Kyoto Access
There are three major ways to go to Kyoto. Most of the first visitors to the new places, they tend to feel some anxiety. Especially when you visit the places of different language.
Here, I show you the three major Kyoto accesses. For the details, Please check Kyoto Travel Guidebook for the First Visitors. It guides you to Kyoto smoothly with less problems!
Where is Kyoto?
Kyoto is located in western part of Japan. We call the western part as KANSAI. Other famous cities such as Osaka, Kobe, and Nara are also included in the KANSAI member. You may notice KANSAI is also used as airport name. Yes, you are right! Now you know the meaning of KANSAI. On the other hand, we call the eastern part of Japan as KANTOU. Generally speaking in Japan, KANSAI has its own culture, and the people are very friendly and have much humor. But inside KANSAI too, each city has its own culture, and the people are different.
Among them, Kyoto has its own unique culture, and the Kyoto pepole also have different features.
How you can go to Kyoto? ( Kyoto Access Comparison)
Here I show you the comparison of the three major accesses to Kyoto. Please select your preferable one.
| Speed(time) | Cost | Comfort | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (1) JR(HARUKA) | 72 to 85 min. Running Every 15 min. | JPY2,980(non-reserved)JPY3,490(reserved)JPY4.220(reserved upper class) | Better | It's rather expensive, but t is the fastest and the most comfort. |
| (2) Limousine Bus | 105min.Running Every 30 min. | JPY2,300 | Good | Compared with JR, it takes longer time. And due to traffic conditions, the time may differ. But it's less expensive. If you want to save money, it's better. |
| (3) Shuttle Taxi | About 100min. or more(Depending on your destination) | JPY3,500 | Good | Several passengers ride on the same taxi, together and the taxi brings them directly to each destination. If your HOTEL is not near the Kyoto station, it might be better and save money. But you need to reserve by phone or the internet beforehand. |
JR(Japan Rail Way), HARUKA - Kyoto Aceess(1)
This is the most popular way to Kyoto. Most of foreigners use this. HARUKA is a limited express bound for Kyoto. Once you ride on it, HARUKA brings you to Kyoto!
-Go to the second floor, and go across a bridge to the JR station.
-You can see the JR station entrance with BLUE indication.< There is another company rail way station, NANKAI with red indication. >
-Check the train schedule.
-Buy a ticket using a ticket vending machine.
-Ride on HARUKA.
Haruka Schedule
Click Here to Download Haruka Schedule
Limousine Bus - Kyoto Aceess(2)
This is the second popular way to Kyoto. It takes time but it's less expensive than HARUKA.
-Go outside the airport building, and you can see bus stations. Then go to No 8 Station. This is the bus station bound for Kyoto.
-Near No 8 station, there are ticket vending machines and time schedule board. Check the bus schedule and buy a ticlet using a ticket vending machine.
-Check your baggage to the staff, and ride on the bus.
Airport Limousine Bus Schedule
Click Here to Download Airport Limousine Bus Schedule
Shuttle Taxi - Kyoto Aceess(3)
If your destination is not near Kyoto station or your hotel doesn't have a pick up service at Kyoto station, it's might be better to use this.
There are two companies for shuttle services. The services of the companies are the same basically. Please check each web site and select your preferable one. Please remind that you need to reserve at least 2 days before your arrival
-Rserve through the website beforehand.
-Go to the taxi counter near the south arrival gate.
After Arriving at the Kyoto Station
Once you arrive at the Kyoto station, maybe you go to your hotel or RYOKAN first to check in.
Arrive at the Kyoto station by HARUKA
HARUKA arrives at Track No. 30. If you use a taxi, it's better to go out from the Central Gate. You just go straight and can find the gate soon. If you use a shuttle bus of your hotel, you go up to the 2nd floor, and go out from the West Gate. Then turn to the left, and go straight. You will find the HACHIJYO West Gate. Then go to your hotel's bus stop. Please check the map below.
Arrive at the Kyoto station by Limousine bus
The bus arrives at the Hachijyo Gate side. On that side, there are several taxi stations, and shuttle bus stations of each hotel. You can find them easily! Please check the map below.
List of Hotels with shuttle Bus Service at the Kyoto Station
- RIHGA ROYAL HOTEL(Green Bus) (7:30 - 21:00 8services/ hour)
- ANA HOTEL KYOTO (8:00 - 19:45 every 15minutes)
- THE WESTIN MIYAKO KYOTO (9:00 - 18:30 every 30 minutes)
- HOLIDY INN KYOTO (8:35 - 20:40 every hour)
Kyoto Station Map
JR Kyoto Station
Kyoto station is the entrance for visitors. JR, subway, KINTETSU lines are available and it has a big bus terminal in front. It was renewed in 1997, and is the 4th generation station.
Not like before, the building consists of a hotel, a department store, and shopping malls. The new building is very modern in design, so you might be surprised upon arriving Kyoto!
It has long and long stairs! Please try to go up, then, you can see the nice view from the top.
