Getting Around Kyoto

By no means I do not mean that you can go everywhere and see all this city only by foot. But being more of a traditional city and not such industrial center Kyoto is very nice city to see by foot. Just have you good sandals with you as we had and no problems :)

If bicycle is not a good option for you, then you need to use metro and bus combinations to reach your destination in Kyoto. Traffica Kyo Card is available from Kyoto City Transport vendors and subway & bus vending machines in either 1000 JPY or 3000 JPY denominations. A 1000 JPY card provides 1100 JPY worth of travel and a 3000 JPY card 3300 JPY on and Kyoto Subway and Kyoto City Bus route. When you make transfers from metro to bus or vice versa, you get fare reductions. Ticket prices are deducted as you pass the ticket through the station entrance gates and bus card readers. Remaining credit is printed on the back of the card.

If you use the city bus or the subway several times in Kyoto City, it is best to buy the Sightseeing Card because it is cheaper.

The Sightseeing card is 1,200 Yen (one day card) and 2,000 yen for the two-days card. You can use this card either in the bus or in the sub-way.

The Sightseeing card allows you to use the Kyoto City Bus, Kyoto Bus and Kyoto subway line as many times as you want. It is very usefully and I recommend you purchase one. You will need it to see all the sights in Kyoto.
The card cost Y1 200 for one day and Y 2 000 for two days. You can purchase the card outside the main entrance of Kyoto Train Station by the bus stop.

To avoid the hassle of trying to predetermine your fare, correct change and waiting in line, you can purchase a one day or two day unlimited tourist pass for use of Kyoto bus and Kyoto subway system. Of course, the use of bus line is limited to certain city areas only.

Worth considering if you are using both systems often and rather not worry too much trying to read the Japanese sign boards

1,200 yen (adult), 600 yen (children) - 1 day pass
2,000 yen (adult), 1,000 yen *(children) - 2 days pass

At JR Kyoto station, you can find almost everything. Hope this list is helpful.

1. Kyoto Tourist Information
- go to Level 9 of Isetan Departmental Store for information and maps.
- get a Walking Guide map here for lovely walks aound shrines and Philosopher's Walk

2.Train tickets
- make all arrangements for onward journeys as soon as you arrive and book your seats
- this is especially true for non-smoking section of train which is always full

3. Food
- Lots of cafes and restaurants around the station and in Isetan (Level 10)

Already shared a few of my insights of getting to Kyoto... so all that's left to show you in this transportation tip, is this photo was taken at the point that I arrived. When I took the photo I was a bit apprehensive as I was really missing the 'friend' that I had left in Tokyo and at this point all I wanted to do was get on the next train back.... I'm pleased that I stuck it out and remained here for at least a little bit.

Smiling ;-)

From Tokyo more than 100 super express shinkansen trains (we called the Bullet Train) leave daily, (3 to 4 hrs) for about 135 USD one way
there are buses and subway line.
taxis around the city starts from 6 USD