Kyoto Bus One-Day Pass: Conveniently Travel Around Japan’s Ancient Capital

Using the Kyoto City Bus

Kyoto has multiple modes of transportation. However, the best public transit for sightseeing is the bus, with the city bus as the most convenient and cost efficient. Some places are hard to access since there are limited transportation routes. So, knowing the best means of getting there is important.

For example, Kinkakuji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, is a popular sightseeing spot lacking train stations near it. You can only reach it by taxi or bus, with two bus stops nearby: Kinkakuji Dori and Kinkakuji Mae.

If there are several places you want to visit or are interested in keeping your travel fees low, we recommend taking the city bus. Purchasing a Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass is a must when using the city bus.

What Is the Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass?

Picture courtesy of the Kyoto Traffic Bureau Official HP

It typically costs adults 230 yen and children 120 yen per ride to use the city bus. However, with this one-day pass, you can get on and off wherever you like on that day for 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children. If you plan to use the bus three or more times on a given day, the one-day pass will save you money.

However, there are two important things to remember: the pass can only be used for city buses within the designated area. You will need to pay additional fees if you are traveling in the Takao, Katsura, Rakusai, Iwakura, Shugaku-in, and Ohara areas. You can only use this pass on the Kyoto City Buses. So, if you plan on taking the Keihan, Kyoto, or JR buses, you will need to pay a separate fare.

Where to Buy the One-Day Pass? Go to City Bus and Subway Information Counters

The Kyoto City Bus One-Day can be purchased at city bus and subway information centers, the commuter pass center, subway ticket machines, and even on the buses themselves. Please keep in mind that these passes may not be available on the bus you board. Moreover, children's passes cannot be purchased from machines. We suggest buying passes from the City Bus and Subway Information Center when you arrive at Kyoto Station.

On the Kyoto Station floor information map, you can see a red square near the subway center ticket barrier 1, which shows where the information center is. You can purchase your one-day passes there.

How to Use the One-Day Pass

The first time you use the pass, insert the pass into the designated slot at the front of the bus next to the driver's seat. If you have any questions, show your pass and inquire with the staff. Then retrieve your pass and get off the bus. It will have the current date printed on the back.

After the first time, simply show the pass to the bus driver. Make sure to show the date printed on the pass.

Please note that some city buses will have different ways of boarding. Most buses will require you to board from the back and then show your pass upon leaving the vehicle. However, buses on Route 100 and the Higashiyama Shuttle board from the front. When boarding the front, show your pass to the driver before sitting down for the ride.

Use the City Bus to Travel Around Kyoto!

Taking the city bus is a fantastic way to sightsee different shrines, temples, and famous places in Kyoto. With the Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass, you can enjoy many sights for a reasonable price. Get your pass and enjoy sightseeing around this history-rich city!