The Best Bus Routes for Easy Sightseeing in Kyoto
Exploring Kyoto means visiting beautiful temples, peaceful shrines, and historic streets. Getting around to all these places can feel overwhelming, but Kyoto’s bus routes make easy sightseeing in Kyoto affordable and straightforward. Here are the best bus routes to help you plan a smooth, memorable trip.
Getting Started with Kyoto’s Bus System
Kyoto’s bus network may seem complex at first, but don’t worry! Most main routes have English signs and announcements. If you plan to take multiple rides in one day, the Kyoto Bus One-Day Pass is a great choice. This pass gives you unlimited rides on Kyoto City and Kyoto Bus routes for a day, making it perfect for easy sightseeing in Kyoto.
With a bit of planning, these buses can take you to Kyoto’s best sights. Here are some of our favorite routes for easy, enjoyable travel around the city.
Bus Number 100: The Temple Route
Bus number 100 is a popular choice for visitors. This route goes from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu-dera, stopping at some of Kyoto’s most famous temples and shrines, like Gion and Heian Shrine.
We love bus number 100 because it’s like a mini-tour of Kyoto’s cultural heart, ideal for easy sightseeing in Kyoto. Imagine riding a bus that takes you to the same places ancient pilgrims visited—it’s a special experience! This route is perfect if you want to see Kyoto’s most famous spots without needing complex travel plans.
Bus Number 204: The Scenic Loop
For a broader view of Kyoto, bus number 204 is fantastic. This circular route takes you to Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion). Each temple has a unique style—one shines in gold, while the other is a simple, peaceful Zen space.
Bus number 204 also passes by the Philosopher’s Path, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season. This path follows a canal lined with cherry trees, creating a peaceful setting for a quiet walk. Bus number 204 is a wonderful way to enjoy easy sightseeing in Kyoto’s most scenic spots.
Bus Number 5: Exploring Kyoto’s Quieter Side
If you want to explore beyond the main tourist trail, bus number 5 is the way to go. This route leads to peaceful neighborhoods and interesting sites like the Shugakuin Imperial Villa and Kyoto Botanical Gardens. We enjoy bus number 5 for its mix of well-known and lesser-visited places, perfect for those looking for easy sightseeing in Kyoto with a unique twist.
Bus number 5 also takes you to Shimogamo Shrine, one of Kyoto’s oldest Shinto shrines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through the quiet forest around the shrine feels like stepping back in time—it’s a special part of any visit to Kyoto.
Kyoto’s Buses: A Great Way to Explore
Taking buses in Kyoto lets you explore at your own pace, stopping to enjoy each area and then moving on. When you’re ready to experience Kyoto’s highlights, our Best of Kyoto Walking Tour takes you through must-see spots and hidden gems, offering a deeper look at the city’s wonders.
