Are you planning a trip from Tokyo to Kyoto or wondering how to best navigate the former imperial city? Unsure how to efficiently connect a visit to Kyoto Tower with other landmarks? Kyoto Station is the starting point for discovering all the city’s secrets and its surroundings. Learn more about it and other transportation and navigation tips in our guide, which will help you plan routes between temples and gardens to make the most of your visit to Kyoto.
Kyoto boasts one of the most well-developed public transportation systems in Japan. The city is served by two metro lines, six railway routes, and an extensive bus network, all operating with typical Japanese precision and reliability.
Public Transportation in Kyoto: From Subway to Buses
Kyoto Station serves as the city’s main transportation hub and an architectural icon of modern Japan. From here, you can travel on two subway lines: the north-south Karasuma Line and the east-west Tozai Line, which cover most of the city’s popular tourist destinations. The subway is the fastest way to reach must-visit places in Kyoto, such as the Gion district or Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
City buses complement the subway system and can take you to places not accessible by subway. The advantage is that almost all stops are announced in English. For a full day of travel, it’s worth purchasing a day pass for 600 yen, valid on most bus lines and the subway.
How to Navigate Different Parts of the City
Kyoto’s city center has a clear grid structure, which makes navigation significantly easier. The main streets, Karasuma and Shijo, divide the city into four sections. Kyoto Tower serves as an excellent landmark—it can be seen from most places in the center, and its surroundings offer a variety of restaurants and shops.
To visit the temples in the eastern part of the city (Higashiyama), we recommend a combination of subway and walking. Higashiyama Station on the Tozai Line will take you to the heart of this historic district. From there, you can continue on foot through picturesque alleys, where you’ll find traditional shops, tea houses, and craft workshops.
When traveling to the western part of the city, such as Kinkaku-ji Temple (a must-visit in Kyoto), use bus lines 101 or 205. These routes are specifically designed for tourists and stop at the most significant attractions in the area.
Practical Tips for Efficient Travel
If you plan a trip from Tokyo to Kyoto, travel by the high-speed Shinkansen train, which can take you between the cities in just 2 hours and 15 minutes. Once you arrive, use the connecting transportation from Kyoto Station—here, you can purchase a multi-day pass that covers all types of city transport. During the tourist season (especially during cherry blossom season), it’s advisable to travel early in the morning or in the evening when the streets are less crowded.
For efficient route planning, download the official Kyoto transportation map app—Arukumachi KYOTO Route Planner. It works offline and displays current train and bus departures. Among the must-see places in Kyoto, walking is often the best way to get around—the city is relatively flat, and the distances in the center are not large. Plus, you’ll discover a number of hidden temples and traditional shops that you would miss if you were only looking out of a bus window.
Useful Transportation Packages and Routes
The Kyoto Sightseeing Pass offers unlimited travel for 1 to 2 days. For 900 yen (one day) or 1,700 yen (two days), you gain access to all buses and the subway. You can purchase the pass directly at Kyoto Station or tourist information centers. When planning your visit to Kyoto Tower and the surrounding attractions, opt for the one-day option—you can cover most places in the city center on foot.
The Bus & Subway Pass is also a great deal, combining a city transportation ticket with entrance fees to selected temples. It includes a popular route from Kinkaku-ji Temple through Nijo Castle to must-visit places in Kyoto’s Gion district. Consider this option, especially during the off-season when public transport is less crowded, allowing you to fully take advantage of the flexibility of unlimited tickets.
Thanks to the well-thought-out public transportation system, you won’t get lost in Kyoto, whether you’re heading to the city center, the temples, or the Kyoto Crystal Lake. Don’t hesitate to ask locals for help—they are very friendly towards tourists. And most importantly—don’t rush; traveling itself is an interesting experience in Japan.