FIRST IMPRESSION
When I first came to Japan, it was a relief to find out that all stations and leading street names are written in the Roman alphabet, so there was no need to learn how to read the kanjis before coming. But it can be a little daunting to ride the bus for the first time and get used to how to get around and about in Kyoto.
I have been using public transport and walking around for about six months. After some intensive sightseeing, here is my take on getting around and about town.
Kyoto is a walkable city, and there are many little streets full of charms with a temple, a shrine or an old traditional townhouse around every corner.
THE MOST FAMOUS DISTRICTS IN KYOTO.
Arashiyama: meaning storm mountain 嵐山
Kyoto’s second most famous district is situated on the foot of the mountain along the river that runs through Arashiyama and is called the Oigawa. Its different sections also go by the name Hozugawa River and Katsuragawa River, which runs near the city center. It makes for picturesque scenery, especially in cherry blossom and autumn leaves seasons. Add to that a monkey park, plenty of endearing temples, shrines, and famous bamboo groves. It offers plenty of photo spots, but waking up early to avoid the crowd is a must.
Northwest Kyoto
Some famous names include the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kinkakuji and Ryoanji temples or the 2 Kamo shrines.Also, my favourite is the Kitano Tenmangu shrine, which is beautiful in plum blossom and autumn leaves season.
Nishijin
Nishijin is known as the textile district and the imperial palace with its vast park. also, close by, you will find the Nijo Castle. If, after too much walking, your feet hurt a little, visit the nearby Goo shrine. The deity is a boar who is known for its healing.
Down Town Kyoto
This commercial district is where you will find some cat cafes.
Pontocho Alley comes alive at night with its bars and izakaya.
Also, two covered shopping arcades. Known as Shinkyogoku, the east one is filled with tacky souvenirs. The western one, known as Teramachi, is a more refined place, with various art galleries, bookshops, clothing shops and the food market of Nishiki.
Northern Higashiyama
Here you are in the most Instagram-able part of Kyoto. Congratulations to you and the ten thousand other people.Ideally, you should try to walk the street and visit the sites before 11 am, then have an early lunch in a kaiseki cooking restaurant. Beware that you often have to book in advance.
Then, after lunch, head to Southern Higashima for a peaceful stroke in the beautiful parks of Bishamon-do and Tofukuji temple.
Kyoto Station area
Here, you will find the vast Nishi and Higashi Honganji temples; even if the western one (Nishi) is a UNESCO site, you will prefer the other side of the station, the ancient To-ji temple, another world heritage site. Try the Skyway at the top of the train station with its view of the Kyoto Tower.
ORIENTATION
The layout of Kyoto is simple, but a simplified map could be handy to orient yourself in town. If, like me, you are challenged in the orientation department, you can always rely on Google Maps.
As you can see, the main streets are parallel from south to north. Their names are easy to remember: Shichijo-dori, Gojo-dori, Shijo-dori and Sanjo-dori.
(7th-street, 5th, 4th and 3rd)
The other ones perpendicular to those from west to east are Horikawa-dori, Karasuma-dori, Kawaramachi-dori, The Kamo River, Kawabata-dori and Higashioji-dori.
On the east river bank, you will find an excellent concentration of temples, shrines, picturesque shopping streets and museums.
The most accessible landmark is Kyoto Station, a hub of activities.
AROUND KYOTO STATION
On the street level, you have the bus station in front of the train station.
Two leading bus companies are City Bus with green stripes and Keihan Bus with white and red stripes. They follow approximately the same route and cost the same.
IN THE TRAIN STATION
The JR, Kintetsu, and Shinkansen train lines are in the station. Keep in mind that up north Kyoto Station and running east to west, you will find the Hankuy train lines.
And I almost forget the Keihan train line, along the river running north to south.
You will find a giant shopping centre and the subway on the underground level. Kyoto has two metropolitan lines, one red and one green. You have a big interchange at the station Karasuma Oike.
Kyoto Station’s underground shopping mall can be disorientating; you might need to go outside and look at the landmarks before going under.
On the upper levels of the train station, there are a lot of restaurants and shops, and on the last floor, a terrace with thought-tainted glass gives a nice view of the city.
HOW TO PAY YOUR FARE
ICOCA cards can be used everywhere in Japan except on the Shinkansen. You can even use it as a pay card in some Kombini.
For those who want to avoid rail pass deadlines, coverage areas and so on, the IC Cards are the way to go.
There are negligible savings from them, but they are enormously convenient in that you never need to calculate fares – you have your card scanned as you enter and exit the stations.
It would help if you touched twice in some buses when you get in and out.
Those cards are used by virtually every local rail and bus company. There are about a dozen different ones, but they are nearly entirely interchangeable.
The most common ones are Pasmo and Suica in the Tokyo area; for Kansai, it is the Icoca card.
The cards are available at vending machines at rail stations and cost ¥2000, which includes a ¥500 deposit.
That will be refunded when the card is returned to the station. All the cards can be endlessly refilled (up to ¥20,000) and are suitable for ten years. They are also usable in many (but not all) major cities in Japan.
Also available for children.
OR WHY NOT RIDE A BICYCLE
At first, the number of bicycles running on the sidewalk is surprising. Most of the small streets don’t have any footpaths or bicycle lanes. So try not to walk in the middle. If you are a bit of a daydreamer like me, do not worry; people are skilfully riding their engines.
It is also possible to rent a bike, and it is safe to leave your bicycle unattended.
You must use the bicycle parking space and often pay a small fee of about 100 yen per hour. While shopping, you can put it in front of the shop for free in a dedicated area for a short time.
LET S TALK ABOUT THE TOILET.
If suddenly you feel like relieving yourself. No need to panic; washrooms are everywhere, free of charge and squeaky clean.
In some restaurants, they are called 手洗い. So look for the sign.
Interesting detail: they don’t smell at all. Neither over-the-top flagrance nor…and they are coming with many fancy buttons. To flush is written 流れてる
Sometimes, the sound of birds and cascading water runs in the background to cover the noisy business.
You will find them in every Konbini train/subway station…