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Kyoto International
Community House

Address
〒606-8536
2-1 Torii-cho,Awataguchi,
Sakyo-ku Kyoto,606-8536 JAPAN.
TEL：075-752-3010
FAX：075-752-3510
E-mail：office@kcif.or.jp
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Home >Useful Kyoto Info > Comfortable Living - Transportation

Transportation

 
 

Subway and Train

Kyoto’s Subway System is administered by the City. Some private railway trains also utilize the Kyoto City subway lines in certain sections. In total there are 6 different train companies running trains from Kyoto to the suburbs.
*Smoking is prohibited on trains and in stations.

How to use the subway and train
•

Most subway and train stations have become automated. Purchase a ticket from the ticket machine. To pass through the ticket gate, insert the ticket into the appropriate slot and the gates will automatically open. Don’t forget to take your ticket as you pass through.

• If you have bought a ticket of lesser value than required, you must pay the difference at fare adjustment machines located inside the ticket gate, or directly to station staff.

JR
JR (Japan Rail) is the largest railway system in Japan, and provides access to most parts of the country.
• For regular reserved seating, limited express trains, green car (1st Class) reserved seats, sleeper trains and the bullet train (Shinkansen) you will be required to pay an extra charge.
• Non-smoking seats are available on the bullet train. (no extra charge)
Inquiries
JR Call Center (6:00–23:00) 075-352–5441

1) To get to Osaka
•Via Hankyu Railway 075-211-1052
About 40 minutes by limited express train from Kyoto Kawaramachi to Osaka Umeda station.
•Via Keihan Railway 075-561-0033
About 50 minutes by a limited express train from Kyoto Demachiyanagi to Osaka Yodoyabashi station.

*Note: Neither of these lines charge an express fee for limited express trains.

2)To get to Nara or Ise
•Via Kintetsu Railway 075-691-2560

The Kintetsu Railway line is located The Kintetsu Railway line is located at Mie South end of Mie JR Kyoto station at the south end of the JR Kyoto station.
Kintetsu limited express trains require an express fee in addition to your normal ticket.

3) To get to Arashiyama
•Via Keifuku Railway 075-841-9381
•Via Hankyu Railway 075-211-1052

4) To get to Kurama
•Via Eaizan Rilway 075-781-5121

5) To get to Otsu
•Via Keihan Railway 075-561-0033

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Bus

1. City-operated Buses
How to use the bus
• Enter the bus from the back entrance.
• To get off, push one of the buttons provided near the seat to inform the driver just before you get off.
• Place the proper coins or a coupon ticket into the fare box next to the driver’s seat, and get off from the front.
• In addition you can use a prepaid card.

Bus fare
•The standard fare for most buses is 220 yen. In some cases, however, the fare changes depending on the distance travelled. On such lines, you must take a numbered ticket when you board. Before getting off, compare the number on the ticket with the lit-up board at the front to determine the fare. Put the ticket and fare together in the fare box.
*Children up to the age of 12 can ride for half price. Up to two children under the age of 6 may travel with an adult for free.
*As only coins are accepted it is a good idea to change bills is in advance.

Evening bus service
It buses generally run until about 22:00 The destination board of the bus will be lit up in red if it is the last bus for the night.
Inquiries
Kyoto City Transportation Bureau (Kotsu-kyoku)075-801-2561
*A route map is available in English from the Bus Information Center or the Kyoto International Community House.

2.Other bus services
• Kyoto Bus (northern Kyoto, Sagano, Arashiyama areas)075-871-7521
• Keihan Bus (eastern Kyoto, southern Kyoto, Shiga)075-682-2315
• Kyoto Kotsu Bus (northern Kyoto) 075-344-3807
• JR Bus (northern Kyoto) 075-672-2851
• Kintetsu Bus (southern Kyoto) 075-642-1451
• Hankyu Bus (Muko-shi) 075-957-1020

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Discount Tickets

Various types of discount tickets (Waribiki-ken) are available for public trains and buses. For further information, inquire at the respective train or bus stations.

oupon tickets (Kaisuken) An economical purchase in small book form. You can buy discount coupon tickets for fixed routes.

Commuter tickets (Teikiken)

 Unlimited use within a fixed period and route.
Student Concession (Gakusei waribiki) Students can purchase a student concession pass (Gakusei Teikiken) using a student card available from school or university. Furthermore, if you travel a distance of more than 100 km on the JR Railway, you can also receive a discount.
One day pass (Ichinichi joshaken) You can ride any city bus or subway as many times as you like during a one-day period.
Two day pass (Futsuka joshaken) You can ride any city bus or subway as many times as you like during a two-day period.
City Bus/Subway Card (Traffica-Kyo Card) You can ride on any city bus/subway line using this card. It is available from subway ticket machines and city bus offices. Just show it to the bus driver when you get off and use it like a normal ticket when passing through subway ticket gates.
100 yen loop line bus The buses run every 10 minutes (between 11:00 and 17:50) on weekends and holidays around the central city area. They can be recognized by the green “100” sign displayed at the front and side of the bus.
There is also the convenient “Surutto KANSAI” card. Although there is no discont, with this card, you may ride city bus and subway.

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Taxi

• Three taxi sizes are available: standard four seater, standard five seater, and a large five seater.
• Taxi fares vary depending on the size of the vehicle.
• A lamp at the top of each car indicates the name of the company.
• In Japan generally the back door of taxis open automatically. Leave opening and closing doors to the driver.

How to use taxi services
1) Raise your hand and stop a taxi along the street. A vacant taxi, indicated by a red lit-up sign in the front windscreen, will stop in front of you.
2) You can also take a taxi from the designated taxi stops around stations and major roads.
3) You may telephone for a taxi and request they pick you up, although this requires paying the cost of the fare to get to where you are, in addition to the normal fare.

Taxi fare
1) The base or starting fare is indicated by a sticker on the back passenger’s door. Check before getting into the taxi.
2) Taxi fares are 20 percent higher between 23:00 and 5:00am. The fare system and base price may vary between companies.

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Car and Motorcycle

• In Japan cars and motorcycles are driven on the left side of the road. You are required to wear seat belts in cars and to wear helmets on motorcycles.
• If found to be driving under the influence of alcohol, you will be severely punished.
• If you own a car, you must have it inspected every two to three years. All vehicles must be insured.
There is a certain degree of costin maintaining a vehicle in Japan.
image


*There are various kinds of road signs. The above us just a few examples.

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Driver License

International Driving Permit
International Driving Permits recognized under the “Geneva Pact” can be used in Japan. This type of license is valid for one year from the date of issue.

Transfer of foreign driver license to Japanese driver license
If you have a valid driver license from your own country and come to Japan without having obtained an International Driving Permit, you may apply for a Japanese driver license at the Driver License Examination Center (Untenmenkyo-Shikenjyo) ( 631-5181).
*Persons of German, French or Swiss nationality are not required to change their licenses. For further information, please inquire at the Kyoto Police Headquarters.
Kyoto Prefectural Police Headquarters, Driver License Examination Center
(Kyoto-fu Keisatsu Honbu Unten Menkyo Shikenjo)
075-631-5181

<Conditions>
1) A valid driver license from another country.
2) Can prove that you have lived in the country where you obtained that license for more than 3 months after it was issued.
<Necessary documents for application>
1) A valid driver license from another country. Documentation that proves you lived in the country where you obtained that license for more than 3 months after it was issued.
*You must have your foreign license translated into Japanese by an embassy, JAF ( 682-6000) or other official institution.
2) Passport
3) Certificate of Foreign Residents Registration
4) Personal seal (Signature is also acceptable.)
5) Photograph (3×2.4cm)
6) Application fee ¥5,200 (standard license)

Japanese driver license
• The expiry date of your license is written on the license itself.
• Renewal is possible from one month prior to the expiry date. The required items for renewal include: a photograph and your current driver license. The fee is Åè3,900. (If you have a clean driving record, the fee is Åè1,000 cheaper.)

Obtaining a Japanese driver license (Kyoto Prefecture)
• While the practical test is only conducted in Japanese, the written test may be taken in English.
• In order to pass the test, you must study Japanese traffic rules and regulations.
* The driving age in Japan is 18 for cars and 16 for motorcycles. Unless you are of the above stated age, a driver license will not be issued.
* If you wish to sit for the examination in English, please tell the instructor when you apply.
Inquiries
Kyoto Prefectural Police Headquarters Driver License Examination Center
(Kyoto-fu Keisatsu Honbu Unten Menkyo Shikenjo)
647 Furukawa-cho, Hazukashi, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto
075- 631-5181
Monday–Friday, 8:30–9:30 (exam application period)

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Bicycles

1.Points to be aware of when parking bicycles.
Parking your bicycle on the footpath causes a great inconvenience to many people. Please park in the designated areas.

Removal of bicycles
• Bicycles parked in congested areas, such as in front of stations etc, will be removed in accordance with Kyoto City regulations. image
• Parking is prohibited in places which have this sign. (see below)

If your bicycle is removed
• Removed bicycles are kept at the bike pound for 4 weeks.
• 4If not claimed within this period, the bicycle will be disposed of.
*If your bicycle is missing, first check the nearby a notice or bulletin board. There may be a sticker indicating your bicycle has been removed and where to go to reclaim it. (See next page.)

To reclaim a removed bicycle
Look at the notice or bulletin board near where you parked your bicycle to find out which pound it has been taken to. To reclaim your bicycle you need the following items: the key to your bicycle lock, identification, personal
seal/signature and ¥2,300 (handling fee)
For further information on removed bicyles
Kyoto City Construction Bureau Derelict Cars Management Division (Hochi Sharyou Taisaku-ka)
075- 222-3565

2.Crime prevention registration
• Registration of bicycles (Bo¯han toro¯ku) is a requirement by law. Thus if a bicycle is stolen, the police can identify whose it is when found.
• When you purchase a new bicycle, it can be registered at the place of purchase for Åè500 (valid for 5 years)
• If you receive a bicycle with a registration certificate from a friend, you must change the registration to your name.
Inquiries
Kyoto Prefecturural Police Headquarters, Parking section
(Kyoto-fu Keisatsu Honbu Chusha Taisaku-ka)
075-451-9111

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Transportation to the Airport

Access to Kansai International Airport

Type of Transportation Time Duration Fee

(1) JR Special Rapid Express “Haruka”

 75 min. ¥3,490
(2) JR Airport Express “Kanku-kaisoku” 2 hrs.+ ¥1,600~
(3) Airport Limousine Bus 105 min. ¥2,300

(1) From JR Kyoto station (Haruka)
(2) From JR stations Osaka and Kyobashi, (Kanku-kaisoku)
(3) From Kyoto station Hachijo-guchi, Kyoto Daigo, Nijojomae, Keihan-sanjo (Airport Limousine Bus)


For Airport Limousine Bus Reservation
Kansai Airport Limousine Bus Center (reservation)
075-682-4400 (9:00–19:00)

For Airport Limousine Bus information
Kansai Airport Traffic, Inc.
0724-61-1374 (9:00–22:00)

For flight information
Kansai Airport Information
0724-55-2500 (24 hours)

Access to Osaka (Itami) Airport
There is a direct bus service to Osaka (Itami) Airport which stops at major hotels within Kyoto City. Other buses depart from the south side of Kyoto station.

Airport Limousine Bus information (Osaka)
Osaka Airport Traffic, Inc.
06-6844-1124 (5:30–21:00)

For flight information
Osaka Airport Information Center
06-6856-6781 (6:30–21:30)

Door-to-airport luggage service (kuko takuhai service)
You can have your luggage picked up from your house and delivered to the airport. Call at least 3 days before departure.
•Yamato Un’yu 075-621-1901
•IAS Kokusai Kuko Service, Inc. 075-0724-56-6300
•Nihon Tsu’un 075-315-4621

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