How to Use Time Wisely While Sightseeing in Kyoto

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When you arrive at the ancient city of Kyoto, you'll have many things to do and plenty of places to visit. To carry out your excellent sightseeing plan into reality, you need to keep two facts in mind about time in Kyoto.

Latest update : 2022.11.30

When arriving at the ancient city Kyoto, you'll definitely have many things to do and plenty of places to visit. To actualize your jam-packed sightseeing plan into reality, you'll need to keep the two facts in mind about time in Kyoto.

1. Buses Are Cheap but Unpunctual and Time-Consuming

How to Use Time Wisely While Sightseeing in Kyoto

When sightseeing around Kyoto, you can conveniently use the city bus. The routes will reach most tourist destinations, so it's a useful option for those who want to lower their cost of transportation.

However, one downside is that the buses travel slowly. If you're planning to visit many destinations in a single day, we don't recommend boarding the city bus.

Instead, take a taxi. Of course, cabs can be expensive, especially for those with sightseeing guides, but they're faster than buses. As they say, time is money.

The fee for guided taxis depends on the type of service, but it generally costs around 30,000 to 70,000 yen for a half-day.

2. Temples and Shrines Close around Sunset

It goes without saying that temples and shrines and must-see destinations in Kyoto. The intricate wooden, ancient structures are a historical highlight for many travelers.

However, it would be best if you kept the opening and closing hours at each temple and shrine in mind. Most close their gate at 17:00.

Alternatively, some close at 16:30 or 18:00, but keep in mind that it typically closes around 17:00. Just so you know, the Sanjusangendo Hall closes the entrance counter at 16:30 while Kiyomizu Temple closes its gate at 18:00. We strongly recommend checking the opening hours in advance!

In Conclusion

It would be a waste to miss out on visiting temples because you arrived a few minutes late! Lowering one's sightseeing costs is important, but do not forget to manage your time schedule while sightseeing in Kyoto!

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Written by

Keishi Kawakami

31 May 1989, born in Kyoto, Japan. I'm Strategic PR consultant / Ad planer, at Roppongi in Tokyo. An ex-intern The Beguiling Books & Art. in Toronto.

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