of 2011.
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