Navigating Kyoto

Kyoto is a compact and very accessible city. Almost any two points within the city can be reached within thirty minutes. Kyoto is served by JR (Japan Railway) trains and Shinkansen bullet trains, as well as the Kintetsu, Keihan, Hankyu, and other local trains, the city subway system, and an extensive bus network.

Kyoto welcomes many visitors each year and every effort has been made to make navigating public transport as easy as possible, especially for the non-Japanese speaker. Buses have destinations posted in both Japanese and English, as well as announcing points of interest in English. The new Raku Buses painted in distinct designs operate on the three most popular tourists routes. These buses have clear signage in English, Korean, Chinese and Japanese and feature enhanced onboard announcements in English.

Subway stations are not only numbered in order, but have signs posted in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. Stops are announced in Japanese and English on the train.

As an added luxury, meeting organisers may apply to supply their event with the Kyoto Convention Pass, which gives discounted unlimited travel on the City Subway and City Bus routes.



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