Overview
Kyoto is laid out in a grid system (streets running east–west or north–south) and this makes it (atypically for
The scenic Kamo river runs through the length of the city, and is a wonderful route for cycling. The way north being uphill will provide a good work-out for your calf muscles but you will be well rewarded, for the further you head north in Kyoto, the greener and prettier it gets. Surrounded by low-lying forested mountains, ancient
Buses and Trains
A free Kyoto City Bus Sightseeing Map in English from the bus ticket centre outside Kyoto Station is recommended. This includes all the major sightseeing routes, bus-numbers, a transfer chart and rail-lines are clearly marked out too.
Within the central city confines all single-trip bus fares are ¥220 (¥110 for children).
A Kyoto City Bus One Day Card is good value at ¥500 (¥250 for children) and can be used on all Kyoto City bus lines within the central city for one day. Be warned this does not include outlying areas such as Arashiyama.
A Kyoto Sightseeing Card is available for ¥1,200 (one day) or ¥2,000 (two days) and can be used on all Kyoto City buses, subways and the main lines of Kyoto-Bus (a private company). Again a child’s fare is half-price.
The Karasuma subway line runs north-south and will take you from Kyoto station into the city centre. Also running north-south is the Keihan line which runs between Demachiyanagi in the north-east and down alongside the Kamo river, ultimately ending in
Related articles: MK-Taxis
Kyoto Cycling Tour Project