Some of Kyoto's top attractions and temples aren’t accessible by train or subway, leaving visitors to rely on the city’s public buses. With Kyoto experiencing a record number of tourists, particularly during this peak autumn season, the buses will surely be pushed to their maximum capacity.
To help alleviate overcrowding and improve accessibility, Kyoto is testing out a new circular sightseeing bus route starting November 1. In an effort to reduce congestion at Kyoto Station, the terminus for most buses, the Okoshi Bus ‘Kyoto Central Line’ will depart from Keihan Sanjo Station instead.
The bus will operate seven trips per day, stopping at seven key locations in the city centre. So if you’re exploring central Kyoto, this is a convenient and easy way to get around without having to pass through the vast and often crowded Kyoto Station.
Here are the stops after departing Keihan Sanjo Station:
- Gion: the bus stops near Kotowa Kyoto Yasaka, offering easy access to this historic geisha district
- Shijo-Kawaramachi: the heart of Kyoto’s bustling shopping district
- Karasuma-Gojo: another stop in the main shopping area
- Shijo-Karasuma/Nishiki Market: Kyoto’s top foodie attraction, known for its fresh produce and local restaurants
- Nijo Castle: this Unesco World Heritage Site was the former residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period (1603–1868)
- Kyoto City Hall: the municipal centre of Kyoto
- Heian Shrine/Okazaki Park: Kyoto’s museum district, also home to the expansive Heian Shrine, which features a beautiful garden
The bus fare is ¥500 for adults and ¥250 for children. You can pay by cash or a transportation IC card. The bus also accepts the Kyoto City Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass and the Sky Hop Bus Kyoto 1-Day or 2-Day Pass.
The Okoshi Bus ‘Kyoto Central Line’ will run from November 1 2025 to January 31 2026.
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