Why Public Transport in Kyoto Makes Your Travel Experience Effortless – Hop Around the City Like a Local

A city packed with temples and gardens, Kyoto is Japan’s cultural capital. Those who visit this Japanese city do so to gain insights into the country’s culture and enjoy its natural beauty. While there are private transportation options, using public transport to see the city gives you the opportunity to experience it from a local perspective. Plus, travelling this way is efficient and can be done at half the cost of private transport.

The Haruka Limited Express 

Those who’ve visited Kyoto before would tell you to use the Haruka Limited Express to get to the city from Kansai Airport. The train offers an easy way to reach the city. This fast train takes you there in about 75 minutes, which means less time on the road and more time for adventure and relaxation in the city. The train is equipped with comfortable seating, and there’s a spacious luggage area as well. The Haruka Limited Express is an ideal way to get to the city after a long flight. What’s more, the train makes stops at various major landmarks, so you can get off at any point that's convenient for you.

The ICOCA & Haruka Ticket

Since you’re arriving in the city for the first time, you might not have the Japan Rail Pass yet, so you’ll need to buy the ICOCA & Haruka Ticket. This is a discounted ticket available for foreign visitors. You can purchase one at the JR ticket station. With the ticket, you also get an ICOCA card. It’s a preloaded card with 2000 yen, which you can use for buses, trains, and convenience stores. It’s a generous deal, to say the least.Something to consider: getting around would be much easier if you stayed in one of the Kyoto hotels near a train station. You have a few options, including Travelodge Kyoto Shijo Omiya.

Local Trains 

It’s obvious that the train network in Kyoto is well thought out. The train stations alone are extraordinary, with multiple floors, shopping, and dining options. With a train network like that, getting around is no challenge at all. Plus, trains run frequently, and there are hardly any delays. If it’s your first time in Kyoto, however, you might have to rely on Google Maps to get around once you’ve gotten off the train.

Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., At Kyoto 2024 314 - Woodland Kyoto QR Train, CC BY-SA 4.0

Bullet Trains 

our trip to Japan will remain incomplete until you ride the bullet train, also called the Shinkansen in Japanese. The bullet train system connects the major cities in Japan. In fact, the easiest and fastest way to get to Kyoto from Tokyo is to take the bullet train. It’s reliable and runs on time too.

Japan Rail Pass 

Getting a Japan Rail Pass makes travel incredibly cheap, especially if you’re planning on riding the bullet train. The pass comes in two types: the Ordinary Pass for reserved seats on the bullet train and the Green Pass for first-class seats. You can get a pass for varying durations, from 7 to 14 to 21 days. Needless to say, the longer the duration, the higher the price.

Subway System 

Another mode of public transportation that makes getting around effortless is the subway system. The subway has two main lines: the Karasuma Line and the Tozai Line. These lines connect major landmarks in the city, such as Kyoto Station and Nijo Castle.

Buses and Taxis 

The bus is also an effortless way to get around the city. You can reach many city highlights by bus. Besides, you can use the ICOCA card to pay for the bus ride. However, it’s understandable if you don’t want to take the bus or the train after a day of exploration, so here come the taxis. There are taxis everywhere, and payment is expected in cash. Don’t expect the driver to speak English, although they usually understand where you want to go when you mention the destination.