travel around kyoto

Inside Kyoto

A Kyoto Travel Guide

Getting Around Kyoto

Kyoto is incredibly easy to explore by public transport (trains, subways, buses and taxis) or under your own steam (by bicycle or walking). This is a detailed guide to getting around Kyoto, with information on the best way to get to each part of the city.

Kyoto has a world-class public transport system: the buses, trains and subways will get you where you want to go fast and efficiently. And, because the city is relatively compact and mostly flat, it’s also a great city for cycling and walking.

Because the public transport system is so extensive, there are usually several ways to get to any particular destination, which is why it’s important to know the BEST way to get to where you’re going (see the Kyoto Transport by Destination Guide further down on this page).

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Kyoto’s Trains

Kyoto is served by six train lines. While some of these are intended for intercity commuting, they all can be used to get around the city. For details on Kyoto’s train system, see the Kyoto Trains page .

Kyoto’s Subways

Kyoto has two subway lines that are the best way to move north-south and east-west in the city. For details on Kyoto’s subway system, see the Kyoto Subways page .

You can download a free English-language PDF of the Kyoto train and subway system from the official JR Pass website (link opens PDF directly).

See also my page of information about getting special Kyoto bus, train and subway ticket deals .

Kyoto’s Buses

Kyoto’s bus system is incredibly extensive: you can get almost anywhere by bus if you know where to board and which bus to board. However, most travelers find the train and subway systems to be faster and easier to use. For details on Kyoto buses, see the Kyoto Buses page .

Kyoto’s Taxis

Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced in Kyoto. And when you have three or four people, they can be a good value. They also allow you to cover a lot of ground fast and they can be used to connect areas that aren’t well served by public transport (for example, to go from Arashiyama to Kinkaku-ji Temple ). For details on Kyoto’s taxis, see the Kyoto Taxi page .

Cycling in Kyoto

Kyoto regularly appears on lists of the world’s best bicycle cities and for good reason: it’s a great place to explore by bicycle. It’s flat, the weather is usually good for cycling, and drivers are relatively sane. For details on exploring Kyoto by bicycle (including where to rent a cycle), see the Cycling in Kyoto page .

Walking in Kyoto

Whether you want to amble around the sightseeing districts inside the city or hike in the hills that surround the town, Kyoto is a brilliant place to explore on foot. For details on walking in Kyoto, see the Kyoto Walking Itineraries page and the Best Kyoto Hikes page .

The Takeaway:

• Kyoto is a compact city with a well-developed transport network. It’s very easy to get around.
• The subways and trains are the most convenient way to get around the city.
• Buses are less convenient, but cover almost the whole city.
• Taxis are plentiful and reasonably cheap. They’re sometimes cheaper than buses for groups of three or four on short trips.
• Bicycles are a great way to get around Kyoto. The city is mostly flat and the drivers are sane. If you enjoy cycling, I strongly recommend renting a bicycle to explore the city.
• Kyoto is a great city to explore on foot. Downtown area , Arashiyama and Higashiyama are all great for walking.
• There are several special tickets that will save you tons of money if you plan on riding the buses, subways and trains a lot.

Chris’s Kyoto Travel Tips:

• Avoid taxis and buses in the Higashiyama Area during the cherry blossom season . The roads will be so crowded that it will actually be faster to walk.
• Take trains and subways where possible – they’re faster and more comfortable than buses.
• Don’t be afraid to grab a map and just head out there. Kyoto is mostly a rectilinear grid pattern, so it’s easy to navigate. And, Kyotoites are unfailingly helpful when asked for directions.

Kyoto Transport by Destination Guide

Here’s a list of the routes most often used by visitors to Kyoto, and the best form of transport to get from one specific place to another.

From Kyoto Station to:

• Downtown Kyoto: Take the Karasuma Line subway to Shijo Station.
• Southern Higashiyama: Take the Karasuma Line subway, switch to the Tozai Line at Karasuma-Oike Station and get off at Higashiyama Station.
• Northern Higashiyama: Take the Karasuma Line subway, switch to the Tozai Line at Karasuma-Oike Station and get off at Keage Station.
• Daitoku-ji Temple: Take the Karasuma Line subway to Kitaoji Station and walk for about 10 minutes.
• Kinkaku-ji Temple: Take Kyoto City Bus No. 205 or 101 Kinkakuji-Michi.
• Ryoan-ji Temple: Take Kyoto City Bus No. 205 or 101 to Kinkakuji-Michi, then a brief taxi ride from there to Ryoan-ji Temple.
• Arashiyama: Take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
• Kurama and Kibune: Take Kyoto Bus No. 16 or 17 to Demachiyanagi (be careful to board a brown Kyoto Bus, not a green Kyoto City Bus) and switch to the Eizan Line and get off at Kibune or Kurama.
• Takao: Take a JR bus and get off at the Yamashiro Takao stop.
• Uji: Take the JR Nara Line and get off at Uji.
• Tofuku-ji Temple: Take the JR Nara Line to Tofukuji.
• Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine: Take the JR Uji Line to Inari.
• Nara: Take the JR Nara Line to Nara (if you have a JR Rail Pass) or take the more convenient and faster Kintetsu tokkyu (express) train to Nara.
• Osaka: Take a shinkansen to Shin-Osaka if you have a JR Rail Pass, or take a JR shinkaisoku (express) to Osaka if you don’t have a JR Rail Pass.
• Kobe: Take a shinkansen to Shin-Kobe if you have a JR Rail Pass, or take a JR shinkaisoku (express) to Sannomiya if you don’t have a JR Rail Pass.
• Hiroshima: Take a shinkansen to Hiroshima.
• (express) to Koya-san.
• Tokyo: Take a shinkansen (Nozomi or Hikari shinkansen).
• Kansai Airport: Take the JR Haruka Airport Express.

From Downtown Kyoto to:

• Kyoto Station: Take the Karasuma Line subway from Karasuma-Oike or Shijo to the Kyoto stop.
• Southern Higashiyama: Take the Tozai Line subway from Karasuma-Oike, Kyotoshiyakusho-mae or Sanjo-Keihan to the Higashiyama stop.
• Northern Higashiyama: Take the Tozai Line subway from Karasuma-Oike, Kyotoshiyakusho-mae or Sanjo-Keihan to the Keage stop.
• Daitoku-ji Temple: Take the Karasuma Line subway to Kitaoji and walk for 10 minutes.
• Kinkaku-ji Temple: Take Kyoto City Bus No. 59 from Kawaramachi-Sanjo to Kinkakuji-Michi.
• Ryoan-ji Temple: Take Kyoto City Bus No. 59 from Kawaramachi-Sanjo to Kinkakuji-Michi and then take a brief taxi ride.
• Arashiyama: Take the Tozai Line subway to Uzumasa-Tenjingawa and then a brief taxi ride (if you’re in a hurry), or take Kyoto City Bus No. 11 from either Sanjo-Keihan or Shijo-Kawaramachi.
• Kurama and Kibune: Take the Keihan Line north to Demachiyanagi and switch to the Eizan Line to Kibune or Kurama.
• Uji: Take the Keihan Main Line south to Chushojima and switch to the Keihan Uji Line to Uji.
• Tofuku-ji Temple: Take the Keihan Main Line to Tofukuji.
• Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine: Take the Keihan Main Line to Fushimi-Inari.
• Osaka: Take the Hankyu Line from Kawaramachi to Umeda, or the Keihan Line from Sanjo-Keihan or Gion-Shijo to Yodoyabashi.

Kyoto Vacation Checklist

• For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
• Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
• You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto , Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
• Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
• See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
• Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto) or Tokyo's Narita Airport . Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
• Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
• If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
• A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
• World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world

Kyoto District Map

• Central Kyoto
• Northwest Kyoto
• Northern Higashiyama
• Southern Higashiyama
• Downtown Kyoto
• Kyoto Station Area
• South East Kyoto

Disclosure: InsideKyoto.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and amazon.co.uk. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

The ultimate guide to getting around Kyoto

Dec 17, 2023 • 6 min read

Cycling is one of the many wonderful ways to explore Kyoto © Satoshi-K / Getty Images

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 .

Get around major sights quickly on the subway

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.

Explore beyond the center on a train

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.

The bus covers parts of the city that trains don't reach

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 flat fare of ¥230 per journey, and on longer routes, you take a numbered ticket when you get on and use that to check your fare on the screen at the front when you exit. Unlimited day passes are available for use within the flat fare zone.

Get an Icoca card for cash-free payments

Kyoto has a prepaid IC card called Icoca , which you can use on the subway and virtually all the city’s trains and buses (as well as those in several other cities). These don’t offer travel discounts but are much more convenient than queuing up to buy paper tickets or finding change for the bus (if you’re coming from Tokyo, you can use the Pasmo IC card in Kyoto, too). If you have a JR Pass, you can use it for unlimited travel on the JR train lines in Kyoto, but it’s unlikely to save you money if you only use it within the city.

See the city on two wheels

Cycling is one of the best ways to get around Kyoto. The city is mostly flat and easy to navigate, with well-maintained roads and plenty of shops where you can rent bikes. The challenging part is finding somewhere to park your bike, as you must use designated parking areas – if not, you may find your ride gets impounded. 

Most temples, museums and other tourist spots have small parking areas for bikes, and there are also some city-operated ones in busy locations. When riding, cycle on the left-hand side of the road or use a shared sidewalk with pedestrians. Helmets are only a legal requirement for children under 12, but you must use a light if cycling at night.

Walking around Kyoto is a pleasure

Kyoto is an extremely walkable city thanks to its compact size, flat ground, high levels of road safety and logical layout. Exploring on foot gives you the chance to discover more of the city's atmospheric streets and scenic pathways. Some of the most pleasant walking routes include the  Path of Philosophy , which runs along a canal between Ginkaku-ji and  Eikan-dō temples, and the footpath beside the Kamogawa River. Higashiyama and Arashiyama have walking routes that link up many of their famous sightseeing spots, though these get busy during the peak cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons.

A taxi is a cheap option for groups

Taxis are commonplace in Kyoto, and it’s easy to flag one down on the street or hop in at a taxi rank. Drivers will open and close the rear door for you automatically. Fares are displayed on a meter inside, and although an expensive option for solo travelers, it can be cheaper than getting the bus if you’re in a group. 

Many drivers speak limited English, so it’s helpful to have your destination written down in Japanese to show them (hotels often give you a business card for this reason). Alternatively, if you’re at Kyoto Station or using the Japan Taxi app, you can take a clearly marked “foreigner-friendly” taxi at no extra cost.

A car is a hindrance in the city

Renting a car is not necessary to get around Kyoto city, and it’s often actually more inconvenient. However, a car can be useful if you’re planning to visit some of the more remote parts of the wider prefecture . Those who choose to drive will need an international driving license. Driving in Japan is generally safe, although navigation can be tricky if you can’t read Japanese.

Accessible transportation in Kyoto

Accessibility in Kyoto has improved greatly in recent years, particularly in the city center. Most large train and subway stations have wider ticket gates and elevators to access the platforms, and the majority of train lines have priority seats and carriages with spots for wheelchairs.

You can always ask the station staff if you require assistance. Raised blocks on station floors and platforms assist passengers with visual impairments. The majority of buses that run in the city center are now accessible. The driver will set up a ramp for wheelchair users to get on and also help you off at your destination.

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

This article was first published December 2021 and updated December 2023

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Public Transportation

Getting Around Kyoto: Guide to Public Transportation

TripSavvy /  Ellen Lindner  

Despite being an ancient city—indeed, Japan’s ancient capital—Kyoto, like every other city in Japan, has been very much modernized with an easily navigable transport infrastructure. It's simple to get around Kyoto, with bus routes and the subway being your best and most efficient options. Learning to navigate Tokyo’s intense subway and train networks can take weeks of practice, but Kyoto can be easily navigated immediately. The subway is stripped down and clear to understand, and the bus network may look daunting but can get you wherever you want to go.

You can use Google Maps to help you get around in Kyoto or you can use the dedicated Arukumachi KYOTO App which provides routes, timetables, and fares for buses and rail.

Also, as Kyoto is a particularly walkable city, you’re rarely more than 20 minutes walk from a nearby station. It’s a beautiful city with interesting shops and restaurants tucked around every corner so walking around will reveal a lot. People love cycling in Kyoto so renting a bike is another great option. But for those times when you really need transport, here’s how to navigate Kyoto’s fantastic public transportation system.

How to Ride the Kyoto Subway

Catching the subway is the quickest way to get around the city but, as there are only two lines , people tend to use the buses more for the extended reach. You can catch the north-south Karasuma Line which goes through Kyoto Station or the east-west Tozai Line which can take you to the Higashiyama sightseeing district. The lines then meet in the middle. To get from Kyoto Station to downtown Kyoto the Karasuma line is the best option available.

Although not as cheap as the buses, taking the subway is a quick and definitely easier to navigate. It’s also much cheaper than catching a taxi in Kyoto (unless you’re in a large group and aren’t traveling far).

Fares: Depending on the length of your journey, fares range between 220-360 yen. You can get a 10 percent discount if you use a prepaid card.

How to Pay: You can use coins or cash in the tickets machines with the subway station or purchase a Kyoto City Subway One-Day Pass . You can buy these in the subway stations or from Kyoto Tourist Information Centers and they come with a range of discounts for local museums and attractions. Alternatively, you can purchase the Traffica Kyoto Prepaid Card from the subway stations (1,000 or 3,000 yen) which you can then top up and use on the buses and subway. If you have an IC card— one of the ten interchangeable subway cards that can be used all over Japan (such as Pasmo or Suica)—it can also be used and purchased here. They work the same way as the Traffica card. Picking up a card is by far the easiest way to navigate the public transport.

Routes and Hours: The subway runs between 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily, which can be awkward if you want to enjoy the Kyoto nightlife. For this reason, booking your hotel within walking distance of the center is a good idea or be prepared to take a cab.

Navigation: As there are only two lines, navigating the Kyoto subway is very simple. Stops are written in romaji or English (as well as kanji) and there are maps in each station you can look at. Station conductors are also very happy to help.

Service Alerts: The HyperDia app will keep you updated on any issues on public transport and you can also check out the JR West Japan Railway website for updates.

Accessibility: Many of the stations in Kyoto have lifts and a minimal gap between the train and the platform edge, you can check the accessibility of each station on the Japan Accessible Tourism website .

How to Ride the Kyoto Buses

The buses run all over Kyoto and cover many of the areas the trains don’t reach but they’re notoriously busy during commuting times and are best avoided during those times. Buses are boarded from the back and exited from the front. Once you’re onboard, all announcements are made in both Japanese and English. When you're ready to get off, just press the button before your stop.

Routes and Hours: Using a travel app is the easiest way to figure out the bus you need and you can get to most of the tourist sites by bus from Kyoto Station. The buses run from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Fares: To pay your fare just place the change in a box next to the driver as you’re leaving the bus; there’s a flat fare within the city of 230 yen per ride. If you don’t have the exact change then you’ll find a machine under or next to the box which will provide you with the change, or you can tap your travel card which is much easier. If you’re taking a bus outside the city flat fare zone then you’ll need to take a ticket and wait for your fare to show up on the screen or just tap your travel card at the beginning and end.

Using Taxis in Kyoto

It’s really easy to catch a taxi in Kyoto and, although they’re not the cheapest option, they’re great if you need to get somewhere quickly or you miss the last train back. Also, if you’re traveling as a group, it can sometimes be cheaper or the same price to take a cab. You’ll always find taxis outside the subway and train stations, major tourist sites, or shopping centers. It’s also fine to hail a cab on the street by sticking out your hand.

You’ll be able to tell if they’re available if the light on the windshield is on and displays the 空車 sign. Alternatively, if it’s full, the cab will display 賃走中. You can also just check to see if there are people inside. There aren’t any rideshare apps or apps to help you call a cab in Kyoto so hailing is the easiest way to get going.

Kyoto taxi drivers always use the meter and are licensed, so you won’t have to worry about being ripped off. It’ll help to have your destination written in Japanese or have your map open just in case the driver doesn’t speak English. The ride will cost you 600 yen for the first 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) then 80 yen per 415 meters after that; you pay in cash, though some cabs will take a credit card.

Tip: During holidays like Golden Week and the cherry blossom season, the traffic in Kyoto can be exceptionally bad in the tourist areas so taking the subway will be much quicker in this case.

Getting to and From the Airport

Kyoto actually has three surrounding airports but thankfully they’ve all got great transport links so you won’t have any trouble getting to the center. The closest airport is Osaka Airport (a 50-minute drive from Kyoto) but this mainly serves domestic flights.

If you’re arriving internationally then you will very likely be arriving at Kansai Airport (a 90-minute drive from Kyoto). One of the best ways to travel from either airport is by using the Airport Transport coach service, you can purchase tickets at the airport or you can book online . Tickets range between 1,000-2,000 yen. The quickest way to get to the center from Kansai Airport is using the Limited Express Haruka train which costs 2,900 yen and takes just over an hour. You can access the train from terminal one, platform four and you buy tickets on the day from the ticket machine.

If you arrive at the third Central Japan International Airport, then your best option for getting into Kyoto will be by train, it takes around 90 minutes and costs 850 yen. Tickets can be purchased from the machine at the station.

Leaving the City

If you’re hoping to travel around Japan from Kyoto, it couldn’t be easier. The high-speed Shinkansen leaves from Kyoto Station and you can reach a number of exciting destinations within a couple of hours. Alternatively, you can reach Osaka and Nara using the local trains from Kyoto Station. You can take the 45-minute Miyakoji Rapid Service train to Nara and if you’re going to Osaka, take either the Hankyu Line or the Keihan Line. It’ll take around 45-minutes to get to Osaka or 15 minutes by high-speed train.

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• Tokyo Cheapo (繁體中文)

The Complete Guide to Getting Around in Kyoto

Knowing how to get around in Kyoto is the key to making sure your trip to the ancient capital is as smooth as possible. The world famous attractions are spread across the city, and you don’t want to waste time trekking back and forth. So to save you the trouble, here’s everything you need to know about transport in Kyoto.

The basics of getting around in Kyoto

There are quite a few different transport options in Kyoto and a whole lot of things to do spread across the city.

Public transport options like trains, buses, and subways all accept IC transport cards. The local transport card is called the ICOCA but Tokyo’s SUICA and PASMO transport cards are also accepted. JR train lines stop at Kyoto Station , and so does the Shinkansen. If you’re traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen, this is where you’ll get off. Some subway lines and bus routes also stop at Kyoto Station, but a number of other subway and private train lines do not.

Navigating Kyoto is easy as the city is laid-out in a grid with streets running north to south, and east to west. It’s also fairly flat so walking and cycling is certainly possible.

Need help navigating Kyoto Station? Then check out our Kyoto Station survival guide .

Kyoto Station

Take the train.

There are so many train lines in Kyoto that it can get a bit overwhelming. However, the key thing to understand is that there are JR train lines and private train company lines. Each train company has different fee systems, and might not accept certain passes. For example, you usually can’t use a JR Pass on a private train line. An IC card can be used on both private and JR lines. There are some trains and stations that don’t accept IC cards, but they are fairly out-of-the-way for most tourists. Also keep in mind that not all train lines pass through Kyoto Station.

In general, you will only take the train in Kyoto if you’re traveling further afield. For example, you could take a train for a day trip to Nara . Most major attractions in Kyoto don’t have train stations nearby, except for Fushimi Inari Shrine and Arashiyama .

Ride the subway

Kyoto has two subway lines which are part of the Kyoto Municipal Subway. The Karasuma Line runs north-south from Kokusaikaikan Station through Kyoto Station and on to Takeda Station. It can get you to places like Gosho Imperial Palace and Kyoto Botancial Gardens .

The other subway line is the Tōzai Line which runs east-west from Uzumasa Tenjingawa Station to Rokujizo Station. Attractions along the Tōzai Line include Nijō Castle and the Higashiyama district .

The two subway lines intersect at Karasuma Oike Station. There are also a few stations where you can transfer between the subway and trains, including Kyoto Station, Nijō Station, and Misasagi Station.

Catch a bus

Buses are a very convenient way to get around in Kyoto. In fact, there is at least one bus stop near most major attractions. However, keep in mind that recently overcrowding on buses has been causing problems for locals . If you’re traveling with large suitcases, we’d encourage you to use alternative methods of transport.

For all buses in Kyoto you enter from the back doors of the bus, and pay at the front as you exit. Bus fares within central Kyoto have a flat fare of ¥ 230 . You can pay either in cash (exact fare) or using an IC transport card. If you travel outside of central Kyoto, the bus may have a ticket system. Take a ticket from the machine by the door when you enter. At the front of the bus there will be a price board, that shows your ticket number and the fare owed. Pay your fare in cash as you exit the bus. Most, but not necessarily all, of these buses will also accept IC cards, but if they do make sure to tap them as you enter and exit the bus.

Cycle around

Kyoto is a relatively flat city, so it’s great for cycling. You can either join a bike tour , or rent a bike , the choice is yours. Just make sure you follow the local laws and road safety rules to avoid any trouble. You should ride on the left-hand side of the road and if a sidewalk has a bike lane, you can ride there too. We also recommend against parking anywhere that has a 駐輪禁止 sign — it means “no bicycle parking”. Of course, you’ll probably see plenty of local cyclists breaking these rules, but it’s best to play it safe.

Go for a walk

Walking is the ultimate Cheapo mode of transport and Kyoto is a very walkable city. The city is fairly flat and the roads use a grid system, so it’s comfortable for strolling and you don’t need to worry about getting lost. Major roads have clearly marked footpaths, but if you walk along residential streets you’ll be sharing the path with cars and cyclists. Don’t let that discourage you though, it’s quite safe as long as you keep an eye out for oncoming traffic.

Keep in mind that Kyoto’s attractions are quite spread out. We recommend picking a neighborhood to wander around, rather than trying to trek between attractions at different ends of the city. The Philosopher’s Path is ideal for a quiet stroll, or head to Gion for geisha spotting . Those who prefer walking with purpose to meandering, should consider joining a walking tour .

Travel passes and discounts for Kyoto

There is a huge variety of Kyoto travel passes available. We like the Skyhop: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus because it has a multi-lingual audio guide and you can buy passes online . If you’re just planning a day trip from Osaka, the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass or the Hankyu Tourist Pass are good options.

Frequently asked questions

Can you take a taxi in kyoto.

Yes, you definitely can. However, it’s usually an expensive option, unless you’re traveling in a group. There are taxi stands outside most stations, otherwise you can hail one in the street.

What’s the best way of getting around in Kyoto?

There’s no single answer to this because it really depends on where you’d like to go. You can take the train, subway, bus, or even walk or cycle to lots of attractions in Kyoto.

Can you catch an Uber in Kyoto?

You can catch an Uber or other ride-share service in Kyoto, but they’re not exactly the same as in other countries. Ride-shares in Japan are basically just taxi booking services. And they’re not necessarily cheaper than hailing a regular taxi.

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.

• Transportation

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Kyoto Travel Guide

Last Updated: July 20, 2023

It lives up to all the hype you’ve heard.

Visiting Kyoto is on everyone’s to-do list (both foreigners and Japanese come here), so expect crowds, especially during peak season. But the city is worth the throngs (and I have plenty of tips to help you avoid them). I’d definitely recommend spending at least three days here.

This travel guide to Kyoto can help you plan your trip and save some money.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Kyoto

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Kyoto

1. Visit Gion

Gion is the famous geisha district. Take a stroll around the area and see ochaya s (teahouses where geishas entertain), small shops, and many traditional restaurants. Here you’ll find a well-preserved district filled with classical architecture and design. Take a walking tour of Gion to learn even more about this historic area and geisha culture. (Note that you can’t take photos on the narrow private streets in Gion due to too many tourists gawking at and bothering geishas as they go about their business.)

2. Check out Heian Shrine

This Shinto shrine is one of the most popular and prized in the country. Built in 1895 on the 1100th anniversary of the establishment of Kyoto as Japan’s (former) capital, the main buildings in the complex are modeled after the original imperial palace. There is a massive torii gate at the entrance, and the shrine has a rather bright and ornate exterior that makes it stand out from the lush trees and gardens that surround it. If you’re here during cherry blossom season (late March-early April), it’s one of the best places in town to see them. The shrine is free, but the garden has an entrance fee of 600 JPY.

3. Day trip to Nara

Nara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over 1,300 “wild” deer that freely roam Nara Park. The Japanese consider them messengers of the gods, and there are places selling deer crackers all around the park so you can feed them by hand. Be sure to also visit the world’s largest wooden building, Todai-ji, which dates to the eighth century and was reconstructed in the 1700s. Note: Keep an eye on your things while in the park, as the deer will not hesitate to eat anything in your hands (including your own food, paper maps, etc.).

4. See Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)

Officially known as Rokuon-ji, this is a Zen Buddhist temple that is part of Kyoto’s collective UNESCO World Heritage Site. There has been a temple here since the late 14th century, though it has been rebuilt several times (first in the mid-15th century and then again in the 1950s). The top two floors are entirely covered in gold leaf (hence its name, the Golden Pavilion). I think it’s one of the most beautiful temples in Kyoto. Admission is 400 JPY.

5. Explore Arashiyama (The Bamboo Forest)

Located near the famous Tenryu-ji temple, it’s a nice spot to walk around and get lost in. It’s not that big, but there are some hidden areas to explore. Since the forest is super popular (you’ll see a lot of school groups here too), arrive before 9am if you want to enjoy it without the crowds. It’s free to enter. You can also visit the very beautiful Okochi Sanso Garden. It costs 1,000 JPY and is well worth the price, especially since hardly anyone goes there.

Other Things to See and Do in Kyoto

1. tour nijo castle.

Nijo Castle was built in 1603 for Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period. It later became an imperial palace before opening to the public. The castle spans 170 acres and features serene Zen gardens, intricate interior artwork, and a defensive moat. It is a popular tourist attraction, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning, before the crowds. The entrance fee is 800 JPY, plus an additional 500 JPY to enter Ninomaru, one of the two palaces within the castle. English audio guides (which I recommend) are 500 JPY.

2. Visit the Kyoto Gyoen (Imperial Palace Park)

This palace, which dates to 1855, is where the imperial family and court nobles resided until 1868, when the capital was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. While you can’t enter any of the buildings, you’re free to look around and explore as much as you want (which is rare, as guided tours here used to be mandatory). There’s a huge garden surrounding the palace that is also nice to wander around too.

3. Walk around Higashiyama

This historic district is one of the oldest and best-preserved sections of the city, home to the eighth-century Kiyomizudera temple (one of the most famous in all of Japan). Spend an afternoon on the east side of the Kamo River and walk along its narrow historic streets, lined with traditional wooden buildings with small shops selling specialties, such as Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, okashi (candy), pickled foods, handicrafts, and other souvenirs. Another nice place to stroll in this neighborhood is the Philosopher’s Path, which follows a cherry-tree-lined canal that’s beautiful and meditative even when the blossoms aren’t in season.

4. Visit Ryoan-ji Temple

This was my favorite of all the temples that I saw in Kyoto. Built in the 15th century, this Zen shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a mausoleum that houses the remains of seven emperors across Japan’s history. The traditional rock and sand garden, considered one of the best in the country, is immaculately kept and a stunning display of Buddhist art and philosophy. Admission is 500 JPY per person.

5. See more temples and shrines

Kyoto has over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, many of which form the collective UNESCO site, Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. Devote some time to temple-hopping, though of course you won’t be able to see them all!

The main temples include the aforementioned Ryoan-ji with its famous rock garden, and Rokuon-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion); Kiyomizudera with its expansive wooden terrace; Ginkaku-ji (Temple of the Silver Pavilion); and Toji (home to Japan’s tallest pagoda). The main Shinto shrines include Fushimi Inari (famous for its thousands of gates), Kamo (actually two shrines in a complex spanning Kyoto’s Kamo River), Gion (venue for the one of the most famous festivals in Japan, the thousand-year-old Gion Matsuri), and Ujigami-jinja (built in 1060 and the oldest original Shinto shrine in Japan). All the Shinto shrines are free, while the Buddhist temples cost 400-800 JPY.

6. Wander among the plum blossoms

If you happen to be visiting Kyoto between mid-February and mid-March, you will see the plum trees erupt in blooms of bright white and dark pink flowers, similar to Japan’s famous cherry blossoms. Two places you can find them are Kitano Tenmangu and the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, both of which are located in northern Kyoto. Admission to the Kitano Tenmangu shrine is free (though the Plum Grove is 1,000 JPY), while admission to the botanical gardens is 200 JPY.

7. Visit the Kyoto National Museum

Opened in 1897, this is one of the top-rated such institutions in Japan, with over 12,000 items, focusing on premodern Japanese and Asian art. The museum, which takes a few hours to explore, offers a detailed look at the country’s history and art. Admission is 700 JPY for the permanent exhibit, 1,600-1,800 JPY for temporary collections, and 300 JPY for the gardens.

8. Check out the Kyoto International Manga Museum

Opened in 2006, this place is for the manga (Japanese comics and graphic novels) enthusiast in all of us. Home to a massive collection of over 50,000 titles (including 5,000 in languages other than Japanese) to browse and read, it’s almost more of a library than a museum. There are a number of exhibits though, highlighting the development and evolution of the art over the years, as well as how-to workshops with manga artists. There are also vintage antique manga, dating back to the 1860s. Admission is 900 JPY.

9. Relax in an onsen

There are over 140 bathhouses (known as onsen ) in Kyoto, supporting a tradition that dates all the way back to the early Middle Ages. Separated by gender, bathhouses are a great way to relax and soak in (ha) some of the more unique aspects of Japanese culture. Just be aware that some don’t allow visitors with tattoos, or force them to cover them, so be sure to check before you arrive. Expect to pay around 1,000 JPY for the budget bathhouses. Tenzan-no-yu Onsen is one the best in town.

10. Wander the Nishiki Market

Nishiki Ichiba is now one of the biggest indoor markets in the city. The market is full of vendors selling traditional dishes from the region, classic Kyoto souvenirs, and really just about anything else. Many of the stalls have been in the same family for generations; opening hours depend on the shop (but are typically from 9am to 6pm). To dive deeper into Japanese food culture, you can take a food tour of the market .

11. Go hiking

The hills of Kyoto are an ideal place to go hiking. There are a number of Buddhist temples and other religious sites (like Zen gardens) throughout. Try nearby Mount Atago; it’s a moderate 4-6-hour hike that offers scenic views, as well as lots of wildlife, especially deer. For a longer hike, walk the Takao-to-Hozukyo trail, which is moderately difficult and takes just over six hours.

12. Experience a tea ceremony

The traditional Japanese tea ceremony was born in Kyoto in the 16th century as the elite (warlords, nobles, wealthy merchants) tried to constantly outdo each other with more and more elaborate practices. Today, Kyoto remains the heart of tea culture in Japan, making Kyoto one of the best places in the country to learn about tea.

You can enjoy a tea ceremony at a temple or take a workshop , where you’ll learn how to perform the ceremony yourself.

13. Take a cooking class

Take some culinary skills home with you by learning a bit about how to prepare Japanese food. Kyoto has a few options, from spending an afternoon cooking in an izakaya (a casual bar/restaurant) to learning how to make your own bento boxes !

14. Take a food tour

I love taking food tours wherever I go. Arigato Tours offers several, from a street-food tour of Nishiki Market to a walking tour and dining experience combo that culminates in a 10-course traditional kaiseki dinner. I can’t recommend them highly enough. Tours start at 23,320 JPY.

15. Go on a sake brewery tour

Kyoto has a sake (rice wine) brewing tradition going back 400 years and is known for some of the best in the world due to using the area’s pure natural spring water in the brewing process. Arigato Tours offers an excellent three-hour tour of Fushimi (the brewing district) for 23,320 JPY, including stops at several breweries, a guided tour of the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, and tastings.

For information on other cities in Japan, check out these guides:

• Hiroshima Travel Guide
• Tokyo Travel Guide

Kyoto Travel Costs

Hostels – Most hostels in Kyoto charge 2,400-3,500 JPY per night for a dorm room of any size. For a private room with a twin or double bed, expect to pay 6,500-10,000 JPY. Prices are about the same year-round. Free Wi-Fi and lockers are standard, and most hostels have self-catering facilities if you want to cook your own meals. None of the hostels have free breakfast.

Budget hotels – If you’re looking for a budget hotel, expect to pay at least 7,000-8,000 JPY for a double bed at a two-star location, while capsule hotels start at 4,500-5,000 JPY for a tiny pod that is essentially just a bed — it’s not fancy, but it’s a unique (and very Japanese) experience.

Airbnb is tightly regulated in Japan. It’s often difficult to find accommodations, they’re rarely in the center of town, and they’re expensive. Private apartments and homes on Airbnb usually start around 20,000 JPY per night. For a single room, expect to pay at least 12,500 JPY.

Food – Japanese cuisine is world-renowned and has even earned a spot on UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage List. While each region has its own specialties, rice, noodles, seafood, and seasonal produce all feature heavily no matter where you are. In Kyoto, tofu is a specialty, due to the plethora of Buddhist monasteries (whose monks eat a vegetarian diet).

Curry and donburi (bowls of meat and rice) are your cheapest options and cost around 500-700 JPY. Ramen is usually less, 1,000-1,200 JPY. Fast food (think McDonald’s or KFC) is around 800 JPY for a basic combo meal.

You’ll find the cheapest places far from the busy tourist areas, so walk a few blocks from the main temples if you want to save some money. Street food like green tea sweets and sashimi sticks cost about 300 JPY. Filling Japanese pancakes are even cheaper, at 200 JPY.

You can also find plenty of cheap meals and prepackaged items at 7-Eleven — and even the locals eat them! Meals sets of noodles, rice balls, tofu, and prepacked sushi are all available for under 500 JPY, making for cheap lunches.

Mid-range restaurants and most sit-down establishments cost around 2,500-3,000 JPY per person. Kaiseki ryori is a style of high-end, multicourse Japanese dining that originated in Kyoto. It costs about 8,000-10,000 JPY for a set menu of seven courses, covering everything from chicken to sushi. A Wagyu steak course (served with rice, seafood, salad, dessert, etc.) starts at 10,000 JPY.

Domestic beer is around 450-550 JPY, and sake is around 800-900 JPY per glass. A cocktail will set you back about 1,200 JPY. A latte/cappuccino is 500-600 JPY and a bottle of water is 100-130 JPY.

Some of my favorite places to eat are Okonomiyaki Yoshino, Ryuuann, Ramen Sen-no-Kaze Kyoto, and Trattoria Macedonia Yuki. For excellent cocktails, check out Kingdom.

Buying groceries costs around 5,000-6,000 JPY per week for basic staples like rice, vegetables, and fish. However, given a possible lack of a kitchen and the availability of such cheap food, it’s doubtful you’ll go grocery shopping to prepare your own meals unless you’re on a super tight budget.

Backpacking Kyoto Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Kyoto, plan to budget around 7,500 JPY per day. This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking most of your meals, eating at the cheap 100-yen stores, limiting your drinking, visiting free museums and temples, and using public transportation to get around.

On a more mid-range budget of 17,000 JPY per day, you can stay in a private hostel or Airbnb room, eat out for most meals, indulge in some drinks, visit more paid attractions, take the occasional taxi, and just have some more breathing room in your travels.

On “luxury” budget, expect to spend 36,000 JPY per day or more. You’ll be able to stay in a budget hotel, eat at nice restaurants, enjoy more drinks, take paid food tours or cooking classes, and overall just have a more comfortable trip. But this is just the ground floor for luxury — the sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in JPY.

Kyoto Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Japan has a reputation for being very expensive, but, outside of accommodation, everything is pretty affordable, and there are lots of free activities too. Kyoto is no exception. You can easily enjoy it on a limited budget.

Here are some quick tips to help you save money while you visit Kyoto:

• Get a transportation pass – If you plan on riding public transportation a lot, consider getting a day pass. One-day passes are 1,100 JPY for adults (550 JPY for kids) and provide unlimited travel on both the subway and city buses.
• Get the Traffica Kyoto Card – This prepaid card offers a 10% discount on public transportation (bus and subway) within Kyoto. You can load it with 1,000 or 3,000 JPY; however, if you don’t use all the money on the card, you can’t get it back, so only get a card if you know you’ll spend it all.
• Get a JR Pass – Chances are you’ll be arriving in Kyoto by train. If that’s the case, consider buying a JR Pass . These allow you unlimited train travel and will save you a ton of money if you’re going to be visiting other cities in addition to Kyoto. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day options. Keep in mind that it can only be purchased outside of the country, so be sure to plan ahead!
• Rent a bicycle – There are plenty of places to rent a bike in Kyoto. It’s a cheap and easy way to explore the city, and you’ll get a much better feel for it, too. Many hostels rent bikes, and there are lots of rental companies, too. Expect to pay around 800-1,000 JPY per day for a standard bicycle or 1,700-2,000 JPY per day for an e-bike.
• Eat at 7-Eleven – 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and other convenience stores have a lot of meal sets (including sandwiches, soups, fruit, and more traditional Japanese options) that make for a cheap lunch option. Additionally, supermarkets also have many such meals at similar prices.
• Eat curry, ramen, and donburi – These are the best ways to eat cheap, filling meals when dining out.
• Cook your own food – Almost every hostel here has a kitchen where you can cook your own food instead of eating out. Combining this with shopping at the 100-yen stores can drastically cut your food costs.
• Shop at the 100-yen stores – There are many 100-yen shops in Kyoto with meal sets, groceries, drinks, toiletries, and household items. Store names vary by region, so ask your hotel or hostel reception desk where the nearest “Hyaku En” shop is.
• Buy food at night – After 8pm, most supermarkets discount their fresh food/prepared food as they have to get rid of it. If you buy your food after 8pm, you can save up to 50% on almost everything fresh.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw makes reusable bottles with a built-in filter so you always know your water is clean and safe.
• Stay with a local – Using hospitality sites like Couchsurfing that allow you to stay with locals not only gets you free lodging but lets you interact with them while you learn about their life. Make sure you send your request early though — the response rate is low and slow! Try inquiring with expats as well, as they tend to be more active on the platform.

Where to Stay in Kyoto

Kyoto has a bunch of hostels, and they’re all quite comfortable and sociable. My recommended places to stay in Kyoto are:

• Backpackers Hostel K’s House Kyoto
• Kyoto Hana Hostel
• Gojo Guest House
• Gion Ryokan Q-beh

How to Get Around Kyoto

Public transportation – It’s very easy to get around using public transportation here. Kyoto has an extensive bus network formed by multiple companies. The buses are clean and reliable. Single-fare tickets start at 230 JPY; prices go up based on how far you ride. You’ll need exact change to pay (when you get off), which you can get from the machine at the front of the bus near the driver.

Kyoto has a metro system composed of two lines with just over 30 stations. Single fares are based on distance and cost 210-350 JPY per person.

If you’re going to be riding public transportation a lot here, it might be worth getting either of the reloadable cards that the city offers. The prepaid Traffica Kyoto Card offers a 10% discount on public transportation (bus and subway) within the city. You can load it with 1,000 or 3,000 JPY (but if you don’t use it all, you can’t get it back). Alternatively, you can get a one-day pass for 1,100 JPY that’s good on both the bus and subways.

Taxi – While it’s super easy to hail a taxi in Kyoto, they aren’t cheap, so I would avoid them as much as possible. Rates start at 600 JPY and go up by 465 JPY per kilometer. Stick to public transportation if you can.

Ridesharing – Didi is the main ridesharing app here (Uber also exists), but prices are similar to taxis, so you won’t really save any money using them.

Bicycle – Kyoto is quite easy to get around by bicycle. You can rent a standard bike for the day for around 800-1,000 JPY (1,700-2,000 JPY for an e-bike). It’s a popular way to explore, so either reserve one in advance or get up early to ensure you can get one (this is really only for the summer months). Also, keep in mind that the traffic here flows on the left.

Car rental – If you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) you can rent a car for around 7,500 JPY per day. Just keep in mind that you’ll be driving on the left here, and that you’ll need to get your IDP before you arrive in Japan. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

But, unless you have a specific need for a car, I would stick to public transportation and trains (which are usually much faster than cars).

When to Go to Kyoto

The most popular time to visit Kyoto is in the summer; however, it can get quite warm. Temperatures in June-August are over 32°C (89°F), and it will be rather humid. You’ll also have larger crowds, as Kyoto is one of the most visited cities in the country. If you go during the summer, make sure you’re up early to beat the crowds and that you’ve booked your accommodation in advance.

The shoulder seasons are the best time to go to Kyoto. April-May and October-November see cooler temperatures and only a little bit of rain. Keep in mind that late March to early April is cherry blossom season, so expect massive crowds during that time (book ahead!).

While the winter in Kyoto is cold, it is hardly unbearable. Temperatures usually sit around 10°C (50°F) during the day and drop down to around 1°C (34°F) at night. The city is much quieter during this time as well. Snow is common, but it usually melts not long after it falls. Rain is also common, so dress for wet, brisk weather.

How to Stay Safe in Kyoto

Japan is a very safe country. Even in a large city like Kyoto, there’s virtually zero chance you’re going to get robbed, scammed, or hurt.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard precautions always apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). You also may have to watch out for lewd behavior here and there. Some travelers have reported inappropriate behavior, such as men asking personal questions or catcalling. It’s rare, but it does occur from time to time. Most trains now have “women-only” cars during rush hour. You’ll see pink signs indicating where women should board.

Scams are unheard of here and they simply won’t happen.

Your only real risk here is from Mother Nature. Earthquakes and typhoons are common, so always make sure you know where the exits are at your accommodation. Download offline maps to your phone as well, in case you need to navigate in an emergency.

Japan’s emergency number is 110, or you can call the nonemergency Japan Helpline at 0570-000-911 should you need assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. It protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Kyoto Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Japan Rail Pass – This is a flexible transportation pass used for navigating Japan. Similar to the Eurail pass in Europe, it turns expensive bullet trains into budget-friendly modes of transportation. You honestly can’t visit Japan without one.

Kyoto Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on traveling Japan and continue planning your trip:

How to Spend Your Time in Tokyo: A Suggested Itinerary

The Perfect 7-Day Japan Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

How to Travel Japan with a Baby

Where to Stay in Tokyo: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The Ultimate Japan Itinerary for First-Timers: From 1 to 3 Weeks

A Complete Guide to the Japan Rail Pass

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Japan's ancient capital home to sacred shrines and Zen gardens

Top attractions in kyoto.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Kinkakuji Temple

Yasaka Shrine

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About Kyoto

Japan’s capital from AD 794 to 1868, the list of possible tourist destinations in Kyoto Prefecture (京都府, Kyōto -fu) is endless.

You can attempt to visit all of major sites, including but certainly not limited to: Fushimi Inari Shrine and its brilliant vermillion row of torii gates, its many temples (most notably Kiyomizu-dera , Sanjusangen-do , and Kinkaku-ji ), Nijo Castle , and Amanohashidate (one of the Three Views of Japan).

Or you can attempt to “experience” Kyoto and its rich culture: appreciate the traditional architecture and maiko of the Gion district , witness the Gion Festival (held every July), and indulge in the various delicacies Kyoto has to offer, such as Uji matcha green tea, tofu, and various Japanese confectioneries. Kyoto is on the bucket list of many a traveller, and for good reason. 

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How to Travel Around Kyoto | 72 Hours Travel Tips Asia Weekend Trips Destination Guides Best Art Cities How to Travel Around Kyoto | 72 Hours Asia , Best Art Cities , Destination Guides , Travel Tips , Weekend Trips How to Travel Around Kyoto | 72 Hours

• August 29, 2021

From historic neighborhoods to bustling markets, Kyoto is one of Japan’s most important cultural centers. From 794 until 1868, the city served as Japan’s capital and the emperor’s residence. Today, travelers can learn a bit about Kyoto’s past while visiting its temples, shrines, palaces and gardens, many of which are included in the city’s 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kyoto’s well-maintained public transportation system makes it easy for travelers to explore the sights while discovering hidden gems.

How to Travel Around Kyoto

In addition to buses, taxis and bicycles, Kyoto has many train lines that will help you get from one place to another with minimal hassle. In addition to the Kyoto subway, the Japan Railway (JR) and other privately owned railways allow passengers to move between central Kyoto and its surrounding areas. Click here for a map of Kyoto’s train network.

72 Hours in Kyoto

Day 1 – morning at fushimi inari-taisha shrine.

Photo by Jeremy Goldberg

The Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto kami of rice, sake and agriculture, among other things. The site is well-known for having thousands of brightly colored, orange torii gates. Its trail stretches over 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) up a mountain, which takes approximately 2 hours to walk depending on the pace. The Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine acts as a centerpiece for the other 30,000+ Inari shrines located throughout Japan. How to Travel Around Kyoto – Fushimi Inari-taisha: Walk three minutes from the JR Inari Station on the JR Nara Line or walk five minutes from the Keihan Railway Fushimiinari Station

Afternoon – Kyoto National Museum

Courtesy of Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau

In the afternoon, head over to the Kyoto National Museum located between the Kamo River and the hills of the Higashiyama (Eastern Mountain) district. Visitors can explore the museum’s extensive collections, spanning over 12,000 years, featuring some of Japan’s most prized artworks, including one-of-a-kind treasures from temples, shrines and private collections. The artwork is divided into three sections: fine arts, artifacts and archaeology. The museum focuses on pre-modern Japanese works, and it has one of the largest collections of Heian Period (794-1185) artifacts currently on view. The Kyoto National Museum reflects the city’s rich history and many traditions – ideal for travelers looking to get familiar with the local culture. How to Travel Around Kyoto – Kyoto National Museum: Walk seven minutes from Shichijo Station on the Keihan Railway or walk one minute from Hakubutsukan-Sanjusangendomae bus stop

Evening – Fushimi Sake District

Photo by Xtra, Inc.

Sake tasting is a great way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. Kyoto is the second-largest producer of sake (by volume) in Japan making this fermented rice wine a celebrated drink among locals. Head over to the Fushimi Sake District, which is the center of Kyoto’s sake production, and stop by Fushimi Sakagura Kōji, a bar and restaurant that offers a wide selection of drinks from local breweries, as well as tasty Japanese food pairings. How to Travel Around Kyoto – Fushimi Sake District: Walk four minutes from the Fushimi Momoyama Station on the Keihan Main Line

Day 2 – Morning at Ryōan-Ji Temple

Photo by Gor Badoyan

Get a Zen-inspired start to your second day with a visit to Kyoto’s Ryōan-ji Temple featuring one of Japan’s most well-known flat, or hira niwa , gardens. It’s a mysterious place with fifteen carefully placed rocks that sit in an enclosed garden of raked white gravel. Visitors can access a platform with unimpeded views directly above the garden; however, no matter which angle you view the garden, you can never see all fifteen stones. This UNESCO World Heritage Site also includes a large garden with trees and the Kyoyochi pond. How to Travel Around Kyoto – Ryōan-ji Temple: Walk seven minutes from the Ritsumeikandaigaku-mae bus stop (from JR Kyoto Station/Hankyu Oomiya Station), walk one minute from the Ryoan-ji-Mae bus stop (from Keihan Sanjo Station) or walk seven minutes from the Railway Ryoan-ji Station on the Keifuku Kitano Line

Afternoon –  Kinkaku-ji Temple

Photo by Ibolat Caesar

Kinkaku-ji Temple, or Golden Pavilion, is one of Japan’s most widely recognized sites given that it’s richly adorned with gold leaf. The structure was originally built as a residence for Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (1358-1408) and converted into a Zen temple shortly after his death. In 1950, a monk named Hayashi Yoken burned the temple down during a suicide attempt. The site was rebuilt in 1955 and continues to operate today. While visiting, take a moment to rest your feet at the temple’s teahouse. How to Travel Around Kyoto – Kinkaku-ji Temple: Walk from the Kinkakuji-Michi (Kinkaku-ji Temple) bus stop

Evening –  Gion Corner

Courtesy of Gion Corner

Gion Corner is a cultural theater located near Shijo Avenue between the Yasaka Shrine and the Kamo River. In just one hour, audiences can experience seven of Kyoto’s performing arts, including Kyogen classical comedy, Kyomai dance, Gagaku music of the imperial courts, koto harp and Bunraku puppet theater, as well as a tea ceremony and flower arrangement. The performances are explained in English making it accessible for visitors from all over the world. How to Travel Around Kyoto – Gion Corner: Walk five minutes from the Gion Shijō Station on the Keihan Main Line

Day 3 – Morning at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Photo by Walter Mario Stein

To avoid the afternoon crowds, start your third day with a visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove located near Kyoto’s Togetsukyo Bridge. Visitors can walk or bike through a network of paths that cut through soaring bamboo stalks. Additionally, this area includes the Nonomiya-jinja Shrine and the Tenryu-ji Temple. How to Travel Around Kyoto – Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Walk 10 minutes from the Saga Arashiyama Station on the JR Sagano Line or walk 15 minutes from the Arashiyama Station on the Henkyu Railway

Afternoon –  Nishiki Market

Known as Kyoto’s Kitchen , Nishiki Market offers a wide variety of local foods making it an ideal place to stop for lunch. Over a hundred shopkeepers sell goods, such as vegetables, fish and desserts, from a 400-meter path located between Teramachi Street and Takakura Street. From noodles to sushi, Nishiki Market is a one-stop-shop for experiencing Kyoto’s lively street food scene. How to Travel Around Kyoto – Nishiki Market: Walk five minutes from the Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Railway Line, walk five minutes from Shijokawaramachi/Shijotakakura bus stop or walk seven minutes from the Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line

Evening –  Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Photo by Nuno Antunes

For some of the best views in Kyoto, head over to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple – one of the most popular places in the city given its mountainside veranda. The temple was founded in 778 and features the statue of Kannon , the Buddhist goddess of mercy, as well as the Jishu-jinja Shrine, a popular spot for those looking to pray for a good love match. The sunset views from the temple’s veranda should not be missed while visiting Kyoto. How to Travel Around Kyoto – Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Walk ten minutes from the Gojozaka bus stop (from Keihan Gion Shichijo Station and JR Kyoto Station), walk ten minutes from the Kiyomizu-michi bus stop (from Keihan Gion Shijo Station/Hankyu Kawaramachi Station), walk 25 minutes from the Keihan Kiyomizu Gojo Station or walk ten minutes from the Higashiyama-Gojo bus stop

How to Travel to Kyoto from Tokyo

Photo by Fikri Rasyid

The quickest and most convenient way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto is taking the Shinkansen Nozomi bullet train, which travels from Tokyo Station directly to Kyoto Station in approximately 140 minutes. Reserved and non-reserved seats are not included with the JR Pass. This is one of the fastest trains in Japan with speeds of up to 185 mph (300 km/h).

If you enjoyed How to Travel Around Kyoto | 72 Hours in Kyoto , check out other travel articles about Asia .

Are you looking for luxury ryokan? Click here for a review of Hoshino Resorts KAI Hakone.

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Girl Eat World

A girl's adventure in food and travel around the world, kyoto travel guide for first-time visitors: what to see and eat in kyoto.

Recently, I had the opportunity to revisit Kyoto again, for the third time. I visited Kyoto for the first time during Sakura (Spring) season, then again in Momiji (Fall) season, before coming back during the pandemic when there weren’t any international tourists in Japan .

Needless to say, I feel like I’ve seen Kyoto at its best times and I can’t wait to share everything I know about Kyoto with you!

• How to get to Kyoto

How many days should I spend in Kyoto?

When is the best time to visit kyoto.

• Where should I stay in Kyoto?

How can I get around Kyoto?

• Can I store my luggage in Kyoto?
• What are the must-do things in Kyoto?
• What and where to eat in Kyoto

How can I get to Kyoto?

First things first, let’s cover the ways you can get to Kyoto. Kyoto is located in Kansai, south of Honshu, Japan’s main region. It is around 500km south of Tokyo . Here is how you can get to Kyoto:

1. Fly into KIX, then take the Haruka Airport Express

As a foreign visitor, the best and fastest way to get to Kyoto is to fly into Kansai International Airport (KIX) and take the train to Kyoto, going through Osaka. From KIX to Osaka, it only takes about 50 minutes by Haruka airport express train and then another 15 minutes to Kyoto and slightly longer if you take the local train, perhaps 30 minutes.

(In fact, Osaka is a great base for your trip if you’re interested in exploring other things in Kansai aside from Kyoto, as I have outlined here )

You can purchase Haruka airport express train ticket here , or if you already have a JR pass, then you can use your JR pass (assuming you bought Unlimited JR Pass ).

2. Take the Shinkansen, Japan’s ultra-fast bullet train

The price of Unlimited JR Pass has increased by 70% since 1 Oct 2023 . Even though you’ll see many recommendations for buying a JR Pass to save some costs, it could be outdated. Since the price hike, it has become harder to justify the cost of the JR Pass, however regional passes like the JR West Kansai Pass might still be worth it. I am working on updating my blog post to reflect this change.

If you’re thinking of making Kyoto one of your stops on a long trip to Japan, it’s very possible to take Shinkansen. From Tokyo, it will take only 2.5 hours to reach Kyoto by Shinkansen. Just make sure you’ve purchased a JR Pass that covers both areas, in this case, if you’re traveling from Tokyo to Osaka / Kyoto then you’d probably want the Unlimited JR Pass .

The Shinkansen conveniently drops you off at the main Kyoto / Osaka station (depending on where you’ve decided to base yourself – I’ve written about that here ), and from there you’ll be able to take local trains to wherever you need to go.

You should be able to see most things you want to see in Kyoto in 2 days , but it really depends on your travel style. If you wake up early and are okay with going around the entire day til night time, then 2 days is good.

However, if you prefer to take things slow, you could allocate more days. You can see the list of things to do in Kyoto below, where I outline my recommended places to visit and decide for yourself!

Without a doubt, the best time to visit Kyoto (and many other parts of Japan) is during Sakura time or Momiji time . You can click on the links to determine the best times as it varies every year.

Kyoto (and all of Japan) is just insanely beautiful during these two seasons. However, they are also probably the most popular time to visit Kyoto, so expect a lot of crowds.

Avoid golden week which is the first week of May and Obon in middle of August, as these two are big holidays in Japan. You’ll not only have to battle the international tourists that are coming to Japan, but domestic Japanese tourists too!

Where should I stay when visiting Kyoto?

As I said before, I believe that Osaka , not Kyoto, is a better place to base yourself especially if you’re interested in exploring other things in Kansai, as I have outlined in my Kansai itinerary post .

This is my preference for many reasons:

• Accommodations in Osaka are more diverse and affordable. Kyoto on the other hand is seen as a luxury place to stay. You’ll be expected to pay a luxury price too!
• It only takes 15 minutes to Kyoto by Shinkansen (which you’d be using if you have a JR pass) or 30 minutes by local train.
• Kyoto gets pretty quiet (read: dead) by nighttime, whereas Osaka is the second largest city in Japan so you’ll still find plenty to do at night.
• Osaka is a great base if you’re exploring other areas in Kansai , since it’s located right in the middle of everything.

➡️ If you want to know where you can stay in Osaka, click on my Osaka travel guide .

Accommodations in Kyoto

That said, I understand that some people prefer the quaintness and quiet of Kyoto, so here are some good places you can consider. Just be mindful that they would be on the more expensive side!

• Yadoya Manjiro – If you want the true Japanese experience, you’d want to stay in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). Yadoya Manjiro is located a stone-throw away from Kiyomizu-dera, making it extremely convenient to explore the quiet old streets of Kyoto at night, once other tourists have left Kyoto.
• Kyoto Higashiyamaso – Another ryokan in the same area as Yadoya Manjiro. You really can’t beat the location!
• Kyoto River-view House Kyoraku – with rooms starting from US$70 a night, this is probably one of the most affordable options in Kyoto. It is located in the more modern part of Kyoto closer to the main station, but still within walking distance of the old Kyoto part.

Okay, now that we’ve covered the basics. How can we get around Kyoto? There are a few ways:

1. Using local train and bus

As with most cities in Japan, Kyoto’s public transport is top-notch. You can easily use Google Maps to chart out how to get from point A to point B with public transport in Kyoto.

I highly suggest getting a train card (IC card) if you plan to use public transport. It just makes everything so much easier, since you don’t need to buy a ticket for every journey – you just have to tap the card in and out of the station. The local train card is called ICOCA in Kansai, but if you have Suica or Pasmo from Kanto / Tokyo (or IC card from other regions), those should work here too.

Good news for iPhone users – the IC cards have gone virtual and you can use your phone as an IC card! This makes everything even more convenient, as you can refill the balance via your phone without having to go to the station. Note that you  do not need to buy a physical IC card to do this , just start the process straight from your phone!

Virtual IC Card: Read up on how to travel in Japan without a physical IC Card here !

2. Renting a Bicycle

One option many might not know is renting a bike. This is what I did on my first visit to Kyoto and it allowed me to see more of the city. The tourist area in Kyoto is not actually that big, so this is a very feasible option. We biked from Kyoto station to Arashiyama , and it only took about an hour with some detours.

You can rent two types of bikes:

• Regular Bikes at High Class City Bike Rental
• Electric Assist Bike Rental – If you think you’ll need some assistance from the motor so you don’t have to pedal so hard all the time!

On my latest visit, we rented a car as we were traveling with a toddler. But I would say exploring Kyoto by car is not the most ideal, as the streets are quite narrow in the areas that you would want to visit as a tourist.

But the biggest issue is that parking can get really expensive in Japan. We paid 1,000 – 1,500 yen each time we parked our car, which really adds up quickly if you’re visiting multiple places in Kyoto. However, it was certainly the most convenient way when traveling with a toddler.

You can rent a car from near Kyoto station here .

Can I store my luggage at Kyoto station?

Yes!! There are plenty of coin lockers to store your luggage at the train stations in Kyoto, or any other major train stations in Japan. You can choose the size of the lockers, ranging from 300 – 700 yen. Here is a photo of what it might look like:

You can’t really see from the photo above, but the locker is very deep. The 300 yen option is good for backpacks (the kind you take for backpacking trips), while the 700 yen option would fit very large luggage. The 300 yen one looks small but you can definitely fit a 10kg backpack laying flat with plenty more room, so I think bigger backpacks would fit too.

Take note that the locker fee is only good to open the locker once, so if you forget something and need to take your luggage out, you’ll need to pay another set of fees. And don’t forget where your locker is located! You might want to take a photo of it just so you don’t have a hard time locating it later.

Things to do in Kyoto

Now that you know how to travel around Kyoto – you might be wondering “What are the must-do things in Kyoto?”. Well, you’ve come to the right place!

Here are some of the must-do in Kyoto:

1. See Senbon Torii (“thousands of gates”) at Fushimi Inari Taisha

When you think of Kyoto, I’m willing to bet the first thing that comes to mind is the rows upon rows of vermilion-colored torii that are so symbolic of Japan. Well, these rows of torii can be found at Fushimi Inari Taisha !

Enter the temple area and go past the shrine, then continue your hike up and you’ll see the torii soon. The rows of torii actually double up as a 5km trail up to Mount Inari. If that sounds far to you, you don’t actually have to go all the way up, you could just do a little bit of the walk and circle back.

In the three times I’ve been to Kyoto, I’ve never made it up to the top of the mountain due to time constraints, but I’ve been told the further away you go, the lesser the crowd! I would totally do it if I had the time.

The main temple area is also worth a visit. I got this super cute Ema (wooden plaque for prayers) shaped like a torii for 800 yen. You’re supposed to write your wishes on an ema and leave it at the temple, but you could also take it home as a souvenir like I did.

Another thing you might want to do while at the temple (or any other temple in Japan) is purchase an Omamori , a small amulet containing a blessed piece of wood meant to protect you or you can gift it to your loved ones for their protection. They cost about 500-800 yen and there are different types of Omamori for different purposes – for health, giving birth, for students, etc. Most temples in Kyoto will have signs in English explaining what they are!

There is also a great lunch option nearby, at a restaurant called Kanoko . Scroll down for more info and my food recommendations in Kyoto!

2. Visit Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera is undoubtedly one of the most famous temples in Japan. There is a public area which you can explore for free, and then there is a ticketed area which costs 400 yen. I skipped the ticketed area on my first two visits as it was quite crowded and there was a line for entering. But I finally went in on my latest visit, and I can honestly say it is worth it.

Kiyomizu-dera means “Pure water temple”. If you decide to enter the ticketed area, you can see the actual Kiyomizu-dera main hall. Take a moment to marvel at the ancient Japanese architecture, which is built on a cliff and without any nails (common for Japanese temples).

Past the main hall, you’ll be taken on a path to walk around the garden which will be so beautiful, especially during Sakura and Momiji time! There is another smaller temple for safe delivery (a common pattern with many other places in Kyoto, I noticed) where you can see the main hall from afar.

Then, at the base of the temple is Otowa waterfall , where you can take some water for drinking. The water here, as the name Kiyomizu suggests, is considered to have many fortune benefits. Next to it is a small teahouse where you can have snacks and a light lunch.

3. Stroll around Kyoto’s Higashiyama (東山) and Gion district

Kyoto is charming for its quaint old Japan look. Well, the old Japan area is mostly located in the Higashiyama district.

Higashiyama means “eastern mountain” and that’s exactly where the district is located – along the slope of the eastern mountain of Kyoto. Kiyomizu-dera is actually located in Higashiyama district, so you can combine this activity with visiting the temple.

You can expect to see quaint traditional buildings, unique souvenir shops (this is a great place to pick up something to bring back home), small ryokan (Japanese-style inn) and street food vendors. It’s a very nice area to stroll around.

Aside from the obvious Kiyomizu-dera , there are a few places you won’t want to miss in this district:

• Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka (literally translated two year hill and three year hill) – the slopes near Kiyomizu-dera that are symbolic of Kyoto. You can find souvenir shops and street vendors in this area.
• Hidden Starbucks ( map ) – There is a Starbucks at Ninenzaka, but it’s not obvious as it does not have any of the iconic green Starbucks color. The facade of the store has been designed to fit the aesthetic of the rest of the neighborhood. Inside, you’ll find a garden on the first floor and traditional tatami seats (straw mats) on the second floor.
• Studio Ghibli store ( map ) – if you are a fan of Ghibli, and who isn’t, make sure to stop by here for a chance to bring back some souvenirs home. They have all kinds of things – from cups and utensils to stuffed toys and apparels.

Near Higashiyama is Gion – also known as the Geisha district. Gion is not technically part of higashiyama, but it’s very close by. The district is filled with tea houses where a geisha and a maiko might be doing their job as entertainers. There are also some high-end restaurants in this area.

4. Take a walk at the philosopher’s path

Tetsugaku no Michi, aka Philosopher’s path is a beautiful serene path along the canal that takes you from near the old streets of Kyoto to Ginkaku-ji. The path gained its name from Kitaro Nishida, a famous philosopher from Kyoto, who would take this path as a way to meditate. It is lined with beautiful cherry blossom trees, so you definitely want to be here during Sakura season! However, it is also still a good place to visit even if it’s not Sakura season.

You can start the walk from Keiage incline, to Nanzenji, then taking your way up philosopher path before ending up at Ginkaku-ji.

5. See Ginkaku-ji and Kinkaku-ji

Yes, the names are very similar but these are two different temples, located quite a distance apart from each other! Kinkaku-ji is Temple of the Golden Pavilion, while Ginkaku-ji is Temple of the Silver Pavilion.

Kinkaku-ji is a unique-looking temple, with pure gold-leaf coating covering the top two levels the temple. Ginkaku-ji, on the other hand, was meant to be the silver version of Kinkaku-ji as the name might have indicated. However, the temple has remained “unfinished” and to this date no silver foil has been used to coat the exterior of the temple.

6. Visit Arashiyama

Another famous visual from Kyoto is the serene Arashiyama bamboo forest . There are a few entry points to get to the bamboo forest, but I usually start from this point at Google maps , and end at Kameyama Park. The bamboo forest path is not very long (probably will take you 15-30 minutes max to walk) but there are plenty to do and more temples to visit around Arashiyama too!

Once you’re done with the bamboo forest, take some time to explore the area too! Kameyama Park offers a tranquil walk around, and there is a trail that takes you down to Katsura River.

Once you’re done exploring, you could walk down the river to a nearby park along Katsura River, called Arashiyama Park . During Sakura time, this park is filled with cherry blossom as well as snacks you can buy. I bought a sakura ice cream here!

Or you can visit some temples in Arashiyama. Tenryu-ji and Seiryo-ji is the big temples nearby. Each visit would set you back 400 yen per person.

7. Take the Sagano Romantic Train (in Arashiyama)

The Sagano romantic train, aka Sagano Torokko scenic railway, starts from near Arashiyama bamboo forest and takes you to JR Kameoka station. It takes 25 minutes to complete this journey, or 50-60 minutes to do a round trip if you are not interested in exploring Kameoka.

To make things simpler, you can pre-book a ticket for Sagano Romantic Train and pick it up at the Kyoto station.

8. Dress up in traditional Japanese clothing

If you want to fully immerse yourself in the Japanese atmosphere, you might want to rent a Kimono (or Yukata if it’s summer) while you’re walking around Kyoto. I saw plenty of tourists who did this and it definitely makes for a good photo. Here is where you can rent a kimono / yukata in Kyoto near Kiyomizu-dera.

Or, if you want to take it a step further, you can take a peek into the life of a maiko and dress up as a maiko (complete with the makeup). It also comes with a photoshoot so you can remember the experience.

And, if you’re wondering if it’s considered offensive to wear Japanese traditional clothing – the short answer is no . Japanese culture does not consider it cultural appropriation when a foreigner wears traditional Japanese clothing, especially when you’re wearing it properly!

9. Iwatama Monkey Park in Arashiyama

Iwatama Monkey Park is an open-air park where you can see and feed Japanese Macaque. The monkeys here are not confined in a cage, because they are wild and are free to come and go as they please. Personally, I have never been because I am scared of wild monkeys, and they could be quite territorial.

10. See Kyoto at night / after dark

Temples and shrines in Kyoto close as early as 5 pm. But if you’re lucky, during certain times of the year, you can come back at night to certain temples to see them illuminated with lanterns and lights. These events are:

• Higashiyama Hanatouro (in March for 10 days)
• Hikari no Kyoto (November)
• Arashihyama Hanatouro (December)

Some events are one-off and don’t repeat every year, so be sure to pay attention to posters when you are visiting during the daytime. They might tell you if anything is on for nighttime.

What and Where to Eat in Kyoto

The name of this dish tells you a lot about the dish itself. “Yu” means hot water, and “Dofu” means… well, tofu. Quite literally, the translation for this dish is boiling tofu. If you don’t like tofu, you probably won’t enjoy it but I am a tofu lover and I thought it was great! Yudofu is usually served as kaiseki, a Japanese multi-course meal, and it does come at a price.

Where you can have Yudofu in Kyoto:

• Shoraian – By Katsura River near Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. It is a little difficult to find and might require a reservation as the place is small. We were turned away when we tried to walk in.
• Yudofu Sagano – We went to Yudofu Sagano near Arashiyama and had a 10-course kaiseki for 4,000 yen. It was an expensive lunch, but worth it because the food was so good and even being in the restaurant itself was really nice experience. They have a zen garden in the middle!
• Okutan – a 350 years old restaurant near Nanzen-ji temple.

2. Uji Matcha

If you enjoy matcha (fine green tea powder), you’ll want to try matcha from Uji, a city in Kyoto. Uji is blessed with soil that is favorable for growing tea leaves. Matcha from Uji is considered one of the best in Japan, as it is rich in taste and very fragrant.

That’s why you’ll see matcha nearly everywhere in Kyoto – in the form of a tea drink, mochi, green tea ice cream topped with matcha powder, or even chasoba , noodles that are green in color from green tea ingredients.

Where you can try Uji Matcha in Kyoto:

To try Uji Matcha without visiting Uji itself, look out for these names while you are in Kyoto:

• Tsujiri – One of the most famous tea houses originated from Uji in Kyoto. They also have a small ice cream shop at Kyoto station, and their green tea soft serve is one of the best I’ve had.
• Itoh-kyuemon – another famous tea house from Uji. They also have a shop close to Kyoto station, selling dessert and their tea leaves.

3. Shojin Ryori

Shojin Ryori is a traditional Buddhist cooking, usually served as a multi-course meal. There is no animal product used, making it suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and those who need a halal option.

Shojin Ryori is made using the five basic concepts: five flavors (sweet, sour, spicy, bitter, and savory) five cooking styles (steamed, boiled, roasted, stewed, and raw), and five colors (white, black, red, green and yellow).

Shojin Ryori does come at a price – and it could be over 10,000 yen per person!

Where you can have Shojin Ryory in Kyoto:

Here are places where you can try Shojin Ryori:

• Shigetsu at Tenryu-ji ( map ) – near Arashiyama Bamboo forest
• Ajiro ( map ) – Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant
• Hyotei ( map ) – A 400-year-old restaurant that is also a 3-star Michelin, located conveniently near the Higashiyama district

Other notable places to eat in Kyoto

Kinkaku soft ice cream ( map – near Kinkaku-ji) – This place serves gold-leaf softserves. It might be gimmicky, as it is obviously playing on the fact that Kinkaku-ji is covered in gold-leaf coating, but it does look special doesn’t it? Each ice cream will set you back 950 yen.

Nishiki Market ( map ) – Amazing food market that has been around for 400 years. It spans over 400m long and contains 100 stalls. You can find basically every Japanese food here. I’ve had sushi, sakura mochi, ichigo daifuku, just to name a few.

Kichi Kichi Omurice ( map – near Nishiki Market) – Have you seen the viral video of a guy serving the perfect Omurice a few years back? that restaurant is Kichi Kichi, and it is in Kyoto! I would highly recommend making a reservation if you intend to go, as the restaurant does not do walk-ins due to its popularity.

Gion Yata ( map )- Great restaurant for traditional kaiseki (multi-course) meals.

Ogawa Soba ( map – near Kinkaku-ji) – Great soba near Kinkaku-ji. It’s a little out of the way from most other places you’d want to see in Kyoto, but it might be worth it if you’re already in the area for Kinkaku-ji.

Kanoko ( map – near Fushimi Inari Taisha) – A simple restaurant right off the exit of Fushimi Inari Taisha. It looked unassuming from the outside, but they have a zen garden in the restaurant. They serve the usual suspect of Japanese cuisine fare like soba, tempura and set meals. Such a nice atmosphere and great food!

Bread & Espresso & Arashiyama ( map ) – Unique coffee shop near Arashiyama bamboo forest. It’s pretty popular so you might have to wait for a table.

Okay, folks, that’s all I have on Kyoto. If you end up making it to Kyoto, please comment below and let me know how your experiences are. And if my guide has helped you, please let me know too! I love reading and responding to your comments.

Until next time 🥰

Japan is one of my most-written topics in this blog and I go to Japan quite often. If you’re looking for more posts about Japan, please click here !

18 Comments

• February 22, 2024

Hi Melissa,

I will be travelling to Kansai area in March 8-16. 8-10 Mar – staying in Kyoto 10-16 Mar – staying in Osaka, day trip to Kobe & day trip to Nara

Do you think I can just buy the Kansai pass thru and use it from Kansai airport to the rest of the places? What other passes to you recommend.

Thank you for your time!

• February 17, 2024

Thank you for your site. It’s super helpful.

I am wondering what kind of pass I should be getting when in Japan.

We plan to to fly to KIX on March 10

Here is our itinerary March 10 Osaka March 11 leaving Osaka and spent the day in Nara. After visiting Nara, we will be leaving Nara for Kyoto, and stay in Kyoto March 11 to March 14 4 nights in Kyoto March 15 leaving Kyoto, and arriving in Hakone March 15 and March 16 2 nights in Hakone March 17 leaving Hakone and arriving in Fuji 5 lake March 17 and 18 both nights in Fuji 5 lake March 19 leaving Fuji 5 lake and heading to Tokyo March 19 – March 22 – 3 nights in Tokyo

In the Kensai area, should I get JR west Kensai pass, or should I get Kintensu 1 day pass, and purchase Haruka airport express to Osaka separately?

What would you recommend to go from Kyoto to Hakone?

Thank you so much.

• February 20, 2024

Your itinerary used to be covered by the unlimited JR, but since the price increase it is no longer worth it.

For Hakone and Fuji Five Lakes, I recommend looking into the Fuji-Hakone pass. This include the one way back from Fuji five lakes to Shinjuku. However it is only valid for 4 days, so you might want to activate it on your second day in Fuji five lakes.

For the Kyoto to Hakone portion, you’ll have to buy the tickets a la carte.

For Kansai, both of the options you mentioned are good, it just depends on your preference – do you like taking JR trains more or are you ok with the Kintetsu trains?

• January 18, 2024

Melissa, your blog is super helpful with planning of my Japan trip itinerary in late April/early May. I have prepared the draft of the plan as follows – however i stil cannot determine whether i am not spending too much time in Tokio, yet adding Nikko as day trip would mean i would spend most of that day travelling 🙂 Is the below reasonable or should i play with dates?

Date Activity 2024-04-20 arrival at KIX Osaka, checkin in hotel – dinner Dotonbori 2024-04-21 Osaka – day trip to Nara 2024-04-22 Koyasan – arrival ca noon, sighseeing of temples, evening cementary visit. 2024-04-23 Koyasan – early morning sightseeing return to Osaka (Osaka Castle and temples) 2024-04-24 Trip to Hiroshima with stop over in Himeji 2024-04-25 daytrip Mijaima, evening departure to Kyoto 2024-04-26 Kyoto – Fusimi Inaria Taisha, Nishiki market, Gion 2024-04-27 Kyoto – Arashima Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu Dera. Pontocho 2024-04-28 Kyoto – Hokanji Temple, departure to Tokio 2024-04-29 Tokio – Shinjuku, Shibuya (Gotokuji Temple, Meiji Shrine, Park Yoyogi, Harajuku,Roppongi Hills ) 2024-04-30 Tokio – Toyosu Market, Tsukiji Market, Ginza and Tokyo Station, TeamLabs (?), Imperial palace gardens 2024-05-01 Tokio – Asakusa (Imado. Senso-ji Temple, Akihabara, Park Ueno, Akihabara i Ikebukuro, 2024-05-02 Tokio – Hakone day trip 2024-05-03 Tokio – day trip Kamakura – 2024-05-04 Tokio – souvenir shooping,evening Departure from Narita

Hey Krysztof, I think your itinerary looks very reasonable! You can save Nikko for later since you’re already heading to Hakone (the vibe is somewhat similar). I myself didnt go to Nikko until my 3rd visit to Japan. Just be mindful of the first few days of May being Golden Week. It is one of Japan’s largest holiday and there will be more domestic tourism on those days. However tourist attractions should still be open.

• July 5, 2023

Hi Melissa, So basically i can just rent a bicycle and cycle around Kyoto the whole day before i head back to Osaka? Was thinking if i should stay in Kyoto because I plan this way: Day 1-2 : Osaka Day 3 : Kyoto Day 4-6 : Tokyo Day 7-8 : Hakone

Hey Mandy, that sounds good to me! I highly recommend biking around Kyoto if the weather is good. Since you plan to head out to Tokyo, it could be good to stay in Kyoto if you want. I would try to stay near the JR station.

• May 30, 2023

Thanks for such a helpful writeup.

I clicked on the recommended accomodations and it seems like none are taking reservations. Are they perhaps alr closed due to the pandemic? Would you have other recommendations for accom?

Thanks alot! <3

• May 31, 2023

Hey Claire, they are still operational, but popular so they may be sold out on the days you are looking at

• May 8, 2023

I plan to travel to Kyoto Osaka in mid November this year. May I know when you travelled to Kyoto Osaka? I meant in fall foliage or before that? I would like to ask, is it worth to reschedule my plane to late Nov when fall foliage? because i need to pay penalty fee to airlines. Is mid of Nov worth or not? Thanks

Hey Ellen, I can’t say because it’s different every year, but generally for Osaka and Kyoto the peak is at the end of November. You can refer to this map: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2014.html

• May 2, 2023

Thanks for the comprehensive write-up. We are making a trip to Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka (10 days in total….taking it slow as we have some senior citizens with us). Am wondering if I should get the 5 days JR West pass and activate it only when in Kyoto to Hiroshima and return to Osaka, as we plan to stay in Hiroshima for 3 days, or should I get the 7 days pass? And would it be different compared to JR All Pass or should I stick to JR West Pass? Thanks

Hey Dave, by JR West, do you mean the JR Kansai-Hiroshima pass with 5-day validity? As far as I know, the JR West Kansai only has a 1-4 day validity and doesn’t cover Hiroshima. and by JR All do you mean the JR Whole Japan one?

In any case, the bulk of the train price would be the train going from Kyoto to Hiroshima and back to Osaka, like you mentioned so I would make sure to activate the JR validity to cover those days. So for example it sounds like your itinerary might look like this:

Day 1-2: Kyoto Day 3-6: Hiroshima Day 7-10: Osaka

I would then activate the JR Pass on day 3 when traveling to Kyoto-Hiroshima, and make sure it is still valid on Day 7 when traveling to Hiroshima. Given the trains are already 12,000 yen one way without JR Pass, It sounds like the JR Kansai-HIroshima is what you want.

• April 7, 2023

Hi Do I need the Kansai JR pass if I stay in Osaka and travel to Kyoto for 3 days?

• April 10, 2023

If you’re only traveling to Kyoto, I would just take the local train and not buy JR pass. Unless you want to take the shinkansen from Osaka to Kyoto. But the time difference isn’t much (15 mins by shinkansen vs 25-30 mins by local train from Osaka)

• January 2, 2023

Hai Melissa,

Thank you for the travel info provided. It help me a lot on my journey this month. But, may you help me to explain regarding Kansai Area Pass? I still don’t understand the use of trains in Kansai. Do I need to buy a Kansai Area Pass ticket to visit places around Kyoto, Osaka and Nara? and is the Kansai Area Pass a JR pass? and can I use it to take the train from the airport to Kyoto? Sorry for so many questions. I have read a lot of information, but regarding the train I still confuse, either the train is local train or the JR train.

• December 28, 2022

Thanks this was so helpful!!

• December 18, 2022

I really love your sharing on Kansai area. Thanks!

Do you find Osaka and Kyoto is pram accessible? I am bringing my 3 years old kid there.

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14 Unmissable Things to do in Kyoto, Japan

Beautiful Kyoto, once the capital of Japan , is still one of the most visited cities in the country. Known as the city of ten thousand shrines, Kyoto blends old and new; it’s a place where ancient Geisha districts are sandwiched by temple-dotted mountains on one side and towering steel towers on the other. Spend your days wandering among gold-leafed palaces, tranquil Japanese Gardens, and ancient bamboo groves, or immerse yourself in the creative culture at trendy art spaces, vintage shops, and kimono rental stores. There are so many incredible things to do in Kyoto — discover them all in this complete travel guide!

Things to do in Kyoto

Although Kyoto is a big city, it has a small-town feel. The harmony between contemporary high-rise buildings and traditional wooden teahouses makes it unique. Whether you want to explore the endless temples or surrounding mountains, there is something for every traveler. 

Because it offers so much diversity and history, Kyoto is one of the most popular places to visit in Japan. Although you can expect crowds and queues for the main things to do in Kyoto, it’s well worth it; it was one of the best and most beautiful place we visited on our trip! 

Here are all your hotel options in Kyoto.

1. Sannenzaka, Kyoto

Sannenzaka, meaning ‘Three-Year Hill’, is one of Kyoto’s most traditional Japanese streets, full of teahouses, sweet shops, and wooden houses. The pretty stone-paved road slopes upward towards the beautiful 3-tiered Hōkan-Ji Temple, where you’ll find impressive views of the city and cherry trees in Spring. 

Hotels in Kyoto 😴

In the morning these street feels like a time machine to a bygone Japan, with just the sounds of birds as you climb uphill. But during the day, Sannenzaka comes to life, with locals and tourists arriving to check out the craft shops and delicious restaurants. Nighttime is equally enjoyable when there are no crowds, and the street lanterns give it a charming, cozy ambiance. Please note that during the high seasons, these streets can be busy even in mornings.

This area is very popular for tea ceremonies, which take place in the ancient tea houses. Book a tour to learn about this time-honored tradition .

Hōkan-ji Temple

Hokan-ji Temple, popularly known as Yasaka Pagoda, stands as a symbol of Kyoto’s charm. Situated in the trendy Sannenzaka area, it’s highly favored on Instagram . The pagoda, soaring at 46 meters with five stories, dates back to 596 AD. However, due to wars and fires, it has undergone several reconstructions.

Walk to the top of the street in Sannenzaka to reach the beautiful temple, where you can admire its sloping tiled roof. You can also visit inside, where you’ll see some lovely paintings. Plus, if you’re brave, we recommend climbing to the top of the pagoda for incredible views over Kyoto. 

Please note that due to the temple’s internet fame, it’s busy all day – including sunrise! It’s completely understandable, though, as it’s one of the most beautiful spots in Kyoto.

Opening Times and Entrance Fee: 10 AM – 3 PM. 400 yen (3 USD)

Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto

Don’t miss seeing the stunning Buddhist temple complex, Kiyomizu-Dera, which sits halfway up the slope of Mt. Otowa, looking down on Sannenzaka. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known as one of the holiest places in the city, with people coming here to worship the deity Kannon.

As you enter the beautiful red-painted gateways into the complex, you can feel the temple’s 1000+-year-old history. You might even be lucky enough to witness the ancient Buddhist ceremonies practiced here.

The Kiyomizu stage is the most famous part of the temple complex: a platform held up by mammoth wooden pillars that hang over the edge of the mountain slope. From the viewing platform, look out over stunning mountain scenery, with pink blossoms in spring, vibrant foliage in fall, and snow-covered trees in winter.

Book your tour of Kiyomizu Temple (including a tea ceremony)

How to Visit Kyomizu Temple, Kyoto

Kiyomizu Temple is just a 10-minute walk uphill from Hokan-Ji Temple; it’s one of the top things to do in Kyoto!

The temple is open every day from 6 AM (beautiful at sunrise) – 6 PM or 9.30 PM, depending on the season ( check all the opening hours here ). Tickets cost 500 yen (3.50 USD), or you can join a guided tour .

2. Nara Park

While planning your trip to Japan, you’ve probably seen the famous images of cute deer interacting with tourists: this is the iconic Nara Park ! Set in the city of Nara, discover expansive woodland where hundreds of friendly (and cheeky!) deer roam wild. It’s especially lovely to visit during fall when the leaves pop in warm reds, oranges, and yellows. ( Book one of the many incredible tours around Nara )

Note: Admission to Nara Park is free. However, on arrival, you may want to purchase some natural crackers (200 yen/1.50 USD) to feed the deer. Please only feed them the crackers provided.

Although seeing the deer is the main draw for visitors, there are also many other fantastic things to do in Nara Park , such as visiting the majestic Todaiji Temple or the stunning botanical gardens. Best of all, at each site, you’ll always be accompanied by large groups of deer!

Explore Nara with a local guide. See tickets and availability for a half-day tour.

Getting to Nara Park

From Kyoto Station, you can take a direct train to Nara in under one hour. The train arrives at Kintetsu Nara Station, and the JR Pass (JR Nara line) covers this route.

Buy your Japan Rail Pass in advance

Tip: If you arrive from Nara JR station in the morning, take advantage of the Mochi-making show at Nakatanidou. Mochi is a jelly dessert made with rice flour and packed with sweet black bean paste inside; it usually comes in various colors, and it’s fascinating to watch the creation process! 

3. Diago-Ji Temple (Top Thing to do in Kyoto!)

Diago-Ji Temple was maybe our favorite spot in Japan! This peaceful area is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and spans the whole mountainside, with the main temple sitting at the base and smaller temples along the path to the summit. 

The atmosphere of this place is incredible; the sounds, colors, and scenery are perfect – especially when visiting from late November to the first half of December, at which time it’s fall-colored heaven. It’s truly a photographer’s paradise!

Read: Best Things to do at Mount Fuji, Japan

Sanboin Temple

Alongside the main Diago-Ji Temple, you’ll find the sub-temple: Sanboin (former residence of the head priest). Inside, there are many historical and cultural relics, including a preserved drawing room (Omote Shoin) with traditional sliding screens, straw mats, and romantic murals. There is also a stunning Japanese garden to explore with waterfalls, ponds, and cherry trees.

Opening Times and Entry Fee: Buy a combined ticket to see all the main buildings at the lower level for 1500 yen (10 USD). Open 9 AM – 5 PM (4.30 PM in the winter months).  You can see the full price list here .

Getting to Diago-Ji Temple

The journey takes about 30 mins from the center of Kyoto. Head to Kyoto Shiyakusho-Mae Station and take the Tozai line to Daigo Station. It’s a 15-minute walk from there to the shrine.

We recommend allowing for 1 -2 hours to leisurely walk among the complex; you’ll find fewer crowds here than other popular things to do in Kyoto, mainly because it’s a bit out of town and less reachable by public transport.

4. Day Trip to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kyoto

Spend the day immersed in nature at the remarkable Arashiyama Bamboo Grove! Located in the cute town of Arashiyama (just a 20-minute train ride away from bustling Kyoto), discover a towering tunnel of bamboo trees that creates one of the most magical walkways. When the sun hits just right, it creates fractures of golden light through the trees — it’s the perfect place to snap some beautiful photos! ( Book your day trip here )

Did you know? The Airshiyama Bamboo Forest is a uniquely sensory experience; it was named one of the ‘100 soundscapes of Japan’ by the Japanese Ministry of Environment because of the sound of the bamboo blowing in the wind.

As you walk through the Arashiyama complex, you’ll find lots of other beautiful temples and gardens to visit: 

• Jōjakkō-ji Temple
• Hōkyō-in Temple
• Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
• Okochi Sanso Garden

Entry Times and Opening Fee: General admission to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is free! However, you may be required to pay admission fees for the smaller temples on-site. The grove is open 24 hours a day, so we recommend visiting at sunrise for the best light. It gets very busy after 9 AM, and taking photos with the crowds can be difficult.

Book this tour of Arashiyama’s top sites

Iwatayama Monkey Park

Although visiting the bamboo grove is one of the top things to do in Kyoto, the actual walk doesn’t take long and is just a small part of what this wonderful area offers.

In front of the entrance, you’ll also see the lovely Tsytenkyo Bridge, which crosses the river and takes you into the Iwatayama Monkey Park. Here, you can see the Japanese Macaque (the very same monkeys you’ll see in the Snow Monkey Park in Japan – just without the snow!). You can get fairly close to the cheeky primates. However, always remember to be respectful and only feed them peanuts and fruit in the designated feeding area.

Opening Times and Entrance Fee: 9 AM – 4 PM. Tickets cost 550 yen (4 USD)

Tip: As you cross the bridge into Monkey Park, take a moment to admire the stunning blue water, which looks especially magical in the fall against the fiery red and orange foliage of the overhanging trees. You can go for a pleasant stroll downriver or eat at one of the restaurants that overlooks the water. If it’s too busy, there are plenty of great places to dine in town too. 

Book this tour of Arashiyama’s top sites (including the Monkey Park!)

Join a Boat Tour

A boat tour along the river in Arashiyama is a great way to see more of the natural beauty of the area! You can hire a boat , either driving the boat yourself or hiring a captain for a few hours. Alternatively, for something really special, book the famous Hozugawa Cruise, a 2-hour boat ride that takes you from Kameoka to Arashiyama, hugging the winding ravine and offering spectacular views of the fall woodland in the cooler months. 

Ticket price: Hozugawa Cruise tickets cost 4500 yen. Reserve your trip in advance here .

Adashino Nenbutsuj

Located next to the Bamboo Forest is an equally beautiful bamboo grove that leads the way to a unique temple. As it’s lesser known, you can enjoy this tunneled stairway through the trees with almost no people! Once you’ve reached the temple, you’ll find 8000 statues dedicated to ‘lonely souls’ — a tranquil and sacred place to commemorate those who died without kin.  

Getting there: This hidden spot is at the back of the Arishiyama Bamboo Forest (a 15 – 20-minute walk from the entrance).

Somekobo Yumeyusai Art Gallery

Set on the banks of the Katsura River and conveniently located within Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, discover the fascinating Somekobo Yumeyusai Art Gallery. The gallery uses displays to teach visitors about an ancient Japanese dying technique — where the dye used causes the fabric to change color according to different lights. It is mainly known for its stunning views of the jade-colored river. Mirrors cleverly placed in the gallery make up for a great photo.

Visiting the Arashiyama area was one of our favorite things to do in Japan!

Tip: Somekobo Yumeyusai Art Gallery is very popular, so we recommend booking in advance online or arriving early so you don’t have to queue. Opening times vary (the day we visited, it opened at 8:30 AM, even though their opening time seems to be 10 AM), so it’s a good idea to check Google Maps on the day. 

Entrance fee: 2,000 yen (13.50 USD). Reserve online here .

How to Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kyoto

There are multiple ways to reach the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest from Kyoto. However, we recommend taking the train, as it only takes 20 minutes. Jump on the train from Kyoto Station (JR San-in or Sagano Line) to Saga Arishiyama Station, which is located in the middle of town. From here, it’s just a 15-minute walk to the entrance of the Bamboo Forest. This route is covered by holders of the JR Pass.

Please note: During the day, you may need to hop on the Randen line (tram). You pay a flat fare of 500 yen on the train. 

5. Vintage Shopping

Vintage shopping is a religion in Japan. Every city has countless fantastic thrift stores, and Kyoto is no exception! Dedicate a morning or afternoon to perusing the colorful stores, searching for treasures to take home.

Some of our favorite vintage shops in Kyoto were:

• Three Star Kyoto
• Furugiya JAM Kyotoshijoten
• Little Trip to Heaven
• Big Time (Hannah’s favorite! Don’t forget to check out the 2 men’s floors)

Tip: Most vintage stores are located in Shijo Kawaramachi (Downtown Kyoto), a bustling shopping district for all general stores.

6. Gion, Kyoto

One of the top things to do in Kyoto is to visit the picturesque area of Gion. It gives a glimpse into traditional Japan at the heart of the bustling city. Originally, it was better known as a place of pilgrimage because of the sacred Gion Shrine. However, these days, locals and tourists alike come to admire the traditional architecture, iconic wooden townhouses named Machiya, pretty canals, and bridges. 

While in Gion, visit:

• Gion Shrine: Also known as Yasaka Shrine. This authentic red Japanese temple is lit by lanterns and is the perfect place to see cherry blossoms in spring.
• Shirakawa: an area that runs alongside the canal with traditional architecture.
• Gion Tatsumi Bridge: An iconic bridge, better known from one of the scenes in the film’ Memoirs of a Geisha’ that crosses the canal into Gion.
• Traditional Teahouse: Gion is full of teahouses, which are an essential part of Japanese culture. The most famous is Ichiriki Ochaya, known historically as the place where Samurai Soldiers would gather to discuss their plans.

The Geisha District

Most interestingly, Gion is known as the Geisha district of Kyoto, specifically Hanamikoji Street. Here, you can see traditionally dressed women with painted white faces, pretty kimonos, and a fierce red lip going about their daily lives.

What are Geishas?

Geisha , known as Geika in Kyoto, are women of the arts (and not prostitutes, as many movies have depicted). They are trained in conversation, music, and dance, and their role is to host and entertain customers at special events and teahouses. Training to be a Geisha is rigorous; girls typically move into a house where they live and train from age 15. They continue to live in this special accommodation within a Geisha district for the rest of their career.

You’ll see Geisha throughout the Gion district, as this is the main area where they live and work in the city, including Maiko (the younger trainees).

See tickets and availability for a nighttime Geisha Tour

Tip: These ladies are working, so please don’t disturb them by approaching them to take photos. Instead, book a theater performance at Gion Corner — specifically designed for tourists who wish to interact with Geishas. Tickets cost 5,500 yen (37 USD).

Rent a Kimono

Gion is the perfect place to try one of Kyoto’s cultural experiences, from flower arranging to enjoying a typical Japanese cooking class. It’s also the best place to rent a kimono , the traditional Japanese dress worn for special occasions.

Unlike in many places, this is not considered cultural appropriation. In fact, it’s quite the opposite; locals encourage visitors to dress in Kimonos and better understand the cultural practice. You can rent a kimono for the day in Gion (or another area of the city) and take some beautiful photos.

Reserve your Kimono online here

7. Fushimi Inari, Kyoto

Fushimi Inari is a remarkable Shinto shrine and the most sacred in Japan, dedicated to the God of Rice. The shrine is in the shadow of Mount Inari and marks the start of the pilgrim trail to the peak. 

It’s most famous, though, for its 10,000 red-painted tori gates, which create a beautiful tunnel you can walk through. During the day, sunlight filters through the archways, and at night, it’s bathed in a warm lantern-lit glow. 

Also read: Best Things To Do in Osaka, Japan

Once you’ve walked through the tori gates at Fushimi Inari Kyoto, you’ll reach the start of the mountain path. If you choose to embark to the top, it is a 2-3 hour hike. It’s a peaceful walk in nature that passes smaller shrines and teahouses.

Book this unique hidden hiking tour from Fushimi Inari

Opening Times and Entrance Fee

Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, Japan, is open 24 hours a day and free to visit. Sunset is a beautiful time to visit and a good option if you want to see the shrine change colors from day to night. However, it’s also the most popular, so expect crowds. The quietest time is at sunrise (anytime between 6 AM and 8 AM). After 10 AM, the site can become very crowded. 

Tip: Don’t miss out on having a cup of tea at Vermillion Cafe. It’s a charming cafe 5 minutes walk from the shrine with an open terrace with riverside views. Here is the exact location .

8. Pontocho

People watch to your heart’s content in the best nightlife spot in Kyoto: Pontocho! Located in downtown Kyoto, this traditional area has many upmarket restaurants and bars tucked down narrow alleys. ( Join this popular walking tour around Pontocho )

The atmosphere at night is especially fantastic when the streets are bathed in a lantern-lit glow and locals come to enjoy dinner together. It’s also one of the Geisha districts in the city, so you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a Geisha. 

Tip: In the summer, the restaurants create temporary platforms that hang over the riverside, creating terraces for open-air dining. This is called Kawayuka, a dining experience designed to help customers feel cooler. Please note that Pontocho can get very busy, so it’s recommended to book a restaurant in advance. 

9. Nanzen-ji Temple

Nanzen-ji Temple is a must-see in Kyoto! The Zen Buddhist temple sits at the foot of the mountains on the city’s edge and is home to various sub-temples and gardens. Because of all the beautiful trees and foliage, it’s charming to visit during fall when the colors are at their most vibrant.

When you first arrive, you’ll pass through the huge entranceway known as the Sanmon Gate, which means ‘mountain gate’. Pay the entrance fee and climb to the top of the gate for great views! 

Among the grounds, you’ll also find a spectacular stone garden, which has been awarded status as a ‘national site of scenic beauty’. Nearby, you’ll also see an unusual feature for a temple — a large stone-arched aqueduct.

Visiting Information Nanzen-ji

The main temple grounds are open for free. However, you’ll have to pay different admission fees for all the smaller temples. You can see all the ticket prices per temple here .

Opening hours vary depending on the temple; the complex is open from 8.40 AM – 5 PM. Check all the times online before visiting.

Top Tip: Grab a drink afterward at a cute cafe near the temple, called Blue Bottle Coffee. Here is the exact location .

10. Nishiki Market

Get amongst the jostling crowds exploring Nishiki Market — one of the most popular things to do in Kyoto.

Known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’, this market has a 400-year history and is home to 100+ food vendors. Each stall sells something unique, from seaweed and fresh sashimi to sake and piles of unusual spices. 

Tip: Join a food tour with a local who can point you toward the best food stalls and explain everything about all the weird and wonderful snacks.

Book this popular brunch food tour of Nishiki Market!

Opening Times: Hours vary depending on the stall, but most are generally open from 10 AM – 6 PM (closed Wednesday or Sunday, depending on the store). Please remember to bring cash, as some vendors don’t accept cards.

11. Visit Koyasan

One of the top things to do in Kyoto is to take a day trip to the sacred temple village of Koyosan, situated on the slopes of Mount Koya. This area is known as an important Buddhist pilgrimage site with over 100+ beautiful temples. Spend the day wandering among the temples, breathing in the cold mountain air, and visiting the snow-covered cemetery and gardens. 

Read everything about a temple stay in Koyasan, Japan.

If you have time on your Japan itinerary, stay overnight in one of the temples in Koyasan and live as the monks have for hundreds of years. The lodgings are simple and traditional in line with the Buddhist teachings, with basic futons, sliding doors, and shared bathrooms. You’ll also get to join the monks for a typical dinner, morning prayer, and meditation — this was one of our favorite adventures on our trip to Japan!  

Hotels in Koyasan 😴

Getting there: Take a rapid train from Kyoto Station to Osaka Namba Station (covered by your JR Pass) in under 30 minutes. From here, jump on another train to Gokurabashi (1.5 hours) before taking the cable car up the mountain to Koyosan.

12. Day Trip to Universal Studios !

Osaka is close to Kyoto and home to Universal Studios Japan! If you have time on your Japan Itinerary, spend a fun day out enjoying the theme park and the various rides. Get your adrenaline pumping on rapid rollercoasters, eat snacks in the shape of your favorite film characters, and visit a real-life Hogwarts castle.

Book your Universal Studio tickets in advance here

13. Golden Temple, Kyoto

The Golden Temple, also known as Kinkaku-Ji, is the most popular thing to do in Kyoto and the most-visited attraction in the city — for good reason! This majestic temple, balanced on the edge of a large pond, is covered in real gold leaf. It’s totally unique! On a clear day, when the light hits the gold just right, it’s truly magical. 

Note: You cannot visit inside the Golden Temple, Kyoto. However, you can view it from the water’s edge before passing through the extensive gardens.

Golden Temple, Kyoto, is open from 9 AM – 5 PM and costs 500 yen (3.50 USD) to enter. An hour’s visit is sufficient. Try to arrive before 9 AM to be first in line. Generally, it is always very busy because of its popularity.

See availability for a tour of Golden Temple (includes a visit to Imperial Palace!)

Getting there: Golden Temple is a little bit further out of the center, but you can easily take a bus or train in around 30- 45 minutes. Check Google Maps for directions, updated times, and information.

14. Imperial Palace

The Grand Imperial Palace is the former residence of the Emperor of Japan. Set in extensive parkland, it’s a place to escape the hustle and bustle of Kyoto and learn a bit more about the dynasties of Japan.

The facade of the palace itself is quite plain, and unfortunately, you can’t visit inside. It’s not as impressive as some other temples and parks in the city, so it’s an optional thing to do in Kyoto. Best of all, it’s free to visit! 

Learn more about Imperial Palace on this multi-stop tour (includes Golden Temple)

Best Restaurants & Cafes

Kyoto is one of the greatest cities to eat in on your trip to Japan. The city is home to a particular vegetarian Buddhist cuisine (no surprise, as ‘the city of ten thousand shrines’), so it’s great for veggies and vegans. Other specialties include Kyoto soba noodles and matcha tea! Here are some of our must-try restaurants:

• Vermillion Cafe
• Wife&Husband (reserve a picnic)
• Trattoria Casa Verde
• AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO
• Kyoto Onimaru
• Fiveran (bakery
• Cafe Bibliotic Hello!

Note: Kyoto is a very busy place, and it’s commonplace to queue for a table in a restaurant. Book in advance where possible to avoid disappointment. 

Top Tip: It’s no secret that Japan is expensive, and Kyoto is no exception! If you want to keep costs lower, you can grab a quick snack or an affordable takeaway lunch at the supermarkets 7-Eleven, Family Mart, or Lawson. You can find delicious Onigiri (a rice ball with fish inside and packed in crunchy seaweed) or even mix a cup of frozen fruits into a smoothie.

Hotels in Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is a sprawling city with many of the top things to do located both on the outskirts and in the center. Where you choose to stay depends on the type of trip you’re planning. For example, if you want to do some day trips out of the city, we recommend staying in Shimogyo , which surrounds Kyoto Station. Otherwise, choose a hotel in Kyoto located within Nakagyo (the central district) or Gion (the traditional Geisha district).

• Hotels in Shimogyo (near Kyoto Station)
• Nakagyo Hotels (Central)
• Hotels in Gion (Geisha District)

Tip: We stayed in Insomnia KYOTO OIKE , which was located in Nakagyo and close to all public transport. Book your stay here .

How Many Days in Kyoto?

With so much to see and do in Kyoto, it’s well worth taking a bit more time out of your Japan itinerary for this awesome city. A 2-3-day trip will allow you to see all the main sites in the city (including Arashiyama Bamboo Forest). Meanwhile, 4-6 days will allow you to visit Nara Park, Koyosan, and even Universal Studios.

Travel Insurance Don't forget a travel insurance for your Japan trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here

How to Visit Kyoto

The nearest international airport to Kyoto is Osaka Itami, which is a 50-minute drive away using the airport shuttle bus. Alternatively, Kansai International Airport is located slightly further out at Osaka Bay (you can take the train from here to Kyoto in 70 minutes – covered by your JR pass. Book tickets here ).

Tip: It’s best to get an eSim in advance so you’re directly connected when you land in Japan. Buy your sim online here .

If you’re traveling from Tokyo, hop on the super speedy bullet train to Kyoto in around 130 minutes (also included with the JR Pass).

Book your train tickets from Tokyo in advance

Otherwise, if you’re hiring a car, you can drive from Tokyo to Kyoto in under 6 hours — or add Kyoto as a stop-off on your Japan itinerary!

We recommend to rent a car in Japan through Rentalcars.com with many rental locations and flexible cancellation. Book your rental car here .

Is the JR Pass worth it? ( Calculate it here ). The Japan Rail Pass gives you unlimited access to all public transport throughout Japan, so it’s a great option if you plan on taking the Shinkansen (bullet train) several times. It’s also multi-use for other trains, ferries, and buses throughout the country. 

Getting Around

Getting around Kyoto is super easy; the organized city is built in an easy-to-navigate grid system. Although there are only 2 subway lines, these connect you to most of the top things to do. However, the bus system is also incredibly efficient.  

Note: Japan’s travel network is so organized that you’ll never experience delays; trains and metros depart precisely at the specified minute.

The best way to discover Kyoto is by walking! The city is very flat and easy to explore using Google Maps. Plus, you’ll be able to take in the atmosphere and stop off for plenty of matcha refreshments on your way. 

Rent a Bike

We also recommend hiring a bike for the day to explore, as there are great paths throughout town and along the river. If you stray from the main roads, the streets are quiet, making for a tranquil and safe cycling experience. Hire your bike at The Good Day Velo Bikes & Coffee Kyoto . 

Tip: The city provides special bike parking; you can see all the locations here . Please note that a one-day parking pass, which costs 200 yen (1.50 USD), is required when parking in the city.

How Much Does Kyoto Cost?

Kyoto is one of the most expensive cities to visit in Japan. However, it’s considerably cheaper than Tokyo . You can find some great places to stay and eat without breaking the bank. Keep costs down by taking a picnic lunch with you on day trips out of the city and booking accommodation well in advance.

Make sure to bring your reusable water bottle with you; you can drink water from the taps in most places in Japan! This is a good way to save money and travel plastic-free .

Costs of Traveling in Kyoto

Travel on a budget in Kyoto, from $480 − $910 USD weekly per person, mid-range $1750 − $3730 USD, and high-end from $3400 − $5380 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $100 − $400 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $20 − $80 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $40 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $35 − $150 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $30 − $150 USD
• Activities: $10 − $60 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Best Time to Visit

October and November are some of the best months to visit Kyoto, as during this time, the woodland and parkland areas burst into warm fall colors. Although it’s a little colder, it does mean that you might be lucky enough to spot snow, particularly if you head up into the more mountainous areas like Koyasan.

Spring is also beautiful because of the cherry blossoms. However, hotels and tours can get booked quickly (and prices rise), so consider booking things well in advance.

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15 Memorable Things to do in Osaka, Japan

Renting a car in japan in 2024: all you need to know, koyasan temple stay: live with buddhist monks.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

We got back from Kyoto a couple of months ago, it was great fun to relive some of those places we visited through your photos!

Thank you so much Ben, appreciate that a lot!

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Transportation

Great value plan tickets, comfortable access to major tourist destinations, how to utilize each means of public transportation, for a more comfortable kyoto trip.

Use both trains & buses to get around!

Take advantage of the Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass!

Leave your large luggage with us & enjoy hands-free sightseeing!

*The expression “○○min” indicates the time it takes from Kyoto Station.

(Shijo-Kawaramachi)

(Kiyomizudera)

Higashiyama

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Sanjusangen-do Temple

Yasaka-jinja Shrine

Saga/Arashiyama

Central Kyoto City

Nishiki Market

Around Kyoto Station

To-ji Temple

Nijo-jo Castle

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

Central area

Kinkaku-ji Temple /Kinugasa

Ginkaku-ji Temple /Philosopher’s Path

Kyoto Imperial Palace/Shimogamo

Kamigamo/Kitayama

Kurama/Kibune

including Yase

Katsura / Oharano

Kyoto Station map and bus stop information

The premises of Kyoto Station and bus stops are very complicated. Make sure you know the location of your destination when you meet up or board the bus.

Bus and Train Veteran （Route Plannner）

TRAIN & SUBWAY

BUS （Public bus＆Sightseeing Bus）

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• Travel Tips + Advices

Kyoto travel tips — 12+ Kyoto insider tips & things to know before going to Kyoto

Kyoto was the capital of Japan back in the day with many historical structures such as the Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist Temple or Nijo Castle. It is one of the major cities in the world and a destination that everyone should visit at least once during their travels. Let’s plan your ideal vacation to Japan’s cultural capital and the second most popular destination in the country after Tokyo. So, what you need to know before going to Kyoto? Let’s check out our compiled list of Kyoto travel tips (Kyoto tips), Kyoto insider tips with 12+ things to know before going to Kyoto as detailed below!

• When is the best time to visit Kyoto? — The best, worst, affordable & best season to visit Kyoto
• When is the best time to visit Japan? — The best, worst, cheapest, affordable & best season to travel to Japan
• Kyoto cherry blossom 2024 forecast — The dates & 9+ best place to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto
• Kyoto top restaurants — 25+ top & best restaurants in Kyoto
• Kyoto best eats — 8 best food & must eat food in Kyoto

Here are some helpful Kyoto travel tips to help you build your trip to the ancient capital of Kyoto.

Use public transportation and Google Maps (# kyoto travel tips)

Kyoto is a rather small city with an excellent and efficient public transportation system that makes it easy to get around and explore all of its amazing places. The most convenient means to travel around Kyoto is the city bus. Taking the one-day bus ride in Kyoto City, you can get to almost anywhere in the city. It has a reasonable fare, very convenient for getting on and off the bus with a single swipe of the card. You can purchase bus passes at subway station ticket counters, city bus counters, city bus information counters, on the subways, and even on the buses themselves.

Kyoto’s subway system is also great for downtown city travel with more than two dozen train stations, making commuting between districts less time-consuming than taking a bus. However, subway passes are quite expensive compared to bus fares.

Google Maps is a great tool for you to plan your routes and know which bus to take. Carefully plan your itinerary and the places you want to visit before your trip. And then sit back, relax and reap the benefits of this amazing app.

Free things in Kyoto (# kyoto travel tips)

Do you know there are a couple of fun and free things to do in Kyoto City? Not all attractions are free, but the majority of shrines and even some temples and gardens in Kyoto are free of charge for entrance and visit. Some great free places to check out include Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Yasaka Shrine, Heian Jingu Shrine, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Ninna-ji Temple, and Nishiki Market.

Bring some coins in your pocket when going to temples and pagodas

When visiting temples and pagodas, remember to bring those coins that have a hole. Small round coins with a hole in the middle are considered auspicious and said to be the best for bringing good luck to you when praying. The five-yen coin is the best choice to put into the prayer box when praying at a shrine or temple in Japan.

Five yen is called “go-en” in Japanese, which means good luck, so people use it in the hope of bringing good luck to business, love, or relationships. It’s a good idea to take a few coins with you as Kyoto has thousands of shrines, and you’re supposed to visit at least a few of them on your trip.

Get yourself a pair of comfortable shoes to prepare for the hike (# kyoto travel tips)

With all its historic shrines, colorful temples, well-preserved ancient streets, and traditional gardens, Kyoto is a place where you have to walk most of your trip to explore the city. Part of the fun while exploring the attractions is experiencing the walk there. Sometimes you have to walk down small roads, cross pedestrian bridges over canals, and even have to go down small alleys.

And to make your trip even more special, visit the Philosopher’s Path. This historic stone path runs along the banks of a small part of the Lake Biwa Canal, beneath the hills to the east of Kyoto. This pedestrian path is a cherry blossom viewing spot, but it’s a pretty quiet place during all other seasons. As you stroll along this path, there are plenty of restaurants, shops, cafes, and temples to explore.

Learn about Kyoto cuisine (# kyoto insider tips)

Kyoto has been the center of culture for a long time. Kyo-ryori or Kyoto Cuisine is one of the many must-try experiences in Kyoto. Exquisite multi-course meals are served in traditional dining rooms with Tatami mats. Together with the hosts dressed in typical Japanese Kimono costumes, the dining experience creates one of the unforgettable moments when coming to Kyoto.

Head to Minoko Restaurant in the famous Gion District for a wonderful eleven-course Kyo-ryori dinner. Another option is the popular “Kitcho” Restaurant, known as one of the oldest restaurants for Kaiseki cuisine. In Kyoto, there are many places where you can enjoy traditional authentic Japanese food.

You may eat for less than $20 per day with Udon noodles and Okonomiyaki pancakes, or be willing to spend up to $1,000 for a Kaiseki meal. In both cases, you will absolutely enjoy amazing and remarkable meals. This is an opportunity to learn about the core of Japanese food culture, so if you have enough time, give it a try.

Learn about the seasonal weather in Kyoto

The weather in the ancient capital of Kyoto is divided into 4 distinct seasons. Winter from December to February is the coldest time, sometimes dropping to 0°C, hence very few tourists visit here at this time. The weather begins to warm up in spring from March to May. This is also the ideal time to visit Kyoto and see the cherry blossoms. Summer spans from June to August when it rains in Kyoto. Thus, the streets are always wet, and you need to bring with you umbrellas or raincoats. In fall from September to November, the weather becomes milder and warmer.

In particular, the bright yellow autumn colors always make a strong impression on visitors. A lot of people coming here want to walk under the yellow leaf forest, immersed in the enchanting natural scenery. In addition to temples, shrines and palaces, this is a truly recognizable sightseeing spot of the city. The people of Kyoto are known for their appreciation of the passing of the seasons, and everything about the city changes as the seasons go by.

Most notably, the four-season weather in Kyoto is quite unpredictable. It is typically cold in the winter with the possibility of snow, and hot in the summer with the possibility of heavy rain. Therefore, take an umbrella with you when traveling to Kyoto. Whether you use it to cover yourself from the rain or just to protect your skin from the summer sun, you’ll be glad you have a small umbrella by your side when walking around Kyoto.

November and April are the best time to go to Kyoto

Kyoto is a city of beauty all year round. This place is always full of fascination; however, if you are an international tourist, you should come here during the cherry blossom season or snowy days to get the best views.

Most days in April are warm. The beginning of April is also the best time to watch the cherry blossoms bloom, so there will be a lot of visitors coming here, and it will be very busy for sure.

November is toward the end of fall, from now on the temperature will continue to drop, so you may need really thick jackets. This is also the best time to watch autumn leaves. Why don’t we admire the scenery and enjoy a shot of shinshu (a Japanese wine), a type of alcohol always available at all times of the year?

Similar to April, the city welcomes a lot of tourists who travel here for the view of the golden autumn leaves! In terms of scenic beauty and weather, both months are ideal times to visit Kyoto. Unfortunately, for those who prefer tranquility, it is one of the most crowded tourist times of the year to travel.

Kyoto is very crowded (# kyoto insider tips)

In recent years, Kyoto has received record numbers of foreign tourists. The main reason for this is a change in Japan’s visa requirements for nearby Asian countries such as China. Currently, Kyoto is flooded with Chinese tourist groups (along with South Korean, Taiwanese, Thai, and many others).

Western tourists are also arriving in record numbers, attracted by Japan’s landscape, culture and reasonable prices. Cherry blossom season (late March ~ early April) is the most busy time. Golden Week (early May) and leaf season (November) are also very busy, but not overcrowded to travel.

I would recommend visiting popular spots on weekdays, right after opening or just before closing. If you want to avoid big crowds, it’s better for you to know where people are going. Below is a list of some busiest places in Kyoto.

• Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• The streets leading to Kiyomizu-dera Temple (especially Matsubara-dori)
• Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine
• Nishiki Market
• Ginkaku-ji Temple
• Kinkaku-ji Temple
• Ryoan-ji Temple Rock Garden
• Tofuku-ji Temple
• Eikan-do Temple
• Nijo-jo Castle

Plan your budget and spending (# kyoto tips)

The cost of accommodation in Kyoto, for example, a hostel characterized by a bunk bed similar to a bed in a student dormitory will cost you from JPY 2,000 – 4,000 per night for one room. Many hostels are within a ten-minute walk from Kyoto Station, featuring free Wi-Fi, a kitchenette, and some even have a private patio. If you want privacy, reserving a hotel is a better option.

With regular hotel rates at around JPY 8,500 or a little less, you can get a room of free Wi-Fi and all other usual amenities a hotel offers. Use Booking.com because they consistently return the cheapest rates.

For the average cost of food, eating out can cost you a lot of money if you’re not careful. But not all restaurants are expensive and there are many budget-friendly ramen, tempura and sushi restaurants in Kyoto. A curry bowl costs as low as JPY 340 per order. Donburi, a meat and white rice bowl, is around JPY 500-620.

Plus, ramen never costs more than JPY 865. The aren grocery store is as cheap as you’d expect, which costs you around JPY 8,700 for a meal. Most restaurants here charge between JPY 1,240 – 2,480. If you plan on traveling with a tight budget, get your food from convenience stores. Rice balls, ramen, and other prepackaged foods cost only about JPY 200.

In terms of transportation, the easiest way to get around the city is by bus. It starts at 230 JPY for a single trip or 500 JPY for one day. You can take the subway, there are two main trains – Karasuma and Tozai lines – and the fares are from around JPY 210. Kyoto is also a great city to explore by bike, with a full-day bike rental price of around JPY 1,500.

Is Kyoto safe for travelers? (# kyoto tips)

Kyoto is a true ancient city because it has no skyscrapers or modern structures. In return, the ancient capital also preserves many historical and cultural relics both materially and spiritually of the Japanese people.

Kyoto is the embodiment of ancient, legendary Japan with a slow, charismatic, peaceful pace of life. It is estimated that more than half of Japan’s ancient temples, shrines, and mansions gather around Kyoto. Low houses are hidden and intertwined with fruit trees, narrow streets, many bicycles, and few cars. People are liberal and tend to be fond of walking. Japan has a reputation for being a safe place.

Low crime rate. People are honest. And, there is no political turmoil. However, female travelers should pay attention in situations that may be dangerous to themselves (e.g., do not hitchhike alone and do not walk alone at night). One thing all travelers should have when going anywhere, and Kyoto is no exception, is travel insurance. It is very important to protect you from accidents and loss of important items such as passports.

Travel to Kyoto (# kyoto tips)

Not bustling or full of giant skyscrapers like Tokyo, Osaka, or Yokohama, Kyoto exudes the vibe of ancient beauty. The old capital retains many ancient historical relics, ancient pagodas, shrines, and temples, making the scenery here peaceful and intimate. That’s why Kyoto is more and more attractive to international tourists coming to Japan.

There are many famous tourist attractions in Kyoto. Moreover, it’s not easy for those who are first-time travelers to a foreign country, so you need to get some advice and guidance on how to travel to the most beautiful places in Kyoto. For instance, you can find helpful info on the nearest roads, convenient public transport and travel expenses. If you travel to Kyoto on an international flight, you will arrive in Kyoto at Kansai International Airport. It is one of the most important Japanese airports in Osaka, about 100 km from the city.

If you fly to Tokyo, you can take the high-speed train or shinkansen that can take you to Kyoto in about 2 hours and 20 minutes. Most visitors heading to Kyoto take the JR train thanks to its accessible and economic options. You can also refer to the Japanese Travel Experience by JR Pass to make travel simpler and more convenient.

Gion Festival

Gion Festival is Kyoto’s largest festival that takes place throughout July next to the Yasaka Temple. Despite being named after the district of Gion, the main events take place on the opposite bank of the Kamo River. There are two main parades called Yamaboko Junko, which take place on the 17th and 24th. On the nights before the parade (yoiyama), the downtown area of Kyoto would be reserved for pedestrians. The streets are busy with food stalls, drinks, and festive games.

On July 17 and 24, the parade processions (Hoko and Yama) occur between 9:00 to 11:30. Together, many groups of people would hold heavy parades with sharp carvings along with beautiful carpets from Nishijin. Yama parades weighing up to 1,600 kg and Hoko parades weighing up to 12,000 kg start from Shijo-Karasuma or Karasuma-Oike. If you attend the festival, make sure you wear yukata!

Kyoto is a city of traditional wooden houses, Buddhist temples, gardens, Shinto shrines, and official traditions such as kaiseki cuisine and geisha. This is home to the world-famous Inari-taisha Fushimi shrine.

We hope our list of things to know before traveling to Kyoto will help you prepare for your trip to Kyoto, making it more interesting and remarkable. By sharing our full and detailed Kyoto travel experience, we wish you a happy and meaningful trip.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Kyoto you can refer to

• Private Kansai International Airport Transfers (KIX) for Kyoto
• Limousine Bus Transfers between Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka or Kyoto
• Shared Night Bus Transfers from Kyoto to Tokyo
• Private Kansai Airport (KIX) Transfers to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Uji, Kobe, or Arima
• Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass (1 Day/2 Days, Kyoto Pick Up)
• Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass 1 Day/2 Days (Pick up at Osaka)
• Randen + Subway 1 Day Pass
• Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour from Osaka: Fushimi Inari-taisha, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera & More
• Kyoto Perfect Day Tour from Osaka or Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari-taisha, Arashiyama & More
• Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto
• Kyoto Afternoon Tour from Osaka
• Hankyu Tourist Pass
• Sagano Romantic Train One-Way Ticket (Saga or Kameoka Departure)
• Kimono Rental and Photoshoot in Kyoto by Ouka Kimono
• Kyoto Sagano Romantic Train Day Tour
• Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour from Kyoto: Fushimi Inari-taisha, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera & More
• Amanohashidate & Miyama One Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto
• JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass
• Kimono Rental in Kyoto Kiyomizu Temple
• One Day Kimono Rental
• Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour from Osaka
• Kimono and Yukata Rental at Kimono Miyabi Kyoto
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
• 4G WiFi (Japan Pick Up) for Japan
• JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

Are you finding more top things to do in Kyoto: Tours, activities, attractions and other things?  Let’s check it out at here . And read more:  Kyoto blog (Kyoto travel blog) — The fullest Kyoto travel guide blog for a budget trip to Kyoto, Japan for the first-timers.  And  Kyoto 3 day itinerary — How to visit Kyoto in 3 days & what to do in Kyoto in 3 days perfectly?

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Vegetarian's Japan Guide

The Ultimate Guide of How to Get Around in Kyoto

Although Kyoto is one of the top destinations in Japan, the transportation system in the city, however, can be quite confusing to firstcomers. As in any city worldwide, you can choose from buses, trains, or subways to get to the popular attractions in Kyoto. But with so many transportation companies operating in this ancient city, which company’s service should you go with?

Whether it is buses or trains/subways, the transportation companies can be largely divided into two groups, private or publicly owned. If you find it daunting when you see the map of train and bus routes, let us help you so that when you get to Kyoto, you can travel between the attractions just like a local!

Kyoto City Bus (市バス)

Raku bus (洛バス), 100 yen loop bus, kyoto bus (京都バス).

• Discount Bus/Subway Tickets

Attractions Better Accessed by Bus in Kyoto

Kyoto municipal subway (京都市地下鉄), hankyū railway (阪急電鐵), keihan railway (京阪電鐵), keifuku railway (京福電鐵)/randen (嵐電), sagano scenic railway (嵯峨野観光鉄道), eiden railway (叡山電鐵), kintetsu railway (近鐵), bus companies operating in kyoto.

The two main bus companies operating in Kyoto are “Kyoto City Bus” and “Kyoto Bus”.

Kyoto City Bus is operated by the city, mainly running in the city center. On the other hand, Kyoto Bus is a private company serving remote areas in Kyoto Prefecture .

Most buses in Japan have two doors. Please board the bus from the back door and alight from the front door.

The majority of famous attractions in Kyoto can be reached by Kyoto City Bus. It is easily recognizable by its characteristic green color. Most of the Kyoto City Buses depart from Kyoto Station.

The bus stops of Kyoto City Bus are clearly labeled with ‘City Bus’ (市バス).

If you are heading to popular destinations in Kyoto City, such as Kinkaku-ji Temple or Kiyomizu-dera, taking Kyoto City Bus is a better choice, as long as you avoid traveling during the peak hours in the morning and evening .

For a lookup table of which bus to take, please refer to HERE .

Two Different Types of Kyoto City Bus

The buses operating by Kyoto City Bus are further subdivided into two different kinds of buses. Those running in the flat-rate zone and those operating in the non-flat-rate zone.

• No matter how far you travel, the bus fare is fixed at 230 yen.
• If the bus you are boarding doesn’t have a ticket dispensing machine at the back door, it is a flat-rate zone bus.
• The flat-rate zone bus differs from the 100 Yen Loop Bus.
• Similar to other buses running across the country, the bus fare is calculated based on how far you travel.

Refer to HERE for Kyoto City Bus and Subway Map.

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How to Pay on Kyoto City Bus

• You can pay the exact amount in cash or by tapping your prepaid IC cards, such as ICOCA or SUICA , at the front door.
• If you have a Kansai Thru Pass , insert the card into the ticket machine.
• If you have bought the One-Day Pass, insert the bus pass when you first use it. From the second time onwards, just show the date printed on the card to the bus driver.
• To read the board, find your number on the board. The bus fare is displayed below the number.
• When you get off the bus, you just need to put the exact bus fare and the ticket you drew into the money box.
• For those paying by prepaid IC card, tap your card once when you get on the bus and another time at the front gate before you get off.
• If you are holding one of the bus passes, there is no need to get a number when you get on the bus. Instead, please insert your card into the machine when you get on and get off the bus.

Raku Bus is the Kyoto City Bus’s sightseeing bus. It stops at the major attractions in the city center.

As a bus created for tourists, the announcements introducing the next attraction that the bus will make a stop at are made in different languages, including English.

There are currently 3 different routes.

• Raku Bus No. 100 connects Kyoto Station with Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺), Gion (祇園), Heian Jingū Shine (平安神宮), and Ginkaku-ji Temple (銀閣寺) also known as the Silver Pavilion.
• Raku Bus No. 101 connects Kyoto station with Kinkaku-ji Temple (金閣寺), also known as the Golden Pavilion, Nijō Castle (二条城), and Kitano Tanmangū Shine (北野天満宮).
• Raku Bus No. 102 is the only one that doesn’t depart from Kyoto Station. Instead, it runs between Ginkaku-ji Temple (銀閣寺) Kitano Tanmangū Shine (北野天満宮) and then to Kinkaku-ji Temple (金閣寺)

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Between the bus’s operation hours, Raku Bus departs from the terminal stop at 10 to 20-minute intervals.

The bus fare for Raku Bus is 220 yen for adults and 110 yen for children.

For more information on Raku Bus Ruites’ main stops, please refer to the official website HERE and translate the webpage to English with Google Chrome’s translation function at the right of the address bar.

The 100 Yen Loop Bus is also operated by Kyoto City Bus. You can easily recognize it by the distinctive “100 yen” sign on the side of the bus. As its name suggests, the loop bus only charges its customers 100 yen.

For more information on 100 Yen Loop Bus, please refer to the official website HERE and translate the webpage to English with Google Chrome’s translation function at the right of the address bar.

In Kyoto, if the bus in front of you is colored red/dark purple, it is one of Kyoto Bus Company’s buses.

These buses will bring you away from the city center to more rural areas such as Mt. Hiei , Mt. Kurama, and Kibune . Many of them go outside of the flat-rate zone.

One thing to be aware of is that not all buses operated by Kyoto Bus depart from Kyoto Station.

Discount Bus Tickets

As you will most likely visit several attractions in Kyoto City Center in one day, getting one of the bus passes can dramatically reduce your transportation costs! Apart from the prepaid IC card such as ICOCA , consider getting one of the below passes when you come to Kyoto.

These discounted tickets can be purchased at the “Kyoto Bus Information Center”, outside the north exit of Kyoto Station.

Kansai Thru Pass

This is a special ticket that overseas tourists can purchase.

The ticket gives you unlimited bus rides to all Kyoto City Bus and most Kyoto Bus and most private train lines in the Kansai region on a given day. It also comes with special benefits and discounts.

For more information, please refer to the official website HERE . You can purchase Kansai Thru Pass via Klook in advance.

Important: This ticket does not give you access to JR Railways.

Kyoto One-Day Bus Pass

The ticket gives you unlimited bus rides to all Kyoto City Bus and most of Kyoto Bus in a given day. It also comes with special benefits and discounts.

The ticket cost is currently 700 yen for adults and 350 yen for children.

Whilst the ticket can be bought on the bus, it is better to purchase it in advance in case the bus driver runs out of bus passes. You don’t need to use it on the same day of purchase. The ticket’s activation date will appear on the back of the ticket the first time you put it through the ticket machine.

For more information about the bus pass, please refer to the official website HERE . You can also refer to HERE for the bus stops that are covered by this bus pass (they are marked by a circle).

Important: Kyoto One-Day Bus Pass is only on sale until the end of September 2023. The already purchased ticket can be used until March 2024.

Kyoto Subway and Bus One-Day Pass

To broaden your transportation options, you can get the Subway + Bus One-Day Pass. The current cost is 1,100 yen for adults and 550 yen for children.

Taking the subway is especially recommended when you travel during peak hours if you don’t want to be stuck in traffic jams. For more information, please refer to the official website HERE .

Please note: Up until September 2021, there was a Two-Day Pass for Kyoto Subway and Bus. This deal has since been terminated.

The Bus Pass and Bus + Subway Pass can be purchased from the City Bus and Subway Information Center at Kyoto Subway Station. The Bus Pass can also be purchased from the vending machines near the bus stops in front of Kyoto Station. Similarly, the subway pass can be purchased from the ticket machines at all Kyoto Subway stations.

Whilst taking a train or subway can avoid traffic jams, many of the attractions in Kyoto are better accessed by a bus. After all, building another train station close to all the temples and shrines closely packed in the city center is impossible.

North West Kyoto – Kinkakuji/Kitano Area

The main attractions in the area are mostly within a 15-minute walk from the Kinkakuji-michi (金閣寺道) bus stop.

After you visit the famous Kinkakuji Temple (金閣寺), you can take a short stroll to Ryōanji Temple (龍安寺) for its gorgeous garden and Kitano Tanmangū Shrine (北野天満宮) for the splendid worship halls. If you visit Kyoto in autumn, the autumn foliage there is just stunning.

North East Kyoto – Ginkakuji/Okazaki Area

Most people know about Kinakuji Temple. Contrasting the Golden Pavilion, there is a Silver Pavilion on the other side of the city.

From Ginkakuji Temple (銀閣寺), the Philosopher’s Walk (Tetsugaku no Michi, 哲学の道) is a small 2 km road along a cherry-tree-lined canal that continues all the way to Nanzenji Temple (南禅寺). At this end of the Philosopher’s walk, it is just a 5-minute walk away from the famous autumn foliage destination Eikan-dō (永観堂).

To get to Gingakuji Temple, you can take bus route no. 32 or no. 100 and get off at Ginkakuji-mae (銀閣寺前).

To expand the number of bus routes you can take, you can also take no. 5, no. 17, no. 102, no. 203, and no. 204 and get off at Ginakakuji-michi (銀閣寺道). It will just be less than a 10-minute walk from this bus stop to the Silver Pavilion.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple/Gion Area

South of the Ginkkakuji/Okazaki Area is the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺) and Gion (祇園).

There are more bus routes that stop at Gion (祇園), which is around a 20-minute walk to Kiyomizu-dera. However, just be aware it will be an uphill hike to the temple.

So if you want to take it easy, it is probably better to take a short bus trip to Kiyomizu-michi (清水道). You will still need to climb up the hill, but there will be less walking.

Bus routes that stop by both Gion and Kiyomizu-michi are no. 58, no. 86, no. 100, no. 106, no. 202, no. 206, and no. 207. Bus routes no. 12, no. 46, no. 201, and no. 203 only stop at Gion.

If you have extra time, it is worth visiting the picturesque rural village of Ōhara , north of the Ginkakuji Area. To get there, take bus routes no. 16, no. 17, or no. 19 operating by Kyoto Bus from Kyoto Station and get off at Ōhara (大原).

The bus trip will take about an hour. If you would like to reduce the time, you can also board the bus from Keihan Trian’s Demachiyanagi Station (出町柳駅). From there, it will be around a 40-minute bus ride.

In the quiet village that is situated at the mountainside, you can stroll around the boutique shops for some local specialists and craftworks.

What amazes most people are the historic temples, such as the Sanzenin Temple (三千院) , renowned for its magnificent gardens.

Subway and Train Lines in Kyoto

Similar to buses running in Kyoto, subways, and trains are operated by more than one company. Besides the JR trains, there is also the Kyoto Municipal Subway and trains run by other private train companies.

HERE is a train route map with most of the train lines in Kyoto mapped out.

Just like Kyoto City Bus, the Kyoto Municipal Subway is owned by Kyoto City.

Compared to the complex bus routes, there are only two subway lines in the city center.

•  The Subway Karasuma Line (地下鉄烏丸線) connects you between Kyoto Station to Shijō (四条) and Karasuma Oike (烏丸御池), which is located in the busiest commercial district in Kyoto for shopping and dining.
• The Nijo Castle is just next to the Nijojo-mae Station (二条城前駅)
• From Higashiyama Station (東山駅), the famous Heian Jingū Shrine (平安神宮) is within walking distance

Please refer to the Kyoto Municipal Subway map HERE .

Tip: If most of the attractions you want to visit are on the subway line, get the Subway One-Day Pass to save! For more information, please refer to the official website HERE .

To be honest, most of the attractions in Kyoto are better accessed by buses, subways, and/or other trains operating by private companies. Most of the time, the only reason that you would want to hop onto a JR train is to:

• Get to other cities in Kyoto Prefecture, such as Uji.
• Come from or go to other prefectures such as Osaka , Nara , and Kobe .

One of the few attractions in Kyoto that can be easily accessed by a JR train is Arashiyama (嵐山). Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稻荷大社) is another place in Kyoto that you might want to visit by taking a JR train (Keihan trains also have a train station close to it, but JR’s station is closer).

HERE is the train map with JR lines marked in blue.

• To get to Arashiyama, get off at Saga-Arashiyama Station (嵯峨嵐山駅)
• To get to Fushimi Inari Taisha for the endless torii gates, get off at Inari Station (稲荷駅)
• Note: Keihan’s Tobakaido Station (鳥羽街道駅) is slightly closer to the temple

Tip: Below is a JR Pass list covering Kyoto . Most of the below passes allow you to take the Kansai Airport Express Haruka from Kansai International Airport, and you will be in Kyoto in 75 minutes. Purchase your pass in advance to save on tax! ☛ JR West Kansai Pass (1, 2, 3 or 4 Days) ☛ JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass (5 Days) ☛ 7-Day Setouchi Area Pass ☛ 5-Day JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass ☛ 7-Day JR Sanyo-San’in Area Pass ☛ 7-Day JR-WEST All-Area Pass ☛ 7-Day JR Sanyo-San in-Northern Kyushu Area Pass ☛ JR Whole Japan Rail Pass (Consecutive 7, 14, or 21 Days)

Hankyū Railway operates mainly in Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto.

Its Kyoto Line departs from Umeda in Osaka and arrives at Kyoto’s Karasuma area. If you are heading to Arashiyama, you can also change to its Arashiyama Line at Katsura Station (桂駅).

Refer to HERE for Hankyu’s route map.

With the company based in Osaka , Hankyū also provides easy access from Kyoto through Osaka to Kobe ‘s Mt. Rokkō for a magnificent view of Osaka Bay and all the interesting attractions up in the mountain.

Tip: If you don’t plan to spend a whole day in Kyoto but would like to visit the main attractions in Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe in one or two days, consider getting the Hankyu Tourist Pass to save.

For more information about Hankyu Tourist Pass, refer to Hankyu’s website HERE .

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Just like its name, Keihan Railway serves both Kyoto and Osaka Prefecture . One thing to be aware of is it doesn’t have a station in Umeda. Instead, you can transfer to a Keihan train from JR train lines or Osaka Metro at Kyobashi Station (京橋駅).

There are three main lines of this railway, the Keihan Main Line (京阪本線) from Yodoyabashi to Sanjō, the Ōtō Line (鴨東線) from Sanjō to Demachiyanagi, and the Uji Line from Chūshojima Station (中書島駅) to Uji.

Apart from that, Keihan trains are a great choice to get to many popular attractions, including:

• Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社)
• Shimogamo Shrine: Getting off at Demachiyanagi Station (出町柳駅)
• Uji for Byōdō-in Temple (平等院) and Ujigami Shrine (宇治上神社)

It also connects with Eizan Railway to Kurama/Kibune area and stretches as far as Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture .

Tip: Depending on your itinerary, getting one of Keihan’s train passes can help you save on transportation costs. For example, Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass 1 or 2-Day is a handy pass to get. For other Keihan’s passes, please refer to their website HERE .

There are several famous tourist attractions along the mainline, such as Tōfuku-Ji Temple, famous for its fall leaves, and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Shimogamo-Jinja Shrine is located on the Ōtō Line, while the Byodo-in Temple and Ujigami-jinja Temple are found on the Uji Line.

The Keifuku Randen Tram Line, often known as the Randen, transports passengers from Shijō in Kyoto to Arashiyama and other northern tourism destinations.

The one-carriage tram that has been operating for more than 100 years is the only tram left in Kyoto.

Randen travels away from Shijō in the city center at a leisurely pace for you to enjoy the scenery along the way. Some of the best attractions that the tram will stop by are:

• Kōryuji Temple (広隆寺): the oldest temple in Kyoto
• Toei Kyoto Studio Park: a samurai themed park

Randen has a flat rate system. So no matter the distance you travel, it will only cost you 250 yen for adults and 120 yen for children (aged between 6 and 12 years old).

HERE is the route map for Randen that also maps out the attractions along its train lines. As it is only in Japanese, you can match the station number with the ROUTE MAP .

For sightseeing and romantic getaways, the Sagano Scenic Railway won’t disappoint!

From Arashiyama’s Saga Torokko Station, the scenic train will head towards Kameoka . The 25-minute journey along the Hozukyō Valley has some of the most amazing views in Kyoto.

The railway is particularly well-known for its cherry blossoms and autumn foliage sceneries, but the lush green in summer and the white snow in winter are just as astonishing.

For more information about this train line, please refer to our article on Sagano Scenic Railway !

Eiden Railway Line provides access to Kibune and Mt. Kurama in northern Kyoto City.

It has two lines. The first departs from Demachiyanagi Station near the Kyoto Imperial Palace and the other from Shimogamo Shrine. They both go north, but upon reaching Takaragaike Station, the two lines split into two directions. The eastbound line heads to Yase-Hieizanguchi Station, and the westbound line takes you to Kurama and Kibuneguchi Stations.

The westbound train leads you to Mt. Kurama, and the Kibune area, which houses several shrines and temples that date back thousands of years, including the  Kurama-dera Temple and Kifune Shrine , which are great destinations to visit all year round.

As you trek between the temples and shrines, you can also enjoy the green leaves in spring, the waterside dining experience in summer, stunning foliage in autumn, and the snowy landscapes in winter.

If you take the eastbound train, you will be at the foot of the picturesque Mt. Hiei when you get off at Yase-Hieizanguchi Station.

For more information about the railway, please refer to the official website HERE .

The Kintetsu Railway Line is another railway line connecting Kyoto with other prefectures nearby. Different from Keihan, it goes as far as Nagoya.

It operates between the Kyoto Station and Yamato-Saidaiji, then Kintetsu Nara Station, which is close to Tōdaiji Temple and Nara Park. It is worth mentioning that its Tōji Station is adjacent to the famous Tōji Temple’s Five Storied Pagoda.

Also, from Momoyama Goryo-mae Station, you can walk along the canals and sake breweries of southern Fushimi. In the vicinity, there are tombs in which two emperors lie. There is also a building that resembles the Fushimi Momoyama Castle.

Nara, one of the previous capitals of Japan, is known for numerous shrines and temples, some dating back to the eighth century. The prefecture is filled with astounding scenery and has quite a few sites, such as Mt. Yoshino , designated as World Heritage .

HERE is Kintetsu Railway’s route map.

Tip: Consider purchasing a Kintetsu Rail Pass to explore the beautiful Nara Prefecture !

For more information about Kintetsu Rail Pass, please refer to the official website HERE .

Other Transporation Passes to Consider

Apart from the transportation deals in Kyoto that we have mentioned, here are a few that covers the wider Kansai area .

• For more information, please refer to the official website HERE .
• The Kyoto Tango Railway is the train line you will want to take if you are heading to Amanohashidate , one of the Three Views of Japan.
• For more information about the train pass that covers Kyoto, please refer to JR West’s website HERE .

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Kyoto: Getting there and around

Getting to kyoto.

• ¥ around 14,000
• multiple trains per hour

Tokyo and Kyoto are connected with each other by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen . Nozomi trains require about 140 minutes to reach Kyoto from Tokyo, Hikari trains about 160 minutes and Kodama trains about four hours.

The regular one way fare from Tokyo to Kyoto is 13,320 yen for a non-reserved seat or around 14,000 yen for a reserved seat. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on Hikari and Kodama trains, but requires a supplement fee of 4,960 yen on Nozomi trains.

The Tokyo-Osaka Hokuriku Arch Pass is a rail pass that allows holders to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto via Kanazawa , using the Hokuriku Shinkansen . It is not the fastest way to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto, but it allows pass holders to visit the less-explored Hokuriku Region along the way. It costs 24,500 yen and is valid for seven consecutive days.

• ¥ 3,500 - 10,000
• multiple daytime and overnight connections per day

The one way trip from Tokyo to Kyoto by highway bus takes about 7-8 hours. There are daytime and overnight buses. Fierce competition on the Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route has produced a wide variety of comfort levels (from discount to super premium buses) and an abundance of low priced offers.

Typical one way fares for discount buses, such as Willer Express , start from around 3500 yen; while premium buses charge up to 10,000 yen. If used effectively, the Japan Bus Pass can reduce the cost for the bus trip to around 3000 yen. Online reservations can be made through Willer and Japan Bus Online .

• 2-3 transfers
• ¥ 9,000 - 23,000
• multiple flights per day

The closest airport to Kyoto is Osaka 's Itami Airport , about one hour by bus from central Kyoto ( more details ). Most flights connect Itami Airport with Tokyo 's Haneda Airport , with just a few serving Tokyo's Narita Airport . Flight duration is one hour. The regular one way fare is around 28,000 yen, but discount tickets are usually available for around 9,000 to 14,000 yen.

• ¥ around 10,000 (expressway tolls)

Driving between Tokyo and Kyoto via the Tomei and Meishin Expressways takes about five to six hours without breaks and traffic jams. The expressway toll is around 10,000 yen one way.

• 4 transfers
• ¥ 2,410 - 8,210

By local trains , the one way trip from Tokyo to Kyoto takes about nine hours and typically involves about four transfers of trains. The regular fare is a relatively expensive 8360 yen, however, with a Seishun 18 Kippu you could theoretically do the trip for as little as 2410 yen.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates .

Getting around

Kyoto features a rectangular street system. Unlike the streets in other Japanese cities, most of central Kyoto's streets are named. The main streets running from east to west are numbered in ascending order from north to south, and are about 500 meters apart from each other, with several smaller streets in between. For example, Shijo means "4th Avenue" and Nijo means "2nd Avenue".

Kyoto's city center with the highest concentration of dining, shopping and entertainment opportunities, is located around the junction of Shijo-dori (4th Avenue) and Kawaramachi-dori (Kawaramachi Street). JR Kyoto Station is located south of the city center at the height of Hachijo-dori (8th Avenue).

The most prominent north-south street is Karasuma-dori (Karasuma Street), which runs from Kyoto Station via the city center to Kyoto Imperial Palace . Another north-south axis is Kamo River, about one kilometer east of Karasuma-dori.

Kyoto has a rather inadequately developed public transportation system for a city of its size, consisting of two subway lines, a dense bus network and several railway companies, whose lines are not always conveniently connected with each other. Taxis and bicycles can be worthwhile alternatives.

The recommended way to get around Kyoto by public transportation is to use an IC card , such as Icoca, which is accepted on virtually all trains and buses in the city. Alternatively, travelers intending to use buses or subways extensively, should consider one of the 1-day passes available. See the ticket section below for more details.

Below is a simplified map of the railway and subway lines of Kyoto:

Few of Kyoto 's tourist attractions are located close to subway or train stations. Instead, Kyoto has a dense bus network with direct bus lines from Kyoto Station and/or the city center around Shijo-dori and Kawaramachi-dori to most major sights.

Kyoto is served by multiple bus companies. For central Kyoto, the green Kyoto City Bus buses are most numerous and useful. The red buses by Kyoto Bus are second most prominent and tend to be convenient to access sights in more outlying areas of the city.

The tourist offices provide a useful English network map for the Kyoto City Buses, which makes it quite easy for foreign visitors to access tourist attractions by bus. Despite the good map and English displays and announcements, however, getting off at the correct bus stop can still be stressful, especially in crowded buses.

Since buses are small and operate surprisingly infrequently even on some major routes, buses to major tourist sights can often get crowded, especially on weekends and during holidays. In addition, much time can be lost when buses get stuck or only proceed slowly in the busy street traffic. Consequently, it is recommended to use subways and trains as much as possible, and use buses only for medium and short distances, for example, from the closest subway station to the destination.

Most buses are entered through the back door and left through the front door. The fare has to be paid when leaving the bus. Inside much of central Kyoto, there is a flat rate of 230 yen per ride. Outside the flat fare zone, the fare increases with the distance. Click here for more information on riding buses.

There are two subway lines in Kyoto , the Karasuma Line which runs from south to north along Karasuma-dori and stops at JR Kyoto Station, and the newer Tozai Line which runs from east to west and meets the Karasuma Line at the intersection of Karasuma-dori and Oike-dori.

Japan Railways

All JR lines, including the Tokaido Shinkansen , pass through or commence at JR Kyoto Station . JR trains can be a convenient for accessing the Arashiyama area (JR Sagano Line) and some attractions in southern Kyoto along the JR Nara Line, e.g. Fushimi Inari Shrine and Uji .

Other Railways

• Hankyu Railway connects Kyoto with Osaka . The line initially runs below Shijo Avenue from Kawaramachi westwards in direction of Osaka. It is a good option for accessing the area around Katsura Rikyu , from where a branch line also connects to Arashiyama .
• Keifuku Railway (also known as Randen) operates two tram-like train lines in northwestern Kyoto. For train lovers, a ride on these trains is a small attraction by itself. The lines can be an option for accessing Arashiyama and the area around Ryoanji and Kinkakuji .
• Keihan Railway 's main line runs next and parallel to Kamo River, but unfortunately does not connect to Kyoto Station . The line continues to Osaka and is an alternative to the JR Nara Line to access some of the attractions in southern Kyoto.
• Eizan Railway operates two train lines from where the Keihan Line ends, Demachiyanagi Station. One line leads to Kurama , while the other runs to the base of Hieizan .
• Kintetsu Railway connects Kyoto Station to Nara . Note that some trains on the Karasuma Subway Line continue to run on the Kintetsu Nara Line and the other way around.

By sightseeing bus

The Sky Hop Bus is an expensive but convenient way to visit Kyoto's most famous sightseeing spots. Double-decker buses with an open-air second floor run clockwise every hour from Kyoto Station in a large circle around the city, stopping near major tourist sites along the way, including Nijo Castle , Kinkakuji , the Imperial Palace , Heian Shrine and Kiyomizudera . A 12-hour pass costs 2500 yen and a 24-hour pass costs 3600 yen and can be purchased through Klook .

Kyoto is probably the Japanese city with the highest concentration of taxis . Especially in the city center, taxis are found everywhere. Taxis can not only be a more comfortable, but also an economical alternative to buses on short to medium distances for groups of three or more.

Most taxis accommodate up to four passengers (not including the driver), while larger vehicles are able to accommodate an additional fifth passenger. The rate starts around 610 yen for the first two kilometers and increases by 80 yen for every additional 300-400 meters traveled.

Kyoto City's simple layout and flat terrain make it easy and convenient to explore by bicycle . Numerous bicycle rental outlets can be found around the city, especially around major stations, such as Kyoto Station or in popular biking areas like Arashiyama . Typical rental prices are around 1000-1500 yen per day for basic bicycles and around 1700-2000 yen for electric assist bicycles. Some lodgings may provide their guests with bicycles for a small fee or for free.

Kyoto is generally a bicycle-friendly city with relatively easily navigable roads and a handful of cycling routes, most notably along Kamo River. Designated bicycle parking is often freely available around popular sightseeing spots. The situation is a little bit more challenging in the city center due to congested roads, crowded sidewalks and a lack of designated parking areas. Also, distances to some of the more outlying sightseeing spots should not be underestimated. For example, it is about eight kilometers (typically a 45-75 minute ride) from Kyoto Station to Kinkakuji or about ten kilometers to Arashiyama .

Passes and Tickets

See also our separate page about the various passes available for the Kansai Region .

The prepaid IC card available in Kyoto is called Icoca . It does not give you any discounts over regular tickets, but it makes the process of taking trains and buses easier, as you do not always need to buy a ticket for each ride. Icoca cards can be purchased through ticket machines at JR stations. Local non-JR railway companies offer their own IC card called Pitapa ; however, Pitapa is a postpaid card that works more like a credit card and is targeted at residents.

Icoca and Pitapa can be used on virtually all trains and buses in and around Kyoto (and most other major cities in Japan). Additionally, eight other IC cards from other major cities of Japan can also be used on the trains and buses of Greater Osaka and Kyoto, including Suica, Pasmo, Kitaca, Toica, Manaca, Sugoca, Nimoca and Hayakaken.

The Kansai One Pass is a special version of Icoca exclusively for foreign tourists that additionally qualifies for discounts at various attractions in the Kansai Region . It is available for sale at Kansai Airport and major railway stations in the Kansai Region.

Furthermore, the following one day passes are available for Kyoto :

• Kyoto Sightseeing Card (1100 yen) Unlimited use of Kyoto's two subway lines and most buses (including Kyoto City Buses, Kyoto Buses, JR buses and Keihan buses) in central Kyoto and outskirts, including Ohara and Daigoji on one calendar day. The pass also comes with discount coupons for selected sights in Kyoto. It can be purchased from ticket machines in subway stations, at bus ticket centers and from some hotels. The pass can pay off especially if you visit outlying areas such as Ohara . The downside is that, besides the subway lines, the pass does not cover any other trains which are often a convenient means of getting around.
• Kyoto Subway One Day Card (800 yen) Unlimited use of Kyoto's two subway lines on one calendar day. The card can be purchased from ticket machines at subway stations. It generally pays off if you use subways more than three times per day, however its value is restricted by the subway's limited coverage area.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Arukumachi kyoto route planner, kansai one pass, kyoto municipal transportation bureau, keihan railway, kintetsu railway, hankyu railway, kansai airport transportation, osaka airport transport, sky hop bus, enjoy cycling in kyoto, keifuku railway, eizan railway, hotels around kyoto.

Experiences around Kyoto

• Itineraries
• Tours and Activities
• Travel Guides
• Best of Japan

JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » Getting around Kyoto with the Japan Rail Pass

Getting around Kyoto with the Japan Rail Pass

May 20, 2019

You’ve read about all the engaging attractions Kyoto has to offer – from its famous temples to its transcendent botanical gardens. After all, Kyoto is considered the premiere sightseeing location in Japan. But as an international traveler, you are also concerned with how to get from place to place once you arrive in Kyoto. Does Japan’s maze of rail and bus lines intimidate you? It doesn’t have to.

Kyoto is a well-organized city. While its rail lines are not as extensive as in other large cities, such as Tokyo, Kyoto is unique in its street grid system. This system eases the travel of both pedestrians and commuters by bus and taxi. Once you understand the Kyoto transportation system, getting around can be not only easy but also enjoyable. The following tips are designed to help you do just that.

Numerous trains in and around Kyoto can be accessed using your Japan Rail Pass . Kyoto Station  is the central city’s transportation hub for Japan Railways and other private services, as well as shopping centers. From here, you can access the Shinkansen bullet train to Osaka, Tokyo, and many other destinations.

Local JR lines in Kyoto include the Sagano Line and the Nara Line .

JR Nara line

The Nara Line travels south to:

• Tofukuji Station , close to the Tofukuji Buddhist temple, famous for its gardens.
• Inari Station , near  Fushimi Inari , an important Shinto temple famous for its thousands of torii gates.
• Uji Station , a small city popular for its tea shops and World Heritage temples (Byodoin and Ujigami-Jinja), also famous for its matcha (green tea).
• JR Nara Station , in downtown Nara. Make sure to take the Miyakoji Rapid Train, since it doesn’t stop at all stations and is the fastest connection ( from Kyoto Station to Nara in 45 minutes ).

JR Sagano line

The Sagano Line is actually a nickname for the urban section of the JR San’in Main line. This line travels to popular tourist destinations such as:

• Nijo Station (close to Nijo castle)
• Emmachi Station (bus connection to Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavillion )
• Uzumasa Station (Toei Kyoto Studio Park)
• Saga-Arashiyama Station , near Arashiyama bamboo grove , Arashiyama Monkey Park and the Sagano Scenic Railway station).

Note : Please check our full “ Things to do in Kyoto ” guide for further tourist information.

Kyoto Metro system  

The Kyoto subway system operates two lines, the Karasuma Line (north to south) and the Tozai Line (east to west) . Both lines are available from Karasuma Oike Station. The best use of the subway system is to reach attractions in the city center.

The metro ticket prices range from ¥210 to ¥350 for adults and ¥110 to ¥180 for children. The trains of the Kyoto metro system are not covered under your Japan Rail Pass .

Other rail lines

Kyoto is also home to several private railway lines , including the Keifuku, Kintetsu, and Eizan Lines. The Hankyu Line can be accessed from the city center and using this line you can reach Osaka from Kyoto . This line also serves Arashiyama. The Keihan Line can be used to reach Fushimi Inari from the east side of Kyoto. The JR Pass, however, is not valid on private rail lines.

Also of interest is the scenic Sagano Scenic Railway  train, which departs from Saga-Arashiyama Station. While not covered by the JR Pass, the autumn leaves or spring cherry blossoms as seen from this train are well worth the trip.

Finally, the Haruka Airport Express connects Kyoto Station with the Kansai International Airport, near Osaka. You can take this train for free with your Japan Rail Pass.

Kyoto train and subway map

For further information, including a map of the whole Kansai region, please check our maps page.

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Buses in Kyoto

Kyoto’s extensive bus network operates daily from 6 AM to 10:30 PM. You will enter the local buses , by the back door and exit through the front, and payment on these city buses is made upon entering.

Flat rate bus fares are ¥230 for adults and ¥120 for children . Alternatively, you can purchase a City Bus All-Day Pass for ¥500, or ¥250 for children. When using JR buses , you can ride free of charge when you scan your JR Pass upon entering.

The Japan Rail Pass is valid for West JR Bus company, which operates the  Takao Keihoku Line . This line runs between Kyoto station and Shuzan . You will be able to go to Ninnaji Temple and Ryoanji Temple.

The bus runs in five different type of routes, so please check the bus stop maps or Google Maps before hopping on:

• Via Ritsumeikan University
• Via Ichijou street
• Via Karasuma
• Counterclockwise
• Clockwise rotation

Additionally, the route between Kyoto Station and Shuzan via Shijo-Omiya Station is very scenic and features of temples. Especially in autumn season , the color leaves are gorgeous!

You can also get to some of the cities most popular attractions is by using the city buses. The two main companies are Kyoto City Bus (central city area) and Kyoto Bus (for the surrounding areas).

If you take the Kyoto City Bus 205 from Kyoto Station and get off at the Kinkakuji-mae bus stop you can walk to the Kinkakuji, the Ryoanji, and the Myoshinji Temples.

To visit the Ginkakuji Temple and the Honenin Temple in north-east Kyoto you can catch the Kyoto City Bus 5 or 17 from Kyoto Station and get off at the Ginkakuji-michi bus stop. If you walk another 20 minutes from here you can also see the Eikando Temple and the Nanzenji Temple.

Alternatively, there are a number of tourist buses, known as Raku buses which take on various routes between Kyoto’s points of interest.

Raku Bus 100 leaves Kyoto Station every 10 minutes between 7:40 and 17:00, stopping at National Museum & Sanjusangendo Temple, Kiyomizudera Temple, Gion, Heian-jingu Shrine and Ginkakuji Temple.

Raku Bus 101  leaves Kyoto Station every 15 minutes between 8:00 and 16.30, stopping at Kyoto Station, Nijo-jo Castle, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kinkakuji Temple, Daitokuji Temple and the Kitaoji Bus Terminal.  

Raku Bus 102 leaves the Ginkakuji-michi bus stop every 30 minutes between 8:04 and 16:34, stopping at Ginkakuji Temple,  Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kinkakuji Temple, Daitokuji Temple, Kitaoji Bus Terminal.

Taxis in Kyoto

In downtown Kyoto, you will also find taxis waiting at nearly every street corner, at all times of day and night. When hailing a taxi, pay attention to the light located next to the driver. A red light means the taxi is available , while a green or blue light indicates that the taxi is already in the service of another customer. In Japan, taxi doors open and close automatically, so don’t worry about shutting the door when you exit.

When selecting a taxi, keep in mind that the MK or Yasaka companies – designated by a clover icon – are generally cheaper . Whichever service you use, you may expect to pay about ¥640 for the first two kilometers.

Tip : When telling your driver where you would like to go, naming an intersection, restaurant, or attraction is often more efficient than giving him a specific address.  

Walking and biking  

Kyoto’s street grid system makes it simple for both pedestrians and bicyclists to find their way around. In Kyoto, main streets run either north to south or east to west. North-south streets are given names, while east-west streets are given numbers. Keeping this in mind can aid you in orienting yourself and understanding the direction in which you are traveling. The flat terrain makes this city ideal for touring on foot.

As you will likely not have your own bicycle with you, many bike rental stores are available in Kyoto, especially in the Arashiyama area . You may rent a bicycle for a few hours or up to two weeks. Prices range from ¥500 per day to ¥2000 per week . Be advised that in the city center and near train stations, bikes must be parked in designated areas. Bike parking usually costs ¥150 for up to eight hours. Bikes parked illegally will be towed.

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Hi. First time in Japan. First 4 nights in Kyoto. Can i get a JR bus (with JR Pass) from Kyoto station to Shijo Omiya (close to my hotel) ?

thanks dave

Hi Dave! The only Kyoto city bus line included in your Japan Rail Pass is the Takao Keihoku Line, which runs between Kyoto station and Shuzan. Happy travels!

Am I able to use the JR pass from Kyoto to Nozawa? What train/bus lines should I use? Thanks!

Hi Joyce! To get there with the JR Pass , you can get on the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Ilyama Station which is the closest you can get with your pass. Happy travels!

Hi I’m Shirlyn, I am going to Kyoto from Nagoya Station. Understand that Nozomi is not covered by the JR Pass. What is the best route .

Hi Shirlyn!

As you said, Nozomi shinkansen is not covered by Japan Rail Pass , instead, you can take the Hikari, using the same route along the Tokaido Shinkansen .

Happy travels!

Can I buy Jr pass 7 days when I get there Hanada airport?Some review said I need to buy when I’m still at home because they don’t usually sell at station for pass 7 days and up?

Hi Nguyen! The Japan Rail Pass is also sold at a limited number of train stations as well as airports in Japan. However, please be aware that buying the Japan Rail Pass in Japan will be more expensive than buying it online ahead on time. Happy travels!

Hi, Is it easy to get around Kyoto strictly using the JR lines or do you recommend also purchasing a Kyoto Subway Line Metro Pass (i.e IC card, Kyoto sightseeing card, or Kansai thru Pass)? Thank you!

Hi Ruth! Please read this article carefuly since it describes the lines where the Japan Rail Pass can be used in Kyoto 😉 Happy travels!

Hi, this is a helpful post btw 🙂 I have some stuffs to clarify though. I have JR Sanyo Sanin Northern Kyushu Pass and it also includes the JR buses in Kyoto. Planning to visit 3rd week of March. My question is.. Are JR buses different from those Kyoto City buses? Like Kyoto CIty Buses aren’t covered in the JR pass? Coz I’m a bit confused on how to navigate the route maps and all. If ever, we’re just planning to just visit Kiyomuzidera / Gion area from Kyoto Station.

Hi KL! The Japan Rail Pass includes unlimited access to JR Buses. As specified in this article, in Kyoto the pass can be used on the Takao Keihoku Line. This line runs between Kyoto station and Shuzan. You will be able to go to Ninnaji Temple and Ryoanji Temple. Happy travels!

Hi, I’m Jesica a traveler. I will stay in Japan for 8 days, and I’ll buy 7 days JR Pass. My question is if I arrive on 3rd December in the airport can I get JR Pass stamp for 4th December to be activated? And I should pick the ticket for booking on 3rd Dec or 4th Dec? Need your advice.

Best Regards, Jesica

Hi Jesica! To activate your Japan Rail Pass , please go to any JR office . Once at a JR office, you will be asked to show your passport (the JR staff will look for the Tourist visa stamp/sticker) and your Japan Rail voucher (exchange order). After your personal data has been verified, you will be asked to select the activation date of your pass. This can be up to 30 days following the exchange date. After activating your JR Pass, you will be able to use it on all JR trains, buses, and ferry services. Happy travels!

Hi there! Is the JR office open 24/7? Ill be arriving in the airport (kix) at about 10pm. I intend to immediately take a train from kix to kyoto. Would i be able to activate my jr pass if i arrive at the airport so late?

Hi Nicole! JR Offices are not 24/7, you can find all the opening hours and stations here . Happy travels!

Hi I will be staying in Tokyo for a week and would like to explore going daily trip from Tokyo to Hakone & Kyoto. Can you advise is JR Pass the right choice?

Hi Evon! The JR Pass gives you unlimited access to all Japan Rail National trains, JR bus services, ferry services, and airport transfers. A 7-day JR Pass only costs ¥29.110 which is actually cheaper than a return ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto on a Shinkansen bullet train. This means that if you make just one long-distance trip you can already save money. If you make multiple trips then you start saving thousands of yen. Happy travels!

Hello I will travell from Tokyo-Osaka-Tokyo in November 2018 , If iam using JR pass 7 days , and starting from Tokyo to Osaka on Nov 24 ,and then back to Tokyo on Monday Nov 26 , Is my JR Pass still valid for those day? Thank you for your response

Sincerely Handoko

Hi Handoko! The Japan Rail Pass validity period is calculated in days, not in hours. Therefore, if you have purchased a 7-day pass and your activation date (when you first use the pass) is the 24th of November, the exact expiration time will be midnight on November 30. Happy travels!

We will be traveling for 6 days from Kansai airport > Kyoto > Nara > Osaka, next month!

I heard that the cheapest rail ticket will be the ICOCO + HARUKA rail ticket for my travel… However, is it not possible to use my ICOCO card to travel around Kyoto’s railway system? Is the ICOCO card also the same as the JR Line train card?

Since I cannot use my ICOCO card for travel around Kyoto, does it mean I need to purchase another Kyoto railway card to travel all around Kyoto for 2 days that I am there?

Thank you so much and looking forward to your reply. 🙂

Hi Dee! We strongly recommend you to check our article Using Japanese prepaid IC cards: PASMO, SUICA and ICOCA 😉 it will help you clear your doubts!

I bought 7 day JR Pass. Im still clueless on which train i can use in Osaka, Kyoto and Mount Fuji.

Hi Airul! Should you purchase your passes from jrailpass.com for example you will receive a travel guide with a detail on how to use the Japan Rail Pass and basic line info. Happy travels!

Hi I wonder how exact is 14 days card? Is it by date or hours? For example, when I validate ma card in Sept. 13 at 9.30 a.m., what time exactly it would end? Thanks for your help!

Hi Jen! The Japan Rail Pass validity period is calculated in days, not in hours. Therefore, if you have purchased a 14-day pass and your activation date (when you first use the pass) is the 13th of September (any hour), the exact expiration time will be midnight on September 26. Your JR Pass will be valid until the end of the journey. Happy travels!

Hi I’m thinking of getting the 7 days JR pass for my family 9 days trip to Kyoto. We’re thinking of visiting Mt. Fuji, Nara, and Tokyo and maybe back to Kyoto again. I know the JR pass does not includes the fastest express trains but does the JR pass covers all the semi express and ordinary bullet trains to and fro those towns/cities? is it worth it?

Hi Mae! The JR Pass is valid on the Kodama, Hikari and Sakura types of Shinkansen, but is not valid on the Nozomi and Mizuho classes. You will not have access to the ‘Nozomi’ and ‘Mizuho’ Shinkansen that are the fastest trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo lines. However, you have access to the ‘Hikari’ or ‘Sakura’ Shinkansen that cover the same routes. The Hikari and Sakura bullet trains reach the same top speed as the Nozomi and Mizuho trains and use the same type of actual train, but have more stops along each route. For example, from Tokyo to Kyoto, the Hikari takes 15mins more than the equivalent Nozomi.

Hi! 1) Can this Japan Rail Pass also traverse train lines under JR West Rail Pass / JR West Rail Pass Conventional Lines? 2) Can this Japan Rail Pass traverse: – the Tōkaidō Main Line (JR Kyoto Line), from Kyoto Station to Yamazaki Station to see the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery? – Osaka to Kyoto? – Osaka to Kobe? – Osaka to Nara? Hoping for your immediate reply. Thank you.

We are planning on a family trip in July and would like to visit Tokyo (from Narita airport), Mt. Fuji, Hiroshima, Nagano, Toyama, Kyoto and Osaka and back to Narita. Are all the train and bus rides all covered in the JR Pass? Where can I check the routes and schedules of trains/bus. Thank you for your immediate response.

Hi, I am looking to visit Osaka and the areas around it, including Kyoto, and have a short trip to Tokyo then back to Osaka. Can you recommend which pass should I get? To be honest the many types and names of the railway lines are a bit confusing.

We are travelling around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshiyama. Okayama, Hikone and Nagaham for a 6 days. We will be taking Kansai International Airport to get there. What JR pass can you recommend?

We believe the 7-day Japan Rail Pass is the best option for your trip, as it includes the Haruka Express train connection from Osaka to Kansai International Airport, and the shinkansen bullet trains among the cities you mention.

Have a nice trip!

what type of jr pass to buy if i need to travel area Kyoto within 2 days only..

Using the Takayama-Hokuriku pass, can we use it to go to: Osaka-kyoto-arashiyama? Or any jr lines in kyoto?

Much thanks.

Hi, Me and my friend are considering travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto and then to Osaka. The thing is, we are spending 9 days in Japan and we are thinking buy JR Pass. Which JR Pass should we get?

A Japan Rail Pass can be valid for either 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days. The most adequate one for each concrete person will depend on the itinerary they want to do. To assess if the 7-day Japan Rail Pass is the most cost effective ticket or if the 14-day will also help you save money for your trip, we recommend you to check at Hyperdia which would be the cost of the individual ticket. When you have this detail you will be able to compare this price to the nation-wide pass price.

We hope you enjoy your stay in the country!

Hi we are interested to go to the Ninja Museum in Inga from Kyoto. I am wondering if you can give me the best direction to go there and back and if JR pass can be used. Also how long is the distance? Can this be a day trip?

Thank you, Debbie

The Iga Ninja Museum is a 5-10 minute walk north of Ueno-shi Station. To get there from Kyoto you will have to take the JR Nara line to Kizu and once there transfer to the JR Kansai line to Iga-Ueno. All this first part of the trip is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass . When you get there you will need to change to the Iga Railway (not covered by the pass) to Ueno-shi.

This trip will take around 2 hours.

Hi We are thinking of buying a 7-day JR passes to travel from Tokyo to Osaka, Kyoto and then back to Tokyo in 7 days. Could you inform us which services ie trains/buses/ferries are covered by JR pass.

Many thanks

Below you will find detailed information on what is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. If you aim to travel between Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto you will be entitled to do so by taking the Hikari Shinkansen in the Tokaido Express line.

1. The Japan Rail Pass covers all JR Group limited express trains, express trains, rapid and local ones. Shinkansen bullet trains are also covered, except of NOZOMI and MIZUHO. Furthermore, the JR Pass can be used on the Tokyo Monorail, the Yamanote line (Tokyo Metro); the Aoimori Railway between Aomori and Hachinohe; the JR Ishikawa Railway between Kanazawa and Tsubata; the Ainokaze Toyama Railway beween Toyama and Takaoka; Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo .

2. The JR Pass is valid on all local JR bus lines such as: JR Hokkaido Bus; JR Tohoku Bus; JR Kanto Bus; JR Tokai Bus; West Japan JR Bus; JR Chugoku bus; JR Shikoku Bus; JR Kyushu Bus.

3. You may use your Japan Rail on the JR-West Miyajima ferry services.

Enjoy your stay!

Hi, i have Japan Rail pass 7 days. I want to travel around kyoto, are JR Nara Line and JR San In covered by JR pass? thank you.

Yes, these lines are served by Japan Rail Pass’ included transportation. For example, on the JR Nara line you are entitled to take the Miyakoji Rapid Train, that will take you from Kyoto straight to Nara .

Have a very nice trip!

I am Travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto only. Is it advisable to buy a JR pass? Will be like visiting attraction within Tokyo city area and after which will be taking Shinkansen to Kyoto. Then Kyoto will be visiting those places of interest also. Won’t be doing visiting into different cities.

Yes it is worthy to buy the 7 days JR Pass! You can check and compare prices on Hyperdia , but the Japan Rail Pass covers numerous trains in Kyoto and five different Tokyo railway lines, as well as Yamanote line (Tokyo Metro) the Narita Express (airport transfer). Also the Shinkansen to Kyoto, as you were saying. To complete your reading, please check our article to get to know everything about Tokyo: destinations, trains and transportation .

Hope this helps

Kind regards

Hi, Can you upgrade or purchase supplemental ticket using the Japan railpass for the Nozomi trains? Arigato gazaimasu.

The JR Pass is valid on the Kodama, Hikari and Sakura types of Shinkansen, but is not valid on the Nozomi and Mizuho classes. You will not have access to the ‘Nozomi’ and ‘Mizuho’ Shinkansen that are the fastest trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo lines. However, you have access to the ‘Hikari’ or ‘Sakura’ Shinkansen that cover the same routes. The Hikari and Sakura bullet trains reach the same top speed as the Nozomi and Mizuho trains and use the same type of actual train, but have more stops along each route. For example, from Tokyo to Kyoto, the Hikari takes 15mins more than the equivalent Nozomi.

In case, you rather prefer to take the Nozomi trains, you will need to pay the full fare to board the Nozomi, even with the JR pass.

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Everything You Need To Know About the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass

Discover how to see the most popular attractions in two of Japan’s biggest cities with the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass. (Main image: Klook)

Types of Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass & Prices

Why choose the kyoto-osaka sightseeing pass, what are the main sights to see with the kyoto-osaka sightseeing pass, practical information about the kyoto-osaka sightseeing pass, alternatives to the kyoto-osaka sightseeing pass, conclusion - save time and money with the kyoto-osaka sightseeing pass.

Kyoto and Osaka are the two most popular destinations in Japan’s Kansai region. Between them, both cities have an incredible and diverse range of attractions to explore. As the former capital of Japan, Kyoto is rich in history, culture, and tradition. Osaka is a full-throttle feast for the senses, famous for its bold and brash neon and delicious food, including okonomiyaki and takoyaki . A great way to travel between Kyoto and Osaka and see the main attractions and highlights of both cities is with the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass. The Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass is available as a 1-Day or a 2-Day pass and lets you take unlimited journeys on specific train lines between the two cities.

The Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass lets you take unlimited journeys on specific train lines operated by Keihan between Demachiyanagi Station in Kyoto and Nakanoshima Station in Osaka. The Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass is available in five different options. Four of the passes are available as 1-Day passes, and one of these is also available as a 2-Day pass. The variations of the pass also allow unlimited travel on certain other lines and modes of transport too which we’ll cover below. Here’s a full breakdown of each type of Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass.

Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass (1-Day or 2-Day)

The 1-Day and 2-Day Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass lets you take unlimited journeys on the Keihan Main Line between Demachiyanagi Station in Kyoto and Nakanoshima Station in Osaka. This pass can also be used to travel between Hirakatashi Station and Kisaichi Station on the Katano Line and Chūshojima Station and Uji Station on the Keihan Uji Line. Both of these passes can also be used to travel on the Iwashimizu-hachimangu-sando-cable Line that travels along Mount Otokoyama to Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine . A full map showing all of the areas in which the 1-Day and 2-Day Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass can be used can be found on the official website (link below).

The Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass (for Hirakata Park)

The Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass (for Hirakata Park ) is only available as a 1-Day pass. This pass includes unlimited travel on the same lines as the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass but also includes entry to Hirakata Park , an amusement park located roughly halfway between Kyoto and Osaka. This might be a good option if you’re traveling with young children or if you’re just young at heart. Hirakata Park features numerous rides, including roller coasters, a giant Ferris wheel, fairground rides, and a petting zoo . A map showing the full network of train lines covered by the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass (for Hirakata Park ) can be found on the official website (link below).

Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass (Greater KURAMA & KIBUNE area)

The Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass (Greater KURAMA & KIBUNE area) is available only as a one-day pass. This pass can be used on the same lines as the one-day and two-day Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass and offers unlimited travel on the Eizan Railway line from Demachiyanagi Station to Kurama Station in the mountainous area to the north of Kyoto. A route map showing all of the train lines that can be used with the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass (Greater KURAMA & KIBUNE area) can be found on the official website (link below).

Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass 1 Day (Osaka Metro)

As well as allowing travel on the Keihan Line, the Katano Line, the Uji Line, and the Iwashimizu-hachimangu-sando-cable Line, this 1-Day pass also includes unlimited travel on all Osaka Metro lines and Osaka City Bus routes. A route map showing the travel services covered by the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass 1 Day (Osaka Metro) can be found on the official website (link below).

Comparing the Costs of the Different Types of Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass

Here’s a breakdown of the costs of each type of Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass.

• Adults: 1,200 yen
• Children 6-11: 800 yen
• Infants 2-5: 600 yen

Who Might Benefit the Most from the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass?

The Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass will mostly appeal to those who only have a short time to spend visiting Kyoto and Osaka and want to see as many of the two cities’ main attractions as possible, and possibly some of the surrounding areas. The relatively low cost of each pass also means that they’re a great option for those looking to keep costs down while traveling between Kyoto and Osaka and perhaps to other areas nearby, such as the city of Uji . While the short validity period of these passes might seem a little restrictive, the low-cost and fairly wide area that they cover means that they can be extremely good value for money. If you plan to stay longer in Kansai or want to travel to other parts of the region that are a little further afield, there are alternative travel passes that will be of more benefit which we’ve listed below.

Where to Buy the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass

The Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass can be bought online from sites such as Klook.

Save Money on Travel In and Around Kyoto and Osaka

All of the different types of Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass offer exceptional value for money. You’ll struggle to find a better deal on train travel between Kyoto and Osaka or any of the surrounding areas offered by variations of the pass. If you’re looking to keep costs as low as possible while traveling in and around Kansai’s two biggest cities then this is the pass for you.

Easy Access to Osaka and Kyoto’s Biggest Attractions

Even though the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass only allows you to travel on a handful of train lines, you can easily visit the two city’s main attractions by using the pass. Trains on the Keihan Main Line call at stations that serve such famous landmarks and sights as Fushimi Inari Shrine and the geisha district of Gion in Kyoto and Osaka Castle .

No Need To Queue to Buy Numerous Tickets

Another major benefit of buying the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass is that it means you don’t have to queue up to buy tickets for multiple journeys. Instead, you can simply hop on the train and get on with exploring Kyoto, Osaka or any of the other destinations nearby that your pass covers, rather than eating up time in queues for ticket machines.

Good Option if You’re Short on Time in Kansai

The Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass is an especially good option if you only have a short time to spend in either city. In truth, the pass covers a wider area than you could realistically visit in one or two days. However, the low price and the good location of many of the stations that you can travel to make this a very attractive pass if you want to see Kyoto and Osaka’s biggest attractions in a very short space of time. Also, if this isn’t your first time in Kyoto or Osaka and you’d prefer to head off the beaten track, you could easily use the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass to discover a different area, such as the historic city of Uji , or Kurama or Kibune regions to the north of Kyoto.

The Osaka Metro 1-Day Pass is Perfect for Exploring Osaka

The Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass that includes the option of unlimited travel on the Osaka Metro and local buses is perfect for exploring Osaka. With this pass, you can travel around the city with ease and explore the vast majority of Osaka’s main attractions. Perhaps the best way to use this pass would be on a day trip from Kyoto, as it can also be used to travel between the two cities.

Potential Drawbacks of the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass

Only Allows Travel with One Train Company Perhaps the biggest drawback of the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass is that it only allows you to travel on a small number of train lines operated by Keihan. It does not allow for travel on JR lines. While the pass does make it easy to travel between Kyoto and Osaka, as well as visiting other areas nearby, it may sometimes be a bit limiting if you want to venture to destinations served by other train operators that the pass doesn’t cover. Not Ideal for Traveling Within Kyoto or Osaka With the exception of the 1-Day pass that includes the option to travel on Osaka’s Metro and local buses, the majority of the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Passes are not ideal for traveling within either city. If you plan to travel to areas within Kyoto or Osaka not covered by the Keihan Main Line you would need to supplement the pass by paying for travel on other forms of transport. 1-Day Passes Don’t Give You a Huge Amount of Time to Explore Due to the short period of time they can be used for, the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass is not ideal if you plan on exploring the two cities in any great detail. If you choose to buy any of the 1-Day Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Passes you will probably need to plan your day in advance as there will only be so much you can do in the time that you have. If you choose to buy the 2-Day Pass you could potentially see the best of both cities by spending a day in each, but some people might find this to be a little rushed.

Here are a few of the main destinations to explore with the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass Kyoto - As the former capital of Japan, Kyoto is brimming with thousands of years of history and culture. Temples and shrines are amongst Kyoto's most famous landmarks , from the dazzling Golden Pavilion at Kinkakuji Temple , the torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine and the sweeping views of the city from the veranda of Kiyomizu-dera Temple . Elsewhere you can take a stroll around the famous geisha district of Gion or amongst the swaying bamboo trees at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

Osaka - Osaka is the most fun and frenetic city in Japan. While Osaka Castle is one of the city’s most famous sights, at heart Osaka is a modern metropolis. Amongst Osaka’s many landmarks are the iconic Tsūtenkaku Tower and the neon Glico Man, another symbol of the city. A foodies’ dream, Osaka is easily one of the best places to eat in Japan, with great food to be found at Kuromon Ichiba Market or any of the tempting takoyaki stalls in glitzy Dotonbori .

Uji - The city of Uji is only a 30-minute train ride from Kyoto. During the time that Kyoto was the capital of Japan, many traders and suppliers of green tea established themselves in Uji . Today, Uji is still home to many traditional tea houses and shops where you can sample a bowl of some of the finest matcha in Japan. In the heart of the city is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Byodo-in Temple , famous for its stunning Phoenix Hall that features on the 10 yen coin.

Kurama and Kibune - Pick up the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass (Greater KURAMA & KIBUNE area) to discover the ancient temples and shrines and beautiful scenery that lie just outside Kyoto. Only a 30-minute journey from Demachiyanagi Station, Kurama and Kibune are nestled in the mountains in the north of the city. A hiking trail through the forest links Kurama ’s Kurama -dera Temple with the Kifune Shrine , founded over 1,600 years ago and dedicated to the God of Water.

Hirakata Park Amusement Park - The Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass (for Hirakata Park ) includes entry to Hirakata Amusement Park , which is almost halfway between Kyoto and Osaka. Hirakata Park is ideal if you’re visiting Kyoto or Osaka with young children or if you’re after a shot of adrenaline. The park has dozens of rides and amusements that will keep young ones and thrill-seekers entertained, including roller coasters, water slides, haunted house rides, and much more. There’s also a small zoo with a variety of animals, including squirrel monkeys, otters, red pandas, and capybara.

Who can buy the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass?

The Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass is only available to buy for overseas visitors to Japan.

How long is the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass valid for?

The Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass is on sale from April 1 2024 to March 31 2025. Any pass bought before the end of March 2025 is valid for use until April 30, 2025. The 1-Day pass is not valid for a 24 hour period. 1-Day passes are valid until the end of the day that it is activated. The 2-Day Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass does not have to be used on consecutive days. Instead they can be used over any two different days during the validity period.

How do I activate the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass?

After you’ve ordered the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass, you will receive an email with an e-voucher. You must then exchange the e-voucher for a physical pass at a ticket office at Keihan stations. In Kyoto, you can exchange the e-voucher for the pass at Keihan Railway Sanjo Station Ticket Office. In Osaka, you can exchange the e-voucher at Keihan Railway Kitahama Station Ticket Office, Keihan Railway Kyobashi Station Ticket Office, Keihan Railway Temmabashi Station Ticket Office or Keihan Railway Yodoyabashi Station Ticket Office.

Here are a few alternative passes you might want to consider if you plan on visiting Kansai. Kansai Railway Pass - The Kansai Railway Pass is available as either a two-day or three-day pass and allows unlimited rail travel on twenty private railway lines to many destinations within the Kansai region. Learn more about it here . The Kintetsu Rail Pass - The Kintetsu Rail Pass offers unlimited travel on Kintetsu train lines as well as specific bus routes and some cable cars within Kansai. This pass is available as a 1-Day, 2-Day or a 5-Day pass.

Offering excellent value for money, the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass is a fantastic way to see some of the best attractions and landmarks in Kansai’s two biggest cities. Available in a variety of formats and perfect for those spending a short amount of time in the region, you can also use the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass to explore several fascinating areas that lie off the beaten path. For full details on the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass, see the official website (https://www.keihan.co.jp/travel/en/trains/passes-for-visitors-to-japan/) .

Written by:

James Davies

Originally from Cardiff in the UK, James has been working as a freelance writer since moving to Japan in 2020. Having first visited Japan in 2013, James has been to each of the country’s 47 prefectures. A lover of sushi, sumo and sake, when not writing, he is either exploring Tokyo or planning a trip to a new corner of Japan. On Instagram: @_jamesdavies

• Area Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi
• How To: Transportation

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Passing Thru Travel

Exploring 10 Cities Around the World by Bike – Pedal-Powered Discoveries 2024

Posted: February 25, 2024 | Last updated: February 25, 2024

Sustainable city cycling tours offer an eco-friendly and intimate way to explore urban landscapes. These tours allow you to navigate through the heart of cities, often uncovering hidden gems that are not accessible by car or bus. From the bustling streets of Amsterdam to the historic lanes of Kyoto, cycling tours provide a unique perspective on city life, culture, and architecture. This guide takes you on a two-wheeled journey through some of the best cities in the world to explore by bike, each offering a distinct and memorable experience.

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands

In Amsterdam, cycling is more than a mode of transport; it’s a way of life. The city’s flat terrain, dedicated bike lanes, and respectful traffic culture make it ideal for exploring on two wheels. A bike tour here lets you experience the city like a local, weaving through historic canals, past iconic windmills, and through vibrant neighborhoods like the Jordaan. You’ll discover hidden courtyards and bustling marketplaces and perhaps pause for a coffee at a canal-side café. Cycling in Amsterdam offers a blend of leisure and exploration, allowing you to cover more ground than walking while enjoying the city’s sights up close.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Jordaan neighborhood to glimpse local Amsterdam life away from the tourist crowds.

When To Travel: Late spring to early fall offers pleasant weather for cycling.

How To Get There: Fly into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The city center is easily accessible by train, and bike rentals are widely available.

2. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen’s reputation as a bike-friendly city is well-earned. Its extensive network of bike lanes and the Danish culture of cycling make it a joy to explore on two wheels. A bike tour in Copenhagen might include the historic Nyhavn harbor, the whimsical Tivoli Gardens, and the modern architecture of the Ørestad district. Riding through Copenhagen, you’ll experience the city’s commitment to sustainability and quality of life. The tour is not just about seeing the sights; it’s about feeling the city’s pulse and understanding why Copenhagen is often ranked as one of the happiest cities in the world.

Insider’s Tip: Ride through the Assistens Cemetery, a peaceful and beautiful park where famous Danes like Hans Christian Andersen are buried.

When To Travel: May to September for the best cycling weather.

How To Get There: Copenhagen Airport is well-connected internationally, with easy public transport access to the city center.

3. Berlin, Germany

Berlin’s rich history and vibrant culture make it a fascinating city to explore by bike. The city’s flat landscape and comprehensive network of bike paths allow for easy and safe navigation. A cycling tour in Berlin can take you through the remnants of the Berlin Wall, the lush expanses of the Tiergarten, and the bustling squares of Alexanderplatz and Potsdamer Platz.

Along the way, you’ll encounter street art, historic landmarks, and the eclectic mix of modern and traditional architecture that defines Berlin. Cycling here offers a unique perspective on the city’s past and present, connecting you with its stories and spirit.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport turned public park, for a unique cycling experience.

When To Travel: Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and fewer tourists.

How To Get There: Two airports serve Berlin, with excellent public transportation links to the city center.

4. Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, with its ancient temples, traditional tea houses, and tranquil gardens, is a city steeped in history. Exploring Kyoto by bike allows you to move at your own pace, visit famous sites like the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and discover hidden alleys and local neighborhoods. Cycling in Kyoto is a journey through time, where modern streets give way to historic districts, and each turn brings a new discovery. The city’s respect for tradition and nature makes it a uniquely serene urban cycling experience.

Insider’s Tip: Take a detour to the Philosopher’s Path, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.

When To Travel: Spring for cherry blossoms and fall for colorful foliage.

How To Get There: Fly into Kansai International Airport and take a train or bus to Kyoto. Bike rentals are readily available throughout the city.

5. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona’s diverse landscape, from Gothic architecture in the old city to modernist landmarks and Mediterranean beaches, makes it an exhilarating city to explore by bike. A cycling tour here can take you through the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter, along the vibrant Las Ramblas, and to the famous Sagrada Familia. You’ll experience the city’s artistic flair and lively atmosphere firsthand. Cycling in Barcelona is not just about sightseeing; it’s about immersing yourself in the city’s dynamic culture and enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Insider’s Tip: Cycle up to Montjuic for panoramic views of the city and the sea.

When To Travel: Late spring and early fall for mild weather and fewer crowds.

How To Get There: Barcelona-El Prat Airport is the main gateway, with easy transport options to the city center.

6. Portland, Oregon, USA

Portland’s reputation as one of America’s most bike-friendly cities is evident in its extensive bike lanes and trails network. A bike tour in Portland can include the vibrant downtown area, the serene Waterfront Park, and the quirky neighborhoods that give the city its unique character. With stops at local markets, artisan coffee shops, and craft breweries, you’ll discover Portland’s commitment to sustainability and community. Cycling in Portland is an opportunity to experience the city’s green ethos and creative spirit up close.

Insider’s Tip: Check out the Eastbank Esplanade for a scenic ride along the river.

When To Travel: Summer for the best weather and numerous cycling events.

How To Get There: Fly into Portland International Airport. The city center is easily accessible by public transport, and bike rentals are available throughout Portland.

7. Montreal, Canada

Montreal combines the charm of a French village with the energy of a cosmopolitan city, and exploring it by bike allows you to experience this blend firsthand. A cycling tour in Montreal might include the historic streets of Old Montreal, the bustling Atwater Market, and the scenic Lachine Canal. The city’s bike paths, like the Route Verte, make navigating easy and safe. Cycling in Montreal offers a unique way to experience the city’s diverse neighborhoods, rich history, and vibrant culinary scene.

Insider’s Tip: Ride to the top of Mount Royal for a stunning view of the city.

When To Travel: Late spring to early fall for the best cycling conditions.

How To Get There: Montreal-Trudeau Airport is the main entry point, with good public transportation options to the city.

8. San Francisco, California, USA

San Francisco’s iconic landmarks and diverse neighborhoods make it a fascinating city to explore by bike. Despite its famous hills, there are plenty of flat and scenic routes, especially along the waterfront and the city’s many parks. A bike tour in San Francisco might include the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Painted Ladies of Alamo Square. Cycling here allows you to experience the city’s unique blend of natural beauty, urban culture, and innovative spirit.

Insider’s Tip: Cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and take the ferry back for a unique experience.

When To Travel: Late spring and early fall offer the most comfortable weather for cycling.

How To Get There: Fly into San Francisco International Airport. The city is well-connected by public transport, and bike rentals are widely available.

9. Vienna, Austria

Vienna’s grand imperial history and vibrant contemporary culture are best experienced on a bike. The city’s extensive network of bike paths takes you past historic palaces, through charming neighborhoods, and along the blue Danube. A bike tour in Vienna might include the Hofburg Palace, the Prater amusement park, and the trendy districts of Neubau and Mariahilf. Cycling in Vienna is a journey through a city that seamlessly blends its past with the present.

Insider’s Tip: Take a leisurely ride in the Prater, a large public park with a long, tree-lined main avenue perfect for cycling.

When To Travel: Spring and early fall offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

How To Get There: Vienna International Airport is the main gateway, with excellent public transportation links to the city center.

10. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne’s eclectic mix of art, culture, and cuisine makes it an exciting city to discover by bike. A cycling tour here can include the artsy laneways, beautiful parks like the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the vibrant beachside suburb of St Kilda. Melbourne’s flat terrain and well-developed bike paths make it easy to navigate, and you’ll quickly discover why it’s often ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Yarra River trail for scenic views and a peaceful ride away from the city bustle.

When To Travel: Fall (March to May) and spring (September to November) offer the best weather for cycling.

How To Get There: Fly into Melbourne Airport. The city has a comprehensive public transport system, and bike hire is readily available.

The Bottom Line

Exploring cities by bike offers a unique perspective on urban landscapes and promotes a sustainable and healthy way of traveling. Each city on this list offers its own unique charm and attractions, best experienced at the leisurely pace of a bike ride. Remember, cycling tours are not just about physical activity; they’re about connecting with the city, its people, and its culture in an intimate and eco-friendly way. So, grab your helmet, hop on a bike, and start pedaling your way through some of the world’s most bike-friendly cities.

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The post Exploring 10 Cities Around the World by Bike – Pedal-Powered Discoveries 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / PR Image Factory.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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