Public Transport

For travellers heading to Kyoto, Kansai International Airport (KIX) is generally considered the best option. It offers the most direct and convenient transportation links to Kyoto, including the JR Haruka Express train, which takes about 75 minutes to reach Kyoto Station. Kansai Airport also handles a wide range of international and domestic flights, making it a more accessible entry point for most travellers. In addition, Osaka International Airport (Itami) is closer to Kyoto and can be a good option, especially for domestic flights. However, it has fewer international connections and requires a combination of bus, monorail, and train travel to reach Kyoto, taking roughly an hour.

Though you can visit the picturesque city of Kyōto any time of the year thanks to its mild weather, the best months to enjoy it to the fullest are October to November and March, April, and May. In spring, the cherry blossoms (sakura), make the city the perfect setting for a romantic getaway, while in autumn, the 'maple hunting' (momijigari) makes it a true delight to explore. If you're travelling during Golden Week (end of April/beginning of May) be aware that the city is jam-packed with tourists and hotel rates are doubled. Summer is the rainy season in Japan; the moisture in the air makes it a soggy, sweaty visit.

Kyoto boasts a well-integrated public transport system, comprising trains, buses, and subways. The train network includes the national JR Line and several private lines such as Keihan, Hankyu, and Kintetsu, making it the fastest option for reaching areas outside the city, like Arashiyama, Uji, and Fushimi Inari-taisha. However, within central Kyoto, buses and subways are more practical for visiting major attractions like Kinkaku-ji, Gion, and Kyoto Station. The city’s extensive bus network and two subway lines, Karasuma and Tozai, offer comprehensive coverage of tourist destinations. To simplify travel, Kyoto provides various tickets and passes, including the Kyoto City Bus All-day Pass and the Kyoto Subway & Bus Pass, which are more convenient and cost-effective than purchasing individual tickets. The ICOCA card is a prepaid smart card usable across trains, buses, and subways in Kyoto and beyond, available for purchase and recharge at station vending machines. The JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line connects Kyoto with major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, with Nozomi trains reaching Tokyo in around 140 minutes and Osaka in about 15 minutes, though the Japan Rail Pass is only valid on Hikari and Kodama services, not on Nozomi trains. Cycling remains a popular way to explore Kyoto, with many rental shops located near key landmarks. The city’s flat terrain and dedicated cycling paths make it an ideal location for biking.

In Kyoto, finding a taxi is relatively easy, particularly around major tourist spots, hotels, and train stations. While ride-sharing apps like Uber do operate in the city, they are less popular compared to taxis, and their availability can be somewhat limited. Also, most taxi drivers in Kyoto have only basic English skills, so it’s advisable to have your destination written down in Japanese or show them a map to avoid misunderstandings.

Country code: +81 Area code: 75