The Best Way to Get Around Kyoto for an Easy & Enjoyable Visit
Visiting a new city, especially in Asia, can be confusing. With foreign languages, different customs, and a LOT of people, transportation in Japan can feel really overwhelming. It certainly was for us at first! If you’re wondering about the best way to get around Kyoto, we’re here to break down all of the different options and explain what actually makes the most sense when exploring the city.
Kyoto is a little different from Osaka when it comes to transportation. There are several train and subway lines, but buses are also a huge part of getting around the city. Some of Kyoto’s biggest attractions are nowhere near a train station, so knowing when to take the train, when to hop on a bus, and when it makes more sense to simply walk can save you a LOT of time.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything from getting to Kyoto and choosing where to stay to using trains, buses, taxis, bikes, and more.
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The Basics for Getting Around Kyoto
Before diving into the best way to get around Kyoto, let’s start with the basics. First we’ll quickly cover how to get to Kyoto, then break down what navigating the city looks like once you arrive.
✈️ How to Get to Kyoto
There are several ways to reach Kyoto, including:
Want the full breakdown? Check out our guide on how to get to Kyoto.
How to Get to Kyoto from Osaka, Tokyo, and Abroad
Explore all of the different options for traveling to Kyoto, from flying in to one of the nearby airports or taking transportation from another Japanese city.
❣️ What is the Best Base for Exploring Kyoto?
Where you stay can make a BIG difference in how easy it is to get around Kyoto. The city is fairly spread out, and while many neighborhoods are walkable, you’ll probably be using some combination of trains, buses, and taxis during your trip.
Here are some of our favorite areas to stay:
We personally think Kyoto Station and the Kawaramachi/Gion area are two of the easiest places to stay for a first visit. Kyoto Station makes transportation and day trips incredibly convenient, while Kawaramachi and Gion put you much closer to restaurants, nightlife, and many of the top things to do in Kyoto.
🚗 Ways for Getting Around Kyoto
Here are the main ways for getting around Kyoto:
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The Best Way to Get Around Kyoto: Comparing the Different Transportation Options
Ready to explore? Here’s a deeper look at all your options for getting around, so you can choose which is the best way to get around Kyoto for you.
🏘 Getting Around Kyoto by Foot
Kyoto has plenty of neighborhoods that are incredibly walkable. Gion, Higashiyama, Kawaramachi, Nishiki Market, and the streets around the Kamo River are all areas where walking is often the best way to explore.
You’ll also find that several attractions can be combined into one walking route. Instead of jumping on a bus every time you want to move a few blocks, you can often see much more of the city by simply walking between temples, shops, restaurants, and side streets.
We recommend combining walking with public transportation rather than trying to walk across the entire city. Take the train or bus between neighborhoods and then explore the area on foot. This is also a good way to avoid spending half your day sitting in traffic.
💡 Plan your itinerary with Google Maps so that you can optimize exploring Kyoto by foot.
🚇 Getting Around Kyoto by Public Transportation
Public transportation is the best way to get around Kyoto for most travelers. The city has the Kyoto City Subway, JR trains, several private railway companies, and a large network of buses.
One thing we highly recommend is using an IC card such as ICOCA, Suica, or PASMO. Compatible IC cards can be used on many of Kyoto’s trains, subway lines, and buses, so you can simply tap instead of purchasing an individual ticket every time you ride.
The biggest thing to know about Kyoto is that you don’t necessarily want to take the bus everywhere though. Buses are incredibly useful, but they can get crowded and traffic can slow them down, particularly during cherry blossom season, fall foliage season, and busy commuting hours.
Google Maps is your best friend here. You don’t need to memorize which company operates which line. Just enter where you’re going and it’ll show you the different train, subway, and bus options.
Ⓜ️ Kyoto Metro
The Kyoto City Subway is one of the easiest ways to travel through central Kyoto. There are two main lines: the Karasuma Line, which runs north to south, and the Tozai Line, which runs east to west.
The subway is particularly great for getting around central Kyoto and connecting with other train lines. It also gives you an easy alternative to buses when you’re traveling across the city and don’t want to deal with traffic.
The subway won’t take you directly to every major attraction, but when there’s a subway route available, we usually prefer it over taking a bus across the city.
🚆 JR Trains in Kyoto
JR trains are especially useful for getting to and from Kyoto Station and for reaching destinations outside the center of the city. The JR Nara Line is convenient for visiting Fushimi Inari and continuing toward Uji and Nara, while the JR Sagano Line connects Kyoto Station with the area around Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
JR trains are also the best way to get around Kyoto when you’re arriving by Shinkansen or planning longer day trips around the Kansai region.
You don’t always need to return to Kyoto Station either. Kyoto’s transportation network has several stations that can put you closer to your destination, which can save you time and help you avoid unnecessary transfers.
🚊 Private Railways in Osaka
You’ll also come across several private railway companies when getting around Kyoto, including Hankyu, Keihan, Kintetsu, Randen, and Eizan Railway.
It might look confusing when you first see all of the different lines, but you don’t need to memorize them. Google Maps will tell you which company and line to use for each trip.
Some are particularly useful for specific areas. Hankyu is convenient between Kyoto and Osaka, Keihan is useful for Gion, Fushimi, and Uji, Kintetsu is convenient for Nara, Randen is useful for Arashiyama, and Eizan Railway is great for heading toward northern Kyoto and areas like Kurama and Kibune.
🚌 Getting Around Kyoto by City Bus
Buses are a BIG part of getting around Kyoto because many famous temples and attractions aren’t directly connected to a train or subway station.
This is where buses can be extremely convenient, but it’s also where you need to pay attention to traffic. We recommend using trains during hours with a lot of traffic, and then combining with the bus to be a bit more efficient.
Kyoto City Bus is the main bus system you’ll encounter, but you’ll also see Kyoto Bus, Keihan Bus, and West Japan JR Bus depending on where you’re going. Compatible transportation IC cards can be used on Kyoto City buses and other participating bus services.
💡 If you’re visiting popular attractions during peak seasons, give yourself extra time. The bus might look like the simplest route on Google Maps, but a train plus a short walk can sometimes get you there faster.
🚕 Getting Around Kyoto by Taxi
In my opinion, taxis are not the best way to get around Kyoto. They’re typically more expensive, and take longer than just hopping on a train. They can be ideal though if you have a lot of luggage, are in a big group, or are traveling in areas where there isn’t as much public transportation available.
🚗 Getting Around Kyoto by Car
While renting a car gives you plenty of flexibility, we don’t recommend driving around central Kyoto itself. The city has excellent public transportation, and traffic and parking can make driving more of a headache than a convenience, especially in the most popular tourist areas.
A rental car makes much more sense if you’re planning to explore outside Kyoto, especially if you’re heading into the countryside or visiting destinations that aren’t as easy to reach by train.
💡 You need a physical international driver’s license to drive in Japan.
🛵 Getting Around Kyoto by Scooter/Motorcycle
Looking to get around quickly without the hassle of a car? A scooter or motorcycle can be an excellent option, especially since they’re a lot easier to park and weave in and out of traffic. It’s also a fun way to explore the outskirts of Kyoto, and particularly ideal if you’re a confident driver.
💡 Want to ride around on a scooter but explore with a group? There’s a really cool countryside scooter tour in Kyoto you can sign up for!
🚲 Getting Around Kyoto by Bicycle
Biking around Kyoto is a fun way to get some exercise while also seeing more of the city in less time. It can be especially nice when you want to get between neighborhoods without constantly waiting for a train or bus, and you’ll get to see parts of Kyoto that you might otherwise miss.
We also love the option of joining a bike tour. This is a perfect option for adventurous travelers, because you’re not only getting around by bike, but also meeting other like-minded travelers and having a local show you some of the lesser-known spots around the city. A local guide can take you down quieter streets, point out places you probably wouldn’t find on your own, and give you a completely different perspective of Kyoto!
🛺 Getting Around Kyoto by Rickshaw
A rickshaw isn’t exactly practical transportation, but it is a fun and uniqie way to explore some of Kyoto’s historic neighborhoods.
You’ll see rickshaws particularly around Arashiyama and Higashiyama, where the drivers can take you through traditional streets while sharing information about the area.
We’d consider this more of a sightseeing experience than a transportation method, but it’s a fun addition if you want to see Kyoto from a different perspective.
🚂 Getting Around Kyoto by Scenic Train
Kyoto also has other transportation options that are more about the experience than getting somewhere as quickly as possible.
The Sagano Romantic Train, also known as the Sagano Scenic Railway, runs between the Saga-Arashiyama area and Kameoka and is a popular way to see the scenery outside the city. It isn’t something we’d use as our main form of transportation, but it can be a fun addition to an Arashiyama day.
🚐 Getting Around Kyoto with Tours & Day Trips
If you prefer not to plan transportation yourself, joining a guided tour can be an easy way to explore Kyoto or take a day trip to another destination. Many tours include transportation, so you don’t have to worry about figuring out train schedules, transfers, or bus routes yourself.
Whether you’re interested in food tours, cultural experiences, temple tours, or visiting places like Nara, Uji, Osaka, or Lake Biwa, there are plenty of tours departing from Kyoto.
FAQ About Getting Around Kyoto
Now you should know all about the best way to get around Kyoto! But in case you missed anything or still have doubts, here are some frequently asked questions we’ve gotten.
What is the best way to get around Kyoto?
The best way to get around Kyoto is to combine public transportation with walking. Trains and the subway are usually the easiest options for getting between different areas, while buses are useful for reaching attractions that aren’t close to a train station. Once you arrive in an area, walking is often the easiest way to explore.
Is Kyoto easy to get around?
Yes! Kyoto’s transportation system can look confusing at first because there are several train companies, subway lines, and bus networks, but it’s pretty easy to navigate once you understand your options. Google Maps is also extremely helpful for figuring out which train, subway, or bus to take.
Is Kyoto walkable?
Kyoto is very walkable within individual neighborhoods, but the city is too spread out to explore entirely on foot. We recommend using public transportation to get between areas and then exploring each neighborhood by walking.
Can you get around Kyoto without a car?
Absolutely! You really don’t need a car for a trip to Kyoto. Between the subway, JR trains, private railways, buses, taxis, and walking, you’ll have plenty of options for getting around the city.
Can you use an IC card in Kyoto?
Yes. IC cards such as ICOCA, Suica, and PASMO can be used on many of the trains, subway lines, and buses in Kyoto. If you already have a compatible IC card from another part of Japan, you generally don’t need to purchase a new one just for Kyoto.
Are buses or trains better in Kyoto?
It depends on where you’re going. We generally prefer trains or the subway when there’s a convenient route because they aren’t affected by road traffic. Buses are especially useful for reaching temples and other attractions that aren’t close to a train station, but they can take longer when traffic is heavy.
Is Google Maps useful for getting around Kyoto?
Yes! We highly recommend using Google Maps in Kyoto. It can show you train and subway routes, transfers, platform information, bus routes, and walking directions, which makes navigating all of the different transportation options much easier.
Are taxis expensive in Kyoto?
Taxis are much more expensive than taking public transportation, but they can be worth it in certain situations. They’re especially convenient if you’re traveling with luggage, with a group, or going somewhere that would require several transfers.
Is it worth renting a car in Kyoto?
For exploring central Kyoto, we don’t recommend it. Traffic and parking can make driving more of a hassle than a convenience, especially around the city’s busiest sightseeing areas. A rental car makes more sense if you’re using Kyoto as part of a larger road trip or heading into the countryside.
Is biking around Kyoto a good idea?
Yes! Biking is a fun way to get some exercise while seeing more of Kyoto in less time. It’s also a good option for joining a bike tour, where you can meet other like-minded travelers and have a local guide you to hidden spots and areas you might not find on your own.
What is the best transportation pass for Kyoto?
That depends on your itinerary. If you’re taking several buses and subway rides in one day, a day pass may save you money. If you’re only taking a few rides, using an IC card is usually much simpler. We recommend looking at your plans for the day before deciding which option makes the most sense.
Can I take public transportation to Kyoto’s major attractions?
For many of them, yes, but you won’t always be able to get directly there by train or subway. Attractions like Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama are easy to reach by train, while other temples and sightseeing areas may require a bus or a walk from the nearest station. This is why we recommend using a combination of transportation options rather than relying on just one.
Getting Around Kyoto: Final Thoughts & What’s Next
You see? Getting around Kyoto is not nearly as intimidating as you may have thought! Whether you plan on exploring the city by train, bus, bike, taxi, or even rickshaw, getting from one neighborhood to the next is much simpler once you understand how the different transportation options work.
We personally found that combining walking with public transportation is the best way to experience Kyoto. Take the train or subway when you can, use buses when you need to reach attractions that aren’t connected to rail, and give yourself plenty of time to walk around each neighborhood once you arrive.
Now that you know how to get around Kyoto, it’s time to start planning the rest of your trip! Be sure to check out our other Kyoto travel guides, including our guide to the best attractions in Kyoto, our Kyoto food guides, and our other Japan travel guides.
✅ Some Final Tips for Getting Around Kyoto
🚇 Pick up an IC card such as ICOCA, Suica, or PASMO to make using trains, subways, and buses quick and easy.
📱 Use Google Maps for train schedules, platform numbers, transfers, bus routes, and walking directions.
🚶 Plan to combine walking with public transportation rather than relying on just one or the other.
🚉 Stay near a major train station or central transportation hub if you want to make sightseeing and day trips easier.
🚌 Don’t automatically take the bus just because it’s the route Google Maps gives you. If there’s a convenient train or subway option, it can often save you time, especially during busy periods. Kyoto itself recommends combining trains and buses to avoid congestion.
🚕 Save taxis for late nights, luggage, groups, or times when public transportation would require several transfers.
🎟️ Check whether a day pass makes sense for your itinerary before buying one. The Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass is currently ¥1,100 for adults, but an IC card can be simpler if you’re only taking a few rides.
💵 Carry a little cash, especially if you’re planning to use buses or travel outside the central areas.
🚲 Consider renting a bike or joining an e-bike tour if you’d like to explore beyond the busiest tourist areas.
🛺 A rickshaw ride is a fun way to see areas like Arashiyama and Higashiyama, but think of it as a sightseeing experience rather than practical transportation.
🤫 Keep conversations quiet on public transportation and be mindful of local etiquette, especially during busy times.
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👀 What’s Next?
Now that you are familiar with getting around Kyoto, let’s help you explore more of the city, and other Japan destinations!
Here are our other Japan guides:
🗼 30 things to do in Osaka, Japan
✈️ How to get to Osaka, Japan
🚌 How to get to Nara, Japan
🏮 Nara Lantern Festival
🦌 What to do in Nara in one day
📖 Nara travel guide
📆 The best time to visit Japan
🇯🇵 The ultimate guide to planning a trip to Japan
Now you have all of the information for the best way to get around Kyoto, Japan! Have any other questions though? Feel free to drop them in the comments below!
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