My tips travelling to tourist attractions

Many City buses are crowded and often over crowded. Do you want to experience facing such crowds on your holiday when you want to relax and enjoy?

Kyoto City Council is examining collecting fares on board on the Express 100 buses that are busiest bus route in Kyoto. But in my opinion such movements won't ease travel times, unless prepaid services like all Melbourne public transport services with Myki card.

I was about to write more about this issue here, but instead give you some tips to make your trips to your favourite tourist attractions easier and more comfortable.

To be honest riding a bike is the best way to explore Kyoto. I am providing tips for travellers who want to use public transport to explore Kyoto.

Arashiyama - JR Sagano Line's local or rapid train is the best from Kyoto Station as it's much faster than bus. If you are in the city centre such as Shijo Kawaramachi or Shijo Karasuma, catch Hankyu train to Umeda. Transfer at Katsura for an Arashiyama bound train.

Kiyomizu Temple - Long queues are formed at the bus dedepot at Kyoto Station for services going through Gojo Zaka, the closet stop to the temple. Walk to Shichijo Station on Keihan Railway for ten minutes from Kyoto Station and catch a Demachiyanagi bound local train and get off at Kiyomizu Gojo. Then walk to the temple.

Fushimi Inari - Even the shrine is covered with a one day bus pass, never catch a city bus. You will end up waiting ages to board a bus after visiting there. Local train on JR Nara Line or Keihan Railway is the easiest, fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Kyoto Station or city centre.

Nanzen-ji and Eikando - Travelling on the Route 5 bus is for nightmare as it's travelling through the congested Shijo Street and buses are packed during peak seasons. Catch underground train / subway / metro from Kyoto Station to Keage on the Tozai Line (transfer at Karasuma Oike) and walk to the temple. It's much faster and more comfortable.

Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) - City Bus Route 17 is the least crowded to get there from Kyoto Station, comparing with the Express 100 and Route 5 services. If you get fit, you can walk to the Keihan Shichijo Station getting a train to Demachiyanagi and then walk to the temple.

Gion - If you want to avoid over crowded Express 100 or Route 206 bus, try Express 110 or Extra bus services. Alternatively take a Keihan Railway train to Gion Shijo and walk.

Do you have any suggestion? Or want further advice?

Please comment below and I am happy to take your advice or answer your questions.

Happy travel planning!!