Kyoto's Public Transport Options for First-Time Travelers

[@greentea27]

Non-essential but additional information for those going to Kyoto: 1) Underground train does NOT equal subway in Japan. Make sure the station says "Subway" (地下鉄) to use the Subway & Bus One Day Pass. In Kyoto, there are the Hankyu & Keihan Railways (privately owned and separate from Kyoto subway) which operates trains in underground sections. (You can always use the IC-card or buy tickets to ride them) 2) For those traveling from Tokyo, Suica or Pasmo cards can be also used like Icoca. In fact, IC-cards of Kyushu, Osaka & Kyoto (Kansai), Nagoya, Tokyo, and Sapporo are inter-compatible (Kitaka, Icoca, Pitapa, Toica, Manaca, Suica, Pasmo, Nimoca, Sugoka, Hayakaken). 3) IC-cards can only be charged using cash in most cases, so make sure to always carry cash. 4) Trams in Kyoto are private companies, and are not covered by Subway & Bus One Day Pass. 5) Many varieties of tickets & passes are offered by different companies. So if you are a more experienced traveller to Kyoto, it may be useful to search for value tickets (free pass) depending on your destinations (and the transportation company that covers that area). *Commuter pass in Japan refers to 定期券, used for commute to job or school. These One-Day pass and such are often referred to as "Free pass" or "Free ticket" (フリーパス・フリーきっぷ), as you are free to ride within the set section, or as value tickets. *Kyoto is experiencing over-tourism and overcrowding especially on buses. Please use the subway and other mass-transit (mostly rail) options for sections of travel if available.

[@Will_Zhao]

That's great great addition to this topic! Especially the first point. Not a lot of people will tell you about this, but it got me so very confused when I arrived in Osaka, everything was 'xxx line' and there's no easy way to tell them apart, e.g. the Osaka Loop Line is, in fact, JR! I was going to talk a little bit about it in a coming video but you beat me to it 😆

[@Will_Zhao]

And I grew up in an era where Japan was allegedly all about 'densha'. I ended up didn't find any during my trip, but was instead greeted by every other train disguised as underground.

[@MihaiMarinescuJr]

Just one question: how do I know if I can use only IC, if I can use IC and a ticket or if I need to buy a ticket (I do not use IC at all)?

[@Will_Zhao]

​@@MihaiMarinescuJr you don't 😂 it'll take research beforehand to know

[@MihaiMarinescuJr]

​@@Will_Zhao😂😂😂 Nice!!!!!

[@pumpkinhill4570]

Also if you’re coming from Tokyo and have a Suica or Pasmo card already, you can just keep using that card. It should work and be rechargeable everywhere an Icoca card is. All the major cards across the entire country are interoperable.

[@linkndark]

Thank you, I was missing that information from the video. Let me add another hint to IC cards: Owners of Apple iPhones can simply use the integrated IC card functionality (part of Apple Wallet app) and charge via credit card. So there is no need to buy a physical IC card. However, not all digital IC cards are compatible with every credit card. For example, I was only able to charge SUICA with my Master Card while my girlfriend was only able to charge ICOCA with her VISA (and not SUICA). Strangely a few days into our trip she no longer could charge the ICOCA with VISA, however, luckily at the same time SUICA was suddenly compatible with VISA. So don't panic if you encounter the same issue and just try another IC card.

[@Trackers89]

Another tip to add to yours: If you're not near a rail or subway station, you can charge any IC card using 7/11 or Seven-Bank ATMs, though keep in mind they only accept banknotes, not coins. And I've read that you can also charge them at the cashier in any major convenience store by requesting an "IC Charge", though I haven't tested that out yet.

[@mansijbiswas8768]

this is very helpful.

[@hex5452]

Is suica not available in Osaka?

[@damga123]

​@@hex5452Osaka and kyoto use the icoca card, which is practically the same as suica as all the other Pre paid ic cards as they are all interchangeable.

[@UzumakiHarutoJP]

This video is incredible... I don't think I've ever come across a video about Japan with as much in-detail, obscure hard to find information like this one before... I'm eternally grateful that you did all this research, and while I won't be going to Kyoto, from watching this video I still feel more prepared in general when going to Japan for the first time, as I've never ridden on public transport before at all (except school buses), so thank you! It definitely takes away some of the unknown factors and what-ifs

[@washaa]

Renting a bike was my favourite way to see Kyoto back in 2017

[@kumbaga]

gosh you edited the heck out of this like a powerpoint for us kids like a teacher would do. the kanji info is so helpful and the green bus

[@packtheluggage-juan]

Dude you literally made the ultimate transport guide. Incredible editing, information, and jokes. Keep doing this type of content 10/10

[@DaanPreijde]

Best tip I can give anyone is to rent a bicycle in Kyoto. (Yes, I'm Dutch) 1) You are not limited by public transport routes and timetables. 2) It will only cost you about 1000 yen a day. 3) You're able to see parts of the city you wouldn't see by public transport. 4) Cycling is fun and a great exercise!

[@mrmunzir9977]

Therr is another problem Find bicycle parking and how much to pay? Method of payment? Another research

[@mysoulinletters6572]

I used Google Maps and no need to be confused by the maps in the station. A day pass is a savior.

[@Will_Zhao]

Yes exactly, I also commented in the video that there is really no reason to use that map, Google Maps is so much more convenient and user-friendly.

[@richardc4584]

I agree, transportation is much simpler, just use google map, it will tell you what train or bus to take with the time and price, very simple. I never look at the subway map.

[@mmcc1936]

So much great info I had to take a break halfway, and then I slowed it down to 75% speed. Not kidding. I was looking at the official Kyoto pass site, and my brain was gonna explode, so your tip about: "Don't worry! Get on the bus! Use ICOCA if necessary!" is invaluable.

[@felisenpai9625]

This VIDEO IS A MASTERPIECE on all of youtube

[@jasminey141]

Can I just say this is the most useful, real-life practical and concise video of travel in Kyoto I've come across? Hats off to you, and very much appreciated by jaded viewers tired of trawling through sensationalist videos. Given that the situation has changed so drastically, would be great if you one day manage to update the video. Big thanks though!

[@Will_Zhao]

Thank you. Apart from the one day pass getting a few new designs, not a whole lot to update really. There are supposedly a few new tourist buses last time I was there but I don't think they are going to drastically change how you navigate the city. Everything in this video still works.

[@adarkstarz]

@@Will_Zhao Great video except now half of it is obsolete

[@Will_Zhao]

@@adarkstarz no?

[@culturevultureonline4742]

Travel anxiety gone - check! Thank you for the video🙏🏻

[@i_vanni]

Best video on internet about travel in Japan

[@alishahrose2076]

This is the most informative travel information video I've ever seen. Thank you very much for the detailed guide. Loved the humor too!

[@Cnism248]

I rarely like videos but can't help but give it to you. Super spot-on guide with well-thought structure. I can only imagine how much time you spent on organizing the info and all the awkward moments. Love the voice and the humor as well. Look forward to your next videos, crossing my fingers that there would be one on Osaka.

[@stuartstripling3495]

Spot on x

[@Lonaticus]

ICOCA + JR West Pass was the combo I used. Former for inner Kyoto travel, latter for edge of city stuff like Arashiyama or Fushimi Inari and to other cities in the Kansai area. P.S. You can also just rent a bicycle. Kyoto is much friendlier to cyclists than Osaka or Tokyo.

[@mrmunzir9977]

Got proper bicycle parking? Parking fee? Payment method?

[@JastineJoyMartin]

I usually have more questions in mind as I watch guides, but this answered some of the questions that I haven't initially thought of. Moreover, love the humor interlaced in it too. Thank you!

[@LoveMadison]

This video just saved me so much time and confusion trying to figure out what transport pass to book. I literally just booked a week long trip to Osaka (3 days) and Kyoto (4 days) yesterday. I was in Kyoto for a 36 hours last year and loved it but just booked a two day jr west kansai pass but they don't have any 7 day options so I've been hesitating on what to book for my trip this week. You are a lifesaver, thank you for your service kind sir.

[@sylviaandgreg]

Thank you! I am headed to Kyoto soon and had no idea how confusing it could be had I not seen this video!

[@mata3828]

Will Zhao, your KZbin videos stand out amongst the many so-called information videos. Your videos are entertaining, informative, accurate and concise. You are a life saver making our own travels so much easier without the hassle of searching the Net for info. A big thank you.

[@Will_Zhao]

Thank you!

[@ohlookitsalex]

I don't know if you get enough appreciation for your video edits, but they make this video all the more amazing. thank you for being so thorough & having a great taste in memes

[@Will_Zhao]

Thank you for the kind words！ I never thought I'd get such acknowledgement for my choice for meme but I was really happy that you guys liked it!

[@paulapopsickle7695]

The most informative video I've seen about how to get around Kyoto. You are amazing! Thank you for making this video!!! 🙏

[@brendon408]

I may have missed it in your video but for those who dont know Ioca cards can also be topped up at any 7 eleven using the payment machine at the front counters . You may be able to use a card to pay on those machines . I was in Kyoto for a couple of days over new years and used buses and subway and this video would have been very handy if I had seen it in advance . Thanks for the effort in producing it. I am currently an expat in Hiroshima so I am sure your advice will come in handy on future trips.

[@mrmunzir9977]

Can i use wise card for the topup?

[@brendon408]

@mrmunzir9977 I am not familiar with Wise card . Master Cards and Visa cards usually work fine. Anything else I would be checking with 7 ELEVEN japan website or any of the other Major Kobini stores.

[@amy_1082]

Most helpful and fun video I've seen in the many months of planning for our trip! Thank you SO much for your efforts!

[@bonnietse378]

You've done it again! Another well thought out, easy to understand video. I'm in osaka now. Your videos are so spot on for lost travelers like me!! Thank you. And your videos are also very humorous.

[@Will_Zhao]

Thank you for the kind words! Enjoy your trip!

[@sydneycomstock5447]

Thank you for the detailed information! The visual aids of what it looks like and the step by step process of boarding and scanning/showing pass to the bus driver was really helpful.

[@laurentiusyudit2258]

I really love how you explain the information, it will be very helpfull to me when visiting the Kyoto

[@SallyCotton-s8w]

Came back to drop you a thank you message. You have been so kind to share this complicated information. You made our trip so much easier ❤

[@johnnytestchannel8731]

Thank you for the in depth review! Love a good deal all the time! Will use suica or passmo with the one day pass as we are landing in Tokyo first.

[@vanessale2422]

Thank you so much for this video. I’ve been doing hours of research on how to navigate transportation for Kyoto but there’s always those gaps of where to buy it, how to use it, and which buses it’s applicable for. Definitely saving this video in my itinerary and sharing it with anyone that will go to Kyoto from now on!

[@picori8355]

❤❤❤THANK YOU! ❤❤❤I was seriously questioning my IQ trying to solve the transportation arrangement in kyoto which is overwhelming.... and you are my light!

[@frozensnake1]

I'm one minute into your video and I already liked and subbed. The quality of this video is amazing lol. I'll remember I was here before you hit 1 million subs. 🥂🥳 I'm going to Japan again soon and you really hit the confusion on point, luckily I made Japanese friends before going my first time. It helped a lot! Especially ordering all the delicious food Japan has. 🤤

[@jon9134]

Love this style of video! Thank you for such an informative and entertaining guide to navigating Kyoto. Humor was f'n on point 😎

[@alma574]

You are amazing! I am looking for cost effective ways to travel around Japan and around the cities. Other videos skim over these things and aren't really helpful sometimes leaving you with more questions. You nailed it.

[@butcherbird1381]

Wait, this video is so good! I need a video like this for every foreign metro system. 🙏

[@jambob169]

This feels like it should be looped on interdimensional cable. Great stuff, very useful!

[@ZxSpectrumplus]

Just to share. Was there in April-May. For short distance in Kyoto (if I remember correctly, under 2km), taxi fares are reasonable. Won't be much more than bus. Just take can to nearest subway station etc or direct to location if they are nearby. Worth it for 2 people. If you have 3 or more people in the group, no brainer, just take a cab for short distance.

[@mrmunzir9977]

What app to use for taxi?

[@Lola-de3wo]

I like your videos. Very informative. I was confused when I went to Kyoto, so next time I will buy the one day pass.

[@sunnydaylia]

This is such a great guide! Thank you so much for this! 😊

[@deadmanraging8864]

I got the platypus icoca card during my first trip to Japan and held onto and used it for return trips ever since

[@Will_Zhao]

Yup, it's wise to hold onto these as you never know when the chip shortage is gonna hit ICOCA.

[@ernieu4866]

Very informative, this is what I am looking for my trip in late October... Please provide more videos for the rest of the Japan. Thank you

[@eri7367]

for someone who loves Japan and memes, this video is just ✨chef's kiss!✨ very informative and so fun to watch 🤭👏🏻 thanks!

[@futurecanadian]

since I will be in Kyoto just for one day (coming from Osaka), the one day bus/subway pass is a godsend (plus I love using local mass transport). I wish they had an IC type version to tap on/tap off like my Oyster card

[@sukritisethi7593]

Your videos are incredible. Love the simple explanations. Thank you so much! You've made Osaka and Kyoto so easy to navigate for me. Please help with the mighty Tokyo as well 😂 Great great stuff! Thanks a lot

[@mikexbox1]

I've only finished the intro and i'm already laughing haha liked and subbed :)

[@twoshadesofochre]

This is so incredibly helpful! Thank you so much 😭🎉 I’ve been to Tokyo and Yokohama but not Kyoto and I’m currently researching before my trip next year. I’m going for an icoca card. I used the suica in Tokyo and found it made my life so easy.

[@iaoshua]

they are the same card. you can bring a suica from tokyo and it will work. there are many different ic cards

[@twoshadesofochre]

@@iaoshua thanks!

[@UzumakiHarutoJP]

It might still be beneficial to have a second one, and you could sell your SUICA for profit cause of the shortage 🤣

[@chendu7918]

this youtube channel is a treasure

[@catherinewong157]

Thank you!Thank you! Thank you! I’m starting to understand. You are so clear and precise. Making my husband watch this

[@rockygraziano5507]

I returned from Japan three days ago and the transport system is amazing and not that difficult to understand.

[@Will_Zhao]

I know right.

[@ДарьяКочнева-и3б]

Your videos made me feel more confident about traveling in Japan

[@ArrenHidalgo]

This video is top-notch! Thank you! Now, I'm confident to roam around Kyoto on my visit next time.

[@fufu5068]

Perfection. This video describes exactly what I did when in Kyoto the first time in 2019. Glad nothing much has changed. Gonna go there again next month.

[@titaniumpancakes]

This is EXACTLY the kind of information I've been looking for {and all of the awkward scenarios I've had nightmares about haha.} Thank you so much!

[@zzz-lz6is]

one of the most useful videos I've seen ...we appreciate your hard work ! thanks :)

[@KristianDolghier]

One additional option is renting a bike. When I was in Kyoto, I got an electric bike rental and went all over. Some places were tough for finding a parking spot, but I liked it more than public transport

[@tm4s426]

Which place did you go to rent your e bikes ? Thsnks

[@KristianDolghier]

@@tm4s426 search this: Bicycle Rental "KYO no RAKU-CHARI"

[@AnywhereButHome_PinoyAko]

Thumbs up for this very well explained/presented transportation guide of Kyoto.

[@tokemon2]

Very helpful and cristal-clear explained, thank you so much for the effort sir👌🏻. I wish there was something like this for Osaka

[@CC-kl4nh]

Brilliantly simple. Simply brilliant.

[@sahil0106]

This has been the most useful video I have seen on Japan! Thank you for the service good sir!

[@graceyyun2745]

Thank you for the information! I’ll definitely be using the unlimited daily pass

[@gildamabini3381]

Very detailed and entertaining. Thank you for sharing!

[@ARCHVIZ_DIGITAL]

Thank you so much for the baby steps explanation.. everyone explains it soo fast like it is simple, and maybe it is but some people like me, needs to be explained this level of detalied to understand it. Thanks!

[@ParisaParis1]

Your video just saves my sanity! Thank you!!! ❤

[@ductritran8637]

I bought Suica and ICOCA but these two card mostly for Tokyo and Kyoto and some city in japan but not all . Bus drivers do not speak English so prepare and know your stop / destination before you go out , ask staff in some information centre in station that also help .

[@SumitMangela]

you got yourself a new subscriber, keep making such informative and fun videos

[@ThzZoltek]

This video was incredibly informative and entertaining !! Amazing

[@hartr33]

great information! looking forward to using your tips on our first trip in november.

[@JesperCheetah]

This video is extremely useful. Thank you! One suggestion: Put the relevant kanji in the description. Makes it easy to copy-paste into notes for later reference.

[@Will_Zhao]

Thank you, I might do just that in the future!

[@J3nLai]

I just bought the Kansai thru pass, planning to fully utilize it 🤗

[@guitar.travel]

so detailed and very informative guide for Kyoto public transportation's what and how.. also easy to understand. thanks

[@seandavie3672]

Great video. Perhaps you should have mentioned that IC cards from other cities will work as well. Suica, Pasmo etc.

[@eunicecheow]

Thank you. Am coming to Tokyo next month and Kyoto is in my itinerary 😊😊

[@thejkatt]

Wow this video is great! Of course I cane across it AFTER i just got back from Kyoto lol. Thank you so much for your time and research! I'll definitely apply this on my next trip there 😊

[@leilanadunn975]

This video is super informative and sooo easy to understand - thank you!

[@Bagellatte]

😂 i’m going to save your video for my next Kyōto trip! 🎉tq for sharing!!! i followed your directions for the Sagano rail and my journey was as smooth as silk.. 😊

[@Will_Zhao]

It makes me so happy hearing that, thank YOU for your feedback!

[@LuciferMorningstar____]

the video I needed. Thank you for the work put into this!

[@ce2513]

thank you. wish i had this when i went to kyoto earlier this year!

[@julie-sophietremblay5774]

AMAZINGLY TRUE 😂 !!! Awesome job !!!

[@YoHo-dp8ps]

This is indeed helpful and explained so well… thank you for this!

[@karikasumi888]

Such great information. Thank you so much for the funny and informative video. I am traveling and am anxious person so this is so useful. 🌻🌌

[@ShadowNerd92]

Im so glad someone in my group found this video because it made me understand Kyoto a little more. Kinda sad i wont be able to use the 1 day pass tips since it'll be canceled by the time we get there

[@Will_Zhao]

The [1 day bus pass] is getting cancelled, the [1 day bus & subway pass] is going to stay. So you should still be able to get the pass.

[@ShadowNerd92]

@@Will_Zhao Well then Thank you very much for that clarification

[@tb8178]

this is absolutely amazing for autistic people in eliminating uncertainty when you go through all the permutations. stellar

[@annalepper457]

This is amazing, I hope you make more videos!

[@riamaulida08]

have no plan yet to visit Kyoto but I really enjoy your video. the editing is fun fyi 😂😂😂😂

[@sarcasticsuz1483]

Thank you so much. Practical help that us first timers need. 😊

[@winoarcilla6049]

Wow, this is very helpful and fun to watch. Keep it up! You got yourself a new subscriber here and saying that, ima start watching ya other videos.

[@Will_Zhao]

Thanks!😘

[@yuilynne]

This is a very helpful and great video! Would you also happen to have a guide for Osaka only?

[@YueWTravels]

Love the video! Great information and editing.

[@mrde0mrsai]

The best information and the expert use of memes. The deadpan humour 😅

[@vistalover9607]

What beautiful music is playing in the background?

[@SumedhPhadke]

Freaking legend! That's what you are... I am travelling in October... Really hope you make one for Osaka (Now I wish you had travelled to Tokyo as well)

[@peko7446]

You can also use the IC card/ICOCA in convenience stores (not supermarkets though, I tried), coin-operated lockers in train station and some airport souvenir stores (ask as some don't have the logo displayed).

[@avijeetmohanty]

Awesome Information ..... This is Spoon Feeding Pro Max ....

[@jm3363]

Entertaining and excellent content! 11 thumbs up!

[@olivilla6960]

OMG - YES!!!! i am putting together a complete itin for the family!!!

[@WeirdOneOz]

Thanks 🎉 that was an awesome summary. Now I am ready to get lost in Kyoto knowing I came at least jump on a bus that can make me totally lost 😂

[@vilyaaaaaa]

I’m going to Japan soon and that was very helpful.

[@tranquilbakergentletraveller]

The acknowledgement from the get-go that the Japanese public transport system can be confusing to first timers made me feel right at home here

[@shane3x]

Do you have videos like this for Tokyo and Osaka also?

[@Will_Zhao]

Yup. Got both.

[@shane3x]

@@Will_Zhao I’m like a super organised don’t like surprises kinda of person and these videos hit all the right spots bro amazing!

[@Will_Zhao]

@@shane3x Glad you like them!

[@mistiqueookami]

This video is the best! Thank you so much