Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ONLINE TRANSPORT INFORMATION
The
Kyoto-Navi System
(
www.kyoto-navi.org/indexE.html
) is a useful website for figuring out transport
around Kyoto. The site gives detailed transport directions from downtown Kyoto to various sightseeing spots
around town. The creators of the site plan on adding additional starting points in the future. The site is available
in English, Korean, Chinese and Japanese.
Driving Licence & Permits
Travellers from most nations are able to drive in Japan with an International Driving Per-
mit backed up by their own regular licence. The international permit is issued by your na-
tional automobile association and costs around US$5 in most countries. Make sure it's en-
dorsed for cars and motorcycles if you're licensed for both.
Travellers from Switzerland, France and Germany (and others whose countries are not
signatories to the Geneva Convention of 1949 concerning international driving licences)
are not allowed to drive in Japan on a regular international licence. Rather, travellers from
these countries must have their own licence backed by an authorised translation of the
same licence. These translations can be made by their country's embassy or consulate in
Japan or by the
Japan Automobile Federation
(JAF; 03-6833-9000, 0570-00-2811;
Hire
There are several car-rental agencies in Kyoto.
Toyota Rentacar Kyoto Eki Shinkansen-
guchi Branch
( 365-0100;
http://rent.toyota.co.jp/en/index.html
; Minami-ku, Higashi Kujo Kamitonoda-cho
31-1)
is about 200m walk from the south (Hachijō) exit of Kyoto Station. The
Toyota
Sakyo-ku, Tanakamonzen-cho 103-31)
at the Hyakumamben intersection in Northern Higashiyama,
is good for those heading north into the Kitayama Area.
Matsuda Rent-a-Car
(
361-0201;
www.mazda-rentacar.com/en
; Shimogyo-ku, Gojo-dori Kawaramachi Nishi iru, Hongakujimae-cho 811)
is
close to the intersection of Kawaramachi-dōri and Gojō-dōri. You'll need to produce an
International Driving Permit.
Typical hire rates for a small car are about ¥5000 to ¥7000 for the first day, with reduc-
tions for rentals of more than one day. Move up a bracket and you're looking at about
