Trains & metro · Japan

Kyoto trains & metro guide

How to ride the metro, buses and trains in Kyoto, what tickets cost, and where to book trains to your next stop.

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Booking trains in Japan

⏰ Reserve Shinkansen seats a few days ahead in Golden Week (late April–early May), Obon (mid-August) and New Year. Oversized luggage needs a booked seat on Tokaido/Sanyo trains.

SSmartEXBook Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen seats JJapan Rail PassOfficial JR Pass for visitors

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Japan Rail PassUnlimited JR trains, incl. most Shinkansen. Prices rose a lot in 2023.Worth it? Now mainly worth it for a long loop (e.g. Tokyo ⇄ Kyoto ⇄ Hiroshima and back) within 7 days. One round trip? Buy single tickets or a regional JR pass.

Maps & live times

Google Maps transitLive routes, metro & bus times

MoovitLive arrivals & offline maps

CitymapperStep-by-step in big cities MMetro mapThe official network map

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Kyoto travel guideWhen to go, where to stay, what it costs Ready-made Kyoto itineraryDay-by-day plan you can make your own

AI-written guide: fares, hours and rules are typical and change often — check the official transit and rail sites before you travel. We may earn a commission from some booking links.