Hands On Kyoto

 

In the past ten years or so, Kyoto has experienced an unprecedented boom in tourism from abroad, and yet most tourists probably touch down in Tokyo first. This short guide should be helpful in finding transportation from Tokyo to Kyoto. The shinkansen (bullet train) is the most prevalent mode of transportation to Kyoto. This is followed by airplane.

 

Shinkansen 新幹線
 

 
The shinkansen is one of the iconic symbols of Japan’s technological prowess and a fun way to travel to Kyoto. However, with cheaper airline tickets now offered, it will probably be cheaper to fly. Also, keep in mind room for luggage on trains is restricted.
 

In approximately two-and-a-half hours you can go from Tokyo to Kyoto Station. The first time I rode the shinkansen I was so excited! My excitement somewhat diminished when I found out there was only enough room for a small carry-on suitcase and maybe a couple of backpacks on the overhead luggage rack. That is unless you don’t mind sitting with your luggage directly in front of you, restricting your leg room and comfort while you travel. How then, does one take advantage of all the comforts of the shinkansen , while not worrying about the luggage? Answer: luggage courier service.
 
If it was any other country, I wouldn’t recommend it. However, Japan’s reputation as arguably the safest and most efficient country is warranted. When I worked at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kyoto, we also took care of luggage courier services. I would say ninety-nine percent of the time, luggage sent by courier reached its destination safely and in a timely fashion. For around 1,300 Yen (1 piece of large luggage), your luggage will usually arrive the day after you send it. At the latest it will probably arrive sometime in the late afternoon. All of the major hotels & ryokans (traditional inns) should provide this service, so please inquire at the front desk. This is one of Japan’s major couriers below.
 

Yamato Courier
 

In general, a round trip ticket for the fastest shinkansen (Nozomi) is approximately 28,000 Yen (Hikari and Kodama around 24,000 Yen). When you compare to the plane you arrive directly at Kyoto Station, as opposed to flying into Osaka and then going to Kyoto.
 
JR Rail Pass
 
It is a railway pass for Japan’s main railway line JR (Japan Railway) and is accepted on the majority of JR railway lines with exceptions. Of particular note, the pass is not accepted on the Nozomi or Mizuho shinkansen trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu lines along with some ferries and buses. Also, this pass is only sold to visitors prior to traveling to Japan, through select travel vendors.
 

The pass is sold in denominations of 1,2, or 3 week periods. In addition, you have the choice between Green Car (first class) or Ordinary Car passes. It is validated once the JR Pass holder visits the Green Office at a JR Station and proves they are the registered holder by presenting a passport. From this point on, the pass holder is free to use it as frequently as they like during the period of validation. I suggest buying this pass if tourists plan to stay more than a week and travel long distances between the 4 main islands. If you only plan to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto once, it’s probably not worth buying.
 

JR Pass Prices and Types
 
Seating
 

Most shinkansen offer two classes of cars, and two seat types in Ordinary Cars (Reserved/Non-Reserved). All cars and seats are non-smoking except for trains equipped with specialized smoking rooms or areas secluded from the general cars.
 
Passes
 
Green Pass holders have access to the Green Cars and when reserving a seat at the Green Office do not have to pay extra for seat reservations. Ordinary Pass holders can either make a reservation or not, but must pay an extra charge (600 yen) and risk having to stand if they don’t make a reservation for Ordinary Cars.
Green Car-comparable to business class on airplanes, they generally offer more comfort and space as well as tend to be less crowded. Seat reservations are required.
 

Ordinary Car-compared to the Green Car there isn’t as much space and tend to be more crowded.
 
Reserved & Non-Reserved Seats
 
All Green Cars have reserved seats. The Ordinary Cars are divided into Reserved and Non-Reserved Cars. Ordinary Pass holders can simply sit in the Non-Reserved Seat cars without prior reservation, but must reserve through the Green Office when riding in the Reserved Seat cars. Non-JR Pass holders will have to pay extra for Reserved Seat cars.
 
Should I reserve a seat?
 
Availability
 

Shinkansen run frequently(every 10 min. during peak periods) and typically reservations are unnecessary, unless it’s during holiday periods and peak commuting times in Japan. Main holiday periods in Japan are Golden Week (April 27-May 6); Obon (August 11-20); New Years (December 29-January 6) However, for long journeys you don’t want to find yourself without a seat so I suggest making a reservation. Usually, it will cost an extra 600 yen for Ordinary JR Pass holders and around 1,000 Yen for Non-Pass holders.
 

Where do I purchase shinkansen tickets?
 

Green Office
 

Green Offices take care of all information and inquiries regarding JR buses, trains, and ferries and usually located inside JR Stations all over Japan. This is where both JR Pass holders and non-JR Pass holders are able to purchase shinkansen tickets and make seat reservations. Ordinary Car JR Pass holders are also able to upgrade to Green Car seats but they must pay an additional fee.
 

Shinkansen Train Types
 

Nozomi-fastest of the three, not because of its speed but it stops at less stops and is more direct. JR Pass holders are not allowed to ride!
 
Hikari-second fastest shinkansen as it stops more frequently than the Nozomi.
 
Kodama-slowest of all three as it stops more frequently than both the Nozomi and Hikari
 
Airplane
 
In 2012, low-cost flights have started to become as cheap or cheaper than the shinkansen. An economy class round trip flight from Tokyo to Kyoto used to be 20-30,000 Yen/person. However, with the increased competition between low-cost carriers the ticket prices have been falling.
 

Low-Cost Carriers
 

Peach
 

Keep in mind that airports closest to Kyoto are located in Osaka, so you will still have to find additional transportation from either Kansai International Airport or Itami (domestic) Airport to Kyoto. About a year ago, domestic flights started flying between Kansai International Airport and Tokyo’s Narita Airport. So depending on which airport you fly into, your transportation options will differ.
 
Itami (Domestic) Airport
 

There are taxi services, a limousine bus or you can try and navigate the train network. Unlike Kansai International Airport, there is no direct train from Itami, so I strongly suggest the Private Taxi, Shuttle Service or Limousine Bus.
 

Private Taxi (Fixed Price)
 
Of course there are taxis at the airport, but you stand to save some money if you only have one destination and book ahead of time. MK and Yasaka taxi offer a fixed price referred to as “teigaku taku-shi unchin” 定額タクシー運賃. Since the price is fixed, you are restricted to only one destination between the airport and your destination (inside Kyoto City). MK Taxi offers a number of different taxi types, however Yasaka Taxi only offers the Jumbo Taxi.
 

Taxi Types
 

MK Taxi
 

 
Small Taxi 小型
 

Passengers 4 (3 persons in back; 1 in front)
Luggage (1 and half sized large suitcases in trunk)
Price 6,000-7,200 Yen
 

Mid-sized Taxi 中型
 

Passengers 5 (3 persons in back; 2 in front)
Note: Two small sized people squeeze in front
Luggage (2 large suitcases in trunk)
Price 6,400-7,800 Yen
 

Jumbo ジャンボ
 

Passengers 9
Luggage (4-5 large suitcases and space for more)
Price 8,200-10,200 Yen
 

MK Reservations
 
Phone 075-778-5489 (9:00〜18:00)
Note: Overseas cell phones, Japan country code is 81
 
Email
 
 
Yasaka Taxi
 

 
Jumbo ジャンボ
 

Passengers 9
Luggage (4-5 large suitcases and space for more)
Price 15,000 Yen
Phone 075-803-4800 (9:00〜18:00)
Note: Overseas cell phones, Japan country code is 81
 
Email: No email address listed
 

Shuttle Service
 

If you have roughly one piece of large luggage per person and a carry on, consider the shuttle service below. Yasaka doesn’t offer a regular shuttle service between Itami and Kyoto. You have to hire it privately. MK Taxi offers the Shuttle Service and will take you to one destination of choice, but your drop off time will be unclear since you will ride with other passengers and subject to a prearranged order.
 

MK Itami Airport Shuttle
 

Cost (one-way) Adult 2,300 Yen; Child 1,150 Yen (12 Under)
 
Note: Extra luggage over 1 piece of large luggage & carry on per person
will be an additional charge of 500 Yen per piece.
Phone 075-778-5489 (9:00〜18:00)
Note: Overseas cell phones, Japan country code is 81
 
Online Sky Gate Shuttle Reservation Form
 

Other Inquiries Email
 
Location of MK Taxi Itami Counter in Itami Airport.
 
Limousine Bus
 

This is your cheapest option, and will only take around 50-55 minutes (Kyoto Station). Of course this depends on the traffic.
 
Cost (one-way) Adult 1,280 Yen; Child 640 Yen
 

Tickets are sold at vending machines at Itami Airport and Avanti Bus Terminal across from the south side of Kyoto Station. Refer to Limousine Bus Fare/Time Schedule for departures from both Itami Airport and Avanti Bus Terminal. At the top of the page, click on either “To Osaka (Itami) Airport” or “From Osaka (Itami) Airport” and you will see a list of fares, times, and a map of the location of the bus terminal (bottom of page) at Itami Airport and Avanti Bus Terminal. At Itami Airport there are two terminals-North Terminal & South Terminal. JAL or Japan Airlines lands at the North Terminal and ANA or All Japan Airlines lands at the South Terminal. When you exit from either terminal there will be a bus terminal at each one with a bank of ticket vending machines. A few vending machines have instructions in English so just push the “English” button and purchase a ticket. You will then have to check you luggage with a staff member standing at the bus stop labeled with your destination-Kyoto Station/Itami Airport.
 

Kansai International Airport
 

Private Taxi Service
 

If you have lots of luggage and there are 4 or more people, hire a private taxi-van. Usually they are capable of fitting up to 9 passengers and at least 1 piece of mid-sized luggage per person. MK and Yasaka Taxi companies are two of the most highly regarded in Kyoto and I recommend hiring one of them. However, you must book ahead of time either by yourself or through a concierge/travel agent. Both companies have English speaking staff. Cost will differ depending on your destination, but the average cost will be 19-25,000 Yen anywhere inside Kyoto City.
 

MK Reservations
 
Cost Under 20,000 Yen (Jumbo Taxi)
Phone 075-778-5489 (9:00-18:00)Note: Overseas cell phones, Japan country code is 81
 
Email
 
 

Yasaka Reservations
 

Cost 25,000 Yen (Jumbo Taxi)
Phone 075-803-4800 (9:00-18:00)
 
Note: Overseas cell phones, Japan country code is 81
Email No email address listed
 
Shuttle Service
 
Perfect for 3 persons or less who travel light and time is not an issue. Typically one piece of large luggage per person and a carry on is the standard while additional pieces of large luggage will share the van with other passengers and be dropped off according to a prearranged order. You must also book at least two days prior (no later than 5 pm) to the pick up date. For example, an arrival date of September 25 would require a reservation no later than September 23 before 5 pm. Both MK and Yasaka have English-speaking staff to handle reservations.
 
 

MK Taxi Reservations
 

Cost (one way) Adult 3,500 Yen; Child 1,750 (12 under)
Phone 075-778-5489 (9:00-18:00)

Note: Overseas cell phones, Japan country code is 81
 
Email
 
 

Yasaka Taxi Reservations
 

Cost (one way) Adult 3,500 Yen; Child 1,750 (12 under)
Phone 075-803-4800 (9:00-18:00)
Note: Overseas cell phones, Japan country code is 81
 
Online Reservation Form
 
Note: Compared to MK, Yasaka has a special discount for internet reservations of 200 Yen etc.
 

Limousine Bus
 

This service is great if there are only 3 persons or less, and 1-2 suitcases per person. Like the Haruka Express Train it takes you to Kyoto Station, but it is subject to traffic conditions. The bus terminal is located directly outside the main doors in front of the Arrivals Gate. Once you exit the main doors look for the bus stop # 8 (Kyoto will be written on the sign). Near by, you will find the ticket machine and time table. Purchase a ticket and then check your luggage with the baggage attendant standing near the bus stop # 8. The Limousine Bus is cheaper but if time is an issue, the Haruka Express Train is best.
Cost Adult 2,500 Yen; Child 1,250 Yen
 

Schedule and Ticket Information
 
Express Train (Haruka)
 

After arriving at Kansai International Airport, you must go to the JR Train Station located just across from Kansai Airport’s main building. From the 2nd floor cross a bridge that connects to the JR Station. If you don’t have much luggage (two big suitcases per person) then this is the fastest and most convenient way to travel to Kyoto Station. It’s possible to book Green Car (first class) seats, but apart from their being a little more spacious, the seats aren’t that much different than the Ordinary Cars. All seats in the train are non-smoking. If you want to be certain you have seats, then I’d purchase the Ordinary Class reserved seats. In the event the train is packed, you would still have seats. However, the train rarely reaches full capacity.
 

Fares (one-way)
 
Green Car
Reserved 4,220 Yen
 
Ordinary Car
Non-Reserved 2,980 Yen
Reserved 3,480 Yen
 

Train Schedule Information
 
Kansai International Airport to Kyoto
 

Mode of Transport	Travel Time	Cost	Comfort Level	Description
Haruka Express Train	75-90 min.	Green Car 4,220 JPY Ordinary Car Reserved 3,490 JPY Non-Reserved 2,980 JPY	High	Direct transfer Kansai Airport to Kyoto Station
Limousine Bus	88-120 min.	Adult 2,500 Yen Child 1,250 Yen	Moderate	Direct transfer Kansai Airport to Kyoto Station
Shuttle Taxi	120 +　min.	Adult 3,500 Yen Child 1,750 Yen	Moderate	Direct transfer Kansai Airport to hotel etc.

 

 
Independent vs. Company Taxis
 

Independent Taxis
 

Taxis with 個人 are independent taxi drivers who work for themselves. For the most part they are good but their care and attention isn’t as standardized and consistent as organized taxi companies. The reason being, taxi companies are really strict when it comes to training drivers on how to treat patrons.
 

Company Taxis
 

Taxi companies provide a standardized and relatively high level of service for patrons, compared to most independent taxi drivers. Company drivers will literally bend over backwards for you. For example, MK Taxi has a unique door service policy. Most taxis have the “magic door” (automatic taxi doors), but MK taxi drivers literally slide/jump across the front seat to open the door for the customer on the other side of the car. Small touches like these let you know you are in the hands of service professionals with little white gloves.

 

Two of the better taxi companies in Kyoto are MK (heart logo) and Yasaka (clover logo).

 

Taxi Fare System
 

 

Basically, the fare depends on a confusing mixture of distance, time and size of taxi. If you look closely at the window of the back door on the left side, then you’ll see a small sticker similar to this one. For example, this sticker indicates it is 630 Yen anywhere within 2 kilometers and roughly 80 Yen for every 394 metres traveled. However, the deceptive part is that this fare price (distance and time) is only if the taxi were to continue without any stops. It is virtually impossible to get anywhere without encountering a stop light in Kyoto, so the metre continues to run no matter what. I suggest using this fare price as a generalization only. Together with distance and time, the size of the car also matters.
 

In Japanese, the size of the taxi is represented by these two characters on the sticker.
 

「小」 small

「中」 mid-size
 
The small taxi can fit up to 4 passengers (3-back; 1-front). The mid-sized taxi can fit up to 5 persons (3-back; 2-front). Of course this all depends on the size of each individual passenger. Naturally the mid-size taxi costs more, so if you have 4 passengers or less keep a look out for 「小」and the fare will be a little cheaper.
 

Credit Cards
 

Credit cards are usually accepted by MK and Yasaka Taxi. However, I found many other taxis either didn’t have credit card service or had no idea how to use the credit card machine. An easy way to figure out if the taxi accepts credit cards is to have a quick look at the same area the fare is indicated. You should also be able to see a list of credit cards. If there are none, the taxi probably doesn’t accept credit cards. In any case, try using your best gestures or actually show the driver the credit card to confirm with the driver.

 

Taxi Availability
 

As in most countries a small taxi lamp on the roof etc. indicates a taxi’s availability. In the evening, it is the same as in most countries. When lit, the little symbol on top of the taxi indicates in service and out of service when dim. There are also another indicator in the front window with either a blue or red sign. The blue sign 賃走 means it’s unavailable and the red 空車 means available. Day or night, look for these indicators in the front window.
 

 

 

 

Finding Your Destination With a Phone Number
 

Similar to anywhere else, there are well-known and lesser known places in Kyoto. However, I’ve noticed there can be a noticeable information gap with both Independent Taxi and Company Taxi drivers. To ensure you arrive at the right place, I suggest a very useful tactic. Most taxis are outfitted with GPS systems and they are able to find a place by inputting a phone number or actually phone the destination to confirm its location.

 

Riding etiquette
 

Tipping
 

There is no formal custom of tipping in Japan. However, taxi drivers and other service industry worker’s (hotels, restaurants etc.) wages are very low. Also, the 10% service charge added into prices is not passed on to the staff. In most cases, taxi drivers will take tips when offered, so don’t worry about embarrassing them. If you want to tip, then tip.
 

Automatic Doors
 

In a blink of an eye, the door is open for you. Believe me, it takes a little getting used to but the left back door opens automatically. Please do not open or close it. The driver has a magic lever next to him and will gladly open and close the door for you. Also, it’s inconvenient but the right door is typically locked and the driver will direct you to the left side. The reasoning is to keep customers out of danger from walking out into traffic on the right side.
 

Receipt: Life Saver
 

Taxi drivers usually give you a receipt and it has their name along with other details on it. I would hold on to the receipt, especially in the case you have mistakenly forgotten your wallet, camera or any other articles in the taxi. This happens from time to time, but Japanese drivers are pretty honest. At the Hyatt, drivers routinely returned credit cards, wallets, and phones. Lost articles usually are sent to a general lost & found for taxis, but retrieving the articles can sometimes take a week, so knowing the driver’s details will ensure a prompt return if found.
 

The Line-up
 

I heard an amazing statistic. Kyoto has the most taxis per capita in the world. This is evident when you stroll down the main street of Shijo in the evening. It’s impossible to miss the the endless line of taxis. When you see taxis lined up at major places (train stations, temples etc.) you must use the taxi at the beginning of the line. You may ask yourself which one is it? Usually the first taxi has its door open, beckoning you. When you are simply walking down the street, then you can hail a taxi as would anywhere else.
 

◊ Pictures from Greg Koch

 

 
Japan is known for its extensive and convenient rail network. This is evident looking at the Shinkansen (bullet train) or Tokyo’s impressive rail network. In Kyoto though, city planning and other factors have created a situation where trains tend to be more expensive and less convenient alternatives. That is why I recommend the bus in most cases.
 
Exceptions arise during the high season though. In autumn and spring, traffic routes in areas such as Higashiyama become paralyzed and bring buses and taxis to a standstill. During these periods, a mixture of walking and subway lines will come in handy.
 

Subway Logo

 

Karasuma and Tozai Subway Lines

 

Regular Subway Fare
 

Adults: 210-340 Yen

Children: 110-170 Yen
 

Bus/Subway Pass (two in one)
 
 

Fare Type	One Day Pass	Two Day Pass
Adult	1,200 Yen	2,000 Yen
Child	600 Yen	1,000 Yen

 

Usually, there is a separate machine (yellow) located next to the regular subway ticket machine (pink) that sells the two in one card. It should have a picture something like this:

 

Similar to the bus pass, a date will be printed on the back of the card after you validate the card by inserting into the ticket slot of the machine at the front of the bus or ticket gates at the subway station

 

Purchasing a Regular Ticket

 

You will see a map of various fares listed above the ticket machines. Since the machines are usually in Japanese, simply look at your destination and coinciding fare. Match that fare with the one you need that’s listed on the touch screen and push it. These are all adult fares.

 

In the case of a child fare, there are buttons that run along the upper left side with pictures of Adults (Blue) Children (Pink). If you don’t have coins, use a 1,000 Yen bill and insert it into the slot located directly to the left of the coin slot.
 

For anything over 1,000 Yen you will probably have to make change at the office. The red button marked “Cancel” can be used anytime there is a problem and it will refund whatever money you put in. The station office also has maps and useful subway guides in English/Japanese.
 

 
◊ Information referenced from 京都市情報館 Kyoto City Web Website

 
All Day Bus Pass (Inner City)
 

Adult 500 Yen
Child 250 Yen
 

Bus Map
 
This Bus Map (perfect for tablets and smartphones) lists most of the main routes, but not every single one. Paper copies can be found at a number of hotels, ryokan, and other accommodations as well as Kyoto City Information Centres such as:
 
JR Kyoto Station Building 2nd Floor
Hours of Operation: 8:30-19:00 (all year round)
Telephone: 075-343-6655
 

Bus Schedules
 
Unfortunately, at the moment there is yet to be any online schedules published in English, but every bus stop has a list of its scheduled buses. They are usually in Japanese, but colour coded. Just remember the “blue” column is for weekdays and “red” column for weekends and holidays. If you have a bus map, try matching up the Chinese characters on your map with the ones written on the schedule at the bus stop.
 

Note: Unlimited use on day of validation (very first bus until last bus) but Arashiyama, Sagano, Takao, Shugakuin etc. are outside of allocated zone (Inner City); must pay extra for these.
 

Payment
 

Drop the fare into the opening at the top of the fare box next to the driver. If you have a bus card, please insert the card into the slot the bus driver directs you to. The first time you insert your card there will be a date printed on the back of it. After that you can simply show the bus driver the date on the back of the card, instead of inserting the card every time. You can purchase the bus pass from the bus driver. In Japanese「一日乗車券」”ichinichi jyoshaken” which means a “one day pass.” You are also able to make change, but only for a 1,000 Yen bill or 500 Yen coin. The location of the slots may differ depending on the bus. However, there are little pictures next to the slots that indicate where to insert 1,000 Yen bills or 500 Yen coins. The bus driver will show you if assistance is necessary.

 

Entrance
 

Enter at back of bus (for ticket buses, please take a ticket). Usually there is no ticket and you pay at the front before getting off.
 

Disembarkation
 

The name of your destination might be announced or indicated at the front of the bus on an electronic board next to the driver on the upper left hand side.
 

 

It will probably be announced in Japanese, so I recommend keeping a look out for your stop. When you want to get off, press one of these buttons located throughout the bus. You will notice them immediately as they all light up when someone presses it.
 

Route & Bus Stops
 

Information about the route the bus will take is indicated by the bus number and main destination displayed on the front, back, and side of the bus near the door.

 

The bus stops at these signs
 

 
 

◊ Information referenced from 京都市情報館 Kyoto City Web Website
◊ Pictures from Greg Koch and logos/graphic images from 京都市情報館 Kyoto City Web Website

 

If I didn’t know better, the original imperial founders of Heian-kyo (794-1184) established Kyoto with bicycles in mind, since the city happens to be conveniently laid out for bicycles. Once you get used to the grid-like structure of Kyoto and become acquainted with main streets etc., you’ll find it is quite easy to find most of the main temples and other tourist destinations.
 

Basic Rules

 

In general, pedestrians are supposed to use the sidewalk and bicycles travel along the road unless signs specify otherwise. However, the reality is you’ll probably find yourself in a situation where lines of demarcation are blurred and you’ll have to follow your instincts rather than the signs.

 

Contrary to rules of the road in many other countries you will find most cyclists ride on the sidewalk. According to traffic rules cyclists are allowed on the sidewalk when signs are posted.

 

Signs Designating Bicycles on Sidewalk

 

Bicycle lanes on the sidewalk will usually be distinguishable by a sign or other mark. In Kyoto, bicycle lanes are located on the side closest to the road, so they can be on either your left or right-hand side. For example, sometimes you’ll see a red or brownish colour path.

 

 

 

Sometimes lanes will not be visible at first glance. The picture above is one such case. Even if you realise it’s a bicycle path, chances are you’ll still have to navigate around the pedestrians who don’t. In any case, the lane for bicycles will always be located on the side closest to the road, even though you will quite regularly see pedestrians walking in the bicycle lane.

 

Traffic Law Violations
 
◊ Riding against traffic is forbidden (ride on left side)
◊ Doubling (two persons on one bicycle)
◊ Riding side by side (single file only)
◊ Riding without a light turned on at nighttime
◊ Riding under influence of alcohol
◊ Riding while holding an umbrella (usually not enforced)
◊ Helmets must be worn by children(13 and under)
◊ Give way to pedestrians

 

Note: These are all offenses that are punishable under the law, however many times police turn a blind eye to most of these infractions and will probably let most offenses go with a simple warning (exception is alcohol). Just use common sense when you ride and know what the law of the land is.

 

Manners & Etiquette
 
◊ Ride on side closest to road (in general but use commonsense)
◊ Give older Japanese cyclists more time
◊ Get off and push in event of many pedestrians
◊ Use your bell to alert pedestrians to your presence (when bicycling on sidewalk)
 
Watch Out For
 
◊ Bicyclists riding against traffic and directly in your path
◊ Pedestrians (bicyclist is always in the wrong in case of accident)
◊ Bicyclists not obeying traffic lights
◊ Turning blind corners (oncoming reckless bicyclists)
◊ Pedestrians/Bicyclists not paying attention (earphones in ears; using cellphones)

 

Parking
 
At most major temples and sightseeing spots there should be areas for bicycles to park. Some will charge a fee while others will be free. I would advise searching for a designated bicycle parking area to avoid any misunderstandings. The major parking areas are as follow.
 
5 Main Parking Areas (200 Yen/day to use one or all)

 

1.Kiyomizuzaka
2.Arashiyama
3.Ginkakuji
4.Okazaki Park
5.Nijo Castle
 

View Kyoto: Main Bicycle Parking Areas in a larger map
 

Avoid
 
Keep a look out for these signs. They are visible around most train stations and other main thoroughfares. Trucks hired by the city usually go around and impound bicycles parked in these prohibited zones. If your bicycle is impounded, you will have to pay a fine of 2,300 Yen to get your bicycle back.
 

 

Off-Limits
 
In general, most covered arcades are off-limits to bicycles unless you dismount and push it. However, you’ll probably find most people disobey this rule. Popular downtown areas tend to be more strictly enforced though. More specifically, covered arcades such as Nishiki Market; Teramachi; Shinkyogoku are off-limits. Also, Kawaramachi Street running north/south between Sanjo to Shijo Street is off-limits. In addition, the section of Shijo Street running east/west between Karasuma Street and just before the Shijo Bridge are typically no bicycle zones. You will see other people riding their bicycles, but make no mistake, it’s against the law and police may stop you if they catch you.
 

View Off-Limit Bicycle Areas in a larger map
 

Rentals
 
Kyoto Cycling Tour Project (KCTP)
 
Company Philosophy
 
Judging from the name, it sounds more like a university project rather than a company. However, KCTP is unique in that it has meshed an entrepreneurial spirit with a social initiative to promote bicycle culture in Kyoto. Though you may see a plethora of bicycles on the streets of Kyoto, bicycle culture is still a work in progress. What I mean by this, is a the mindset of incorporating bicycles into the urban planning of Kyoto city, much along the lines as the Netherlands. For example, providing more bicycle paths or specially designated bicycle lanes along with incentives for people to use a bicycle as opposed to other modes of transport. It is to this end that KCTP is trying to promote bicycles and a new bicycle culture by working with Kyoto municipal government authorities.
 

In the past few years, Kyoto City has provided more parking areas for bicycles and low-cost rental bicycle ports citizens can use. These are but a few measures, however KCTP has been very strategic in facilitating these measures, and I have no doubt they will continue to influence future policies related to bicycles.
 

Bicycle Types
 

Bicycles range from 1,000-2,000 Yen/day to rent. They have three categories of bicycles broken down into Comfort, Mountain, and MiniVelo. Within each category they are reduced further into Standard and High (Special) Class.
 

Bicycle Types

 

Length of Rental
 

Daily 9:00-19:00
 

Insurance
 

◊ Extra 500 Yen insurance that covers theft and flat tires etc.
◊ Accident Insurance is not included in rental cost
 

Extras
 

◊ 400 Yen extra fee if bicycle is returned to a shop other than original shop designated upon rental
◊ Bicycles impounded due to illegal parking are the responsibility of the renter and additional costs of 3,300 Yen or more will be added (costs to return bicycle)
 

Tours
 

Of course you are able to explore Kyoto by yourself on a bicycle. However, you can also decide to arrange a tour and choose 1 of any 6 tours KCTP offers (KCTP Tour Packages).
 
Tours usually start at 9:15-9:30 am and run till about 17:30. They are generally divided into:
 

half-day (short course) 3 hours
full day (long course) around 7 hours
 

Price
 

Related to number of people and length of tour. The more people you have, the cheaper it becomes. Accident insurance is included in the tour price.
 
 

Locations
 

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◊ Information referenced from KCTP Homepage