Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GETTING AROUND KYOTO
Kyoto has an excellent public transport system. There is a comprehensive bus network, two
subway lines, six train lines (two of which can be used like subways for trips around
Kyoto) and a huge fleet of taxis.
Furthermore, being largely flat, Kyoto is a great city for cycling - it's perfectly feasible
to rent or buy a bicycle on your first day in the city and never have to use the public trans-
port system.
Note that Kyoto was not designed with motor vehicles in mind. There's no need to hire a
car; in fact, it's far more trouble than it's worth.
NEGOTIATING JAPAN'S RAIL SYSTEM - PASSES & PHRASES
Japan Rail Pass
The Japan Rail Pass is a must if you're planning extensive train travel within Japan. It will save you both money
and the need to carry change each time you board a train (though with a Green Car Pass, you have to make reser-
vations at a ticket office).
The most important thing to note about the pass is that Japan Rail Passes
must be purchased outside Japan.
They are only available to foreign tourists and Japanese overseas residents. The pass cannot be used for the super
express
nozomi shinkansen
service, but is OK for everything else (including other
shinkansen
services). Children
between the ages of six and 11 qualify for child passes, while those below six ride free.
As a one-way reserved seat Kyoto-Tokyo
shinkansen
ticket costs ¥13,220, travelling Kyoto-Tokyo-Kyoto will
make a seven-day pass come close to paying off. Note that the pass is valid only on JR services (ie you still have
to pay for private train services).
In order to get a pass, you must first purchase an 'exchange order' outside Japan at JAL and ANA offices or
major travel agencies. Once you arrive in Japan, you must bring this order to a JR Travel Service Centre (found in
most major JR stations and at Narita and Kansai international airports). When you validate your pass, you'll have
to show your passport. The clock starts to tick on the pass as soon as you validate it, so don't do so it if you're
just going into Tokyo or Kyoto and intend to hang around for a few days. Instead, validate when you leave those
cities to explore the rest of the country.
For more information on the pass and overseas purchase locations, visit the
Japan Rail Pass
DURATION
(DAYS)
REGULAR
ADULT (¥)
REGULAR
CHILD (¥)
GREEN
ADULT (¥)
GREEN
CHILD (¥)
