The best way to get around in Kyoto is by public transportation. Kyoto has a lot of options to get around by train or bus including discounted tickets for a specified duration. Alternatively, you can get to many sights on foot. 

The following passes are available to get around in Kyoto:

• Sky Hop Bus 1-Day Pass

  • Coverage: most touristic attractions in Kyoto City

  • Duration: 1 day

  • Price: 3600 Yen

  • Where to buy: Kyoto Station

• Sky Hop Bus 2-Day Pass

  • Coverage: most touristic attractions in Kyoto City

  • Duration: 2 day

  • Price: 6100 Yen

  • Where to buy: Kyoto Station

• Kyoto Sightseeing Card 1-Day Pass

  • Coverage: all subway lines in Kyoto City

  • Duration: 1 day

  • Price: 900 Yen

  • Where to buy: subway stations in Kyoto City

• Kyoto Sightseeing Card 2-Day Pass

  • Coverage:

    • all subway lines in Kyoto City

    • also covers subway stations in Takao and Ohara

  • Duration: 2 days

  • Price: 1700 Yen

  • Where to buy: subway stations in Kyoto City

• Kyoto One Day Bus Card

  • Coverage: all Kyoto City Buses and Kyoto Buses in Kyoto City

  • Duration: 1 day

  • Price: 600 Yen

  • Where to buy: bus and subway ticket counters in Kyoto City

• Kyoto Subway One Day Card

  • Coverage: all subway lines within Tokyo City

  • Duration: 1 day

  • Price: 600 Yen

  • Where to buy: subway station within Kyoto City

Public transportation:

To get from Tokyo to Kyoto by public transportation, travelers have the following options:

• Bullet Train (Shinkansen):

  1. From Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido Shinkansen (Nozomi, Hikari, or Kodama) towards Shin-Osaka.

  2. Get off at Kyoto Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes for Nozomi, 2 hours and 40 minutes for Hikari, and around 3 hours and 50 minutes for Kodama.

• Regular Train:

  1. From Tokyo Station, take the JR Tokaido Main Line (Rapid) towards Atami.

  2. At Atami Station, transfer to the JR Tokaido Main Line (Special Rapid) towards Maibara.

  3. Get off at Kyoto Station. The journey takes approximately 8-9 hours in total and requires multiple transfers along the way.

The bullet train is the fastest and most convenient option to reach Kyoto from Tokyo. However, the regular train is also available for those who prefer a slower and more budget-friendly option.

Valid rail passes:

• Japan Rail Pass

• Hokuriku Arch Pass

• JR Kansai Area Pass

• JR Kansai Wide Area Pass

• JR Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass

• JR Sanyo San'in Area Pass

• JR Setouchi Area Pass

• Japan Bus Pass

Nearest airport:
The nearest and most convenient airport is Kansai international airport. 

• by car: approximately 2 hours

• by public transport: approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes

Car rentals:

We recommend staying here between four and five days.
 

The nearest and most convenient airport is Kansai international airport. 

• by car: approximately 2 hours

• by public transport: approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes

Cherry blossoms:

The best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan is usually between late March and early April. Although the blooming period can vary slightly from year to year. 

Hiking:

The hiking season in this area typically runs from Spring until Autumn.

Scenic rides:

• Hozugawa River Tour: click here to go to the official website

There are several festivals here throughout the year. Please be advised that the following list is based upon previous entries of those festivals and that the dates might have changed slightly in the following year. It is also possible that the entire festival is cancelled in the case of heavy rainfall or a natural disaster. Please check with the official organisers' website for the most up-to-date information. 
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For the exact location of any of the festivals listed here, you can consult our map above by clicking on the icon in the upper most corner of the map to open the map legend. Festivals are hidden by default but can be made visible by clicking on the "Festivals" checkbox in the map legend.

• Gion Festival

  • Date: July 1st until July 31st

• Honganji Temple Summer Bon Odori

  • Date: July 31st until August 3rd

  • Time: 18:00 - 20:40
     

• Kyoto Gozan no Okuribi Festival

  • Date: August 16th

  • Time: 20:00 - ???
     

• Yase-Hieizan Craft Beer Festival

  • Date: August 24th

  • Time: 12:00 - 18:00
     

• Eiden Festival

  • Date: October 26th

  • Time: 10:00 - 15:30

We recommend the following options for staying connected in Japan:

• Sakura Mobile Travel Sim (data only)
• Sakura Mobile Travel Sim (data + voice)
• Sakura Mobile Unlimited Wifi / Pocket Wifi