【20 things】to know and be careful about when traveling to Kyoto, Japan for sightseeing.

What are the recommended sightseeing spots in Kyoto?

Recommended spots include Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, and Kinkaku-ji Temple.

What is the recommended sightseeing map for Kyoto?

Please refer to the official Kyoto tourism website: Kyoto Tourism Navi.

Is taking a bus recommended for sightseeing in Kyoto?

While the one-day pass is affordable and convenient, be cautious of the heavy crowds.

Ten things to know and be careful about when traveling to Kyoto, Japan for sightseeing.

1: The Kyoto City buses where the one-day pass can be used are always very crowded.

This is a live video from the bus stop at Kyoto Station, heading towards Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

This is the busiest bus stop for traveling from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu Temple. It’s a 15-minute distance to Gojozaka/Kiyomizu-michi bus stop, but you may wait for over 30 minutes before boarding.

• We have to wait in a long queue for the bus.

• The bus I boarded is very crowded.

Taxis in Japan are safe, reliable, and affordable. We recommend using taxi apps for a comfortable experience.

2:The one-day pass in Kyoto allows unlimited rides on both the subway and buses. Try to make the most of the subway whenever possible.

You can access most tourist spots within Kyoto city by bus, but it takes time and buses are often crowded. For faster and more comfortable transportation to major destinations, consider using the subway.

3:The buses you can ride with a one-day pass are only the green Kyoto City buses. Red, blue, and maroon-colored buses are not eligible.

Basically, you can only use buses of this color.　↓

You cannot use these colored buses. （Some are available for use.）　↓

4:Buses heading to Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji have both clockwise and counterclockwise routes, so be careful not to board in the opposite direction

The bus stop for Route 206 bound for Kiyomizu-dera is “D2”

The bus stop for Route 206 in the opposite direction is “A3”. It takes approximately 100 minutes.

The bus stop for Route 205, the shortest route from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji Temple, is designated as “B3”

If you take Route 205 from bus stop “A2” and go clockwise, it will take about 60 minutes.

5:Kyoto City bus drivers do not speak English

I don’t understand English.

If you need to ask the driver something, I recommend using the translation feature on your smartphone.

6:If you haven’t properly touched your transportation IC card at the train station, it cannot be used on the bus. You need to return to the train station to have it released.

Make sure to carefully check and properly touch the card when passing through the station’s ticket gates, as the card will remain unusable until you return to the train station and release it.

7:Credit cards cannot be used for payment on Kyoto City buses. Only cash, IC cards, and one-day passes are accepted.

Before boarding the bus, let’s prepare cash, an IC card, or a one-day pass.

8:When paying cash on Kyoto City buses, please prepare exact change or 1000 yen bills. Payment cannot be made with 10,000 yen bills

Only 1,000 yen bills can be used.

Not usable: 10,000 yen bills, 5,000 yen bills.

9:When using a transportation IC card on the bus, make sure to charge it at stations or convenience stores beforehand, or you may not be able to use it due to insufficient balance.

You can charge with a 1000 yen bill on the bus. Please communicate with the driver using simple words or gestures.

10:The fare for Kyoto City buses is a flat rate and is paid upon exiting the bus. There is no need for card touch or payment when boarding.

For buses other than Kyoto City buses, you may need to take a numbered ticket or touch your IC card in advance, so be sure not to make a mistake.

11:2024 Latest Edition! Enjoy Kyoto Travel Economically! Recommended One-Day Pass Information

What is the recommended affordable one-day pass for Kyoto sightseeing in 2024?

It would be the ‘Subway and Bus One-Day Pass (1,100 yen).

Where can I purchase a one-day bus pass for sightseeing in Kyoto?

You can purchase it at Kyoto Station Information Center, on city buses, at subway stations, and convenience stores.

While it’s a cost-effective one-day pass,

relying too much on buses can lead to congestion and time loss, so caution is necessary

12:With JR Shinkansen tickets, you cannot use Kyoto City buses. Only the blue JR buses are available for use

To travel from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji Temple on the 205 city bus route, an additional fee is required.

If you take the blue JR bus from Kyoto Station to the Waratenjin-mae bus stop,

it’s about a 10-minute walk from there to Kinkaku-ji Temple.

Reference route map↓

13:Let’s use affordable and comfortable private taxis for sightseeing in Kyoto.

If you want to spend a comfortable day exploring Kyoto, we recommend hiring a private sightseeing taxi.

Since there are few Japanese drivers fluent in foreign languages,

the recommended sightseeing taxi company is ‘MK Sightseeing Taxi‘ without a doubt!

Prices range from around ¥38,350 for 6 hours to ¥56,050 for 9 hours.

14:”Visit by train without using buses” Kyoto sightseeing trip

Sightseeing within Kyoto city can be largely covered by Kyoto city buses,

but

major tourist spots in Kyoto are easily accessible by train and walking alone.

1st in importance：Keihan train

Keihan train

2nd place in importance：JR train

JR train

3rd place in importance：Subway

Subway

15:If you’re looking for a recommended double-decker bus for sightseeing in Kyoto, the Sky Hop Bus is your best choice.

Kyoto city buses are inexpensive, but they are often confusing and crowded due to frequent use by the general public, resulting in long wait times and standing room only inside the vehicle.

Using the tourist route bus “Sky Hop Bus” addresses these issues as it connects only major tourist destinations, making it easy to understand, quicker in terms of time, and allowing passengers to sit comfortably while enjoying the scenery during travel.

It may cost a bit more, but it will surely provide a comfortable means of transportation.

Points to note when using the Sky Hop Bus

• The frequency of operation is lower than that of Kyoto city buses, so if you miss one, the next bus will be approximately 25 minutes later.

• If the number of passengers exceeds the seating capacity, you may have to wait for the next bus.

• Sky Bus tickets are only valid for the day of purchase and do not remain valid for 24 hours from the time of purchase.

Tourist spots accessible by Sky Hop Bus

• Kyoto Station (Departure/Arrival)
• Nishi Hongan-ji Temple
• Shijo-Karasuma ・Nishiki Market
• Nijo Castle
• Kitano Tenmangu Shrine ・Kamishichiken
• Kinkaku-ji Temple
• Daitoku-ji Temple
• Kyoto Imperial Palace
• Ginkaku-ji Temple
• Heian Shrine ・Okazaki Park
• Gion
• Gojo-zaka ・Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• Sanjusangen-do Temple ・National Museum
• Kyoto Station (Departure/Arrival)

Sky Hop Bus

16:”Kyoto Sightseeing Model Course: 1 Night 2 Days – A Travel Plan to Enjoy Gourmet Experiences!”

17:”Kyoto Sightseeing Model Course: 3 Days 2 Nights – A Travel Plan to Enjoy Gourmet Experiences!”

18:”Kyoto Sightseeing Model Course: 4 Days 3 Nights – A Travel Plan to Enjoy Gourmet Experiences!”

Arrangements are flexible. Customize your favorite spots! Following this model course is the most efficient direction

19:If you’re staying at a hotel in Kyoto, I recommend either the area around Kyoto Station or Shijo Karasuma

In Kyoto, the choices for accommodation can be broadly divided into two categories.

If you’re seeking luxurious dining options and upscale rooms, hotels around Kyoto Station are recommended.

The downside is that the Kyoto ambiance might not be as prominent in the vicinity of Kyoto Station.

If you wish to experience dining, alcohol, shopping, and the traditional Kyoto atmosphere until late at night, hotels around Shijo Kawaramachi are recommended.

The downside here is that the hotel restaurants may not be as diverse, and the hotels might be smaller in scale.

However,

these two locations are only about 3 minutes apart by subway, or approximately a 1000 yen taxi ride away.

20:【Kyoto sightseeing recommendations 2024】 This is perfect! Introducing the top 10 must-sees for travelers

【Summary】20 Things to Be Mindful of When Touring Kyoto.

Visiting a foreign country is an enjoyable experience, but without being aware of its cultural nuances, one might end up regretting it.

Japan is an affordable and friendly country, but it’s important to be mindful of the above 20 points.

Wishing you a wonderful journey of exploring Japan.