Transportation - Taxi

 Surely, city buses are convenient, but taxis are a great way to get around when you have a lot of luggage, when you're tired of walking, or when you can't wait anymore. 

 Now, to take a taxi, you can find a taxi rank near a train station, temple, or shrine. Also, if an empty taxi is running around the city, raise your hand to stop it. If you have a lot of luggage, ask the driver to open the trunk in the back. If you tell him "Big bag!" showing your bag, he will notice and open the trunk. Now, once you've boarded, you have to tell him where you're going. However, I don't recommend showing the map on a smartphone. Many of the drivers are elderly, and they can't see small map. Therefore it's a good idea to have a notebook and a magic pen ready. If you want to get off before you reach the destination, and to tell him to stop, please say "Cocoa day stop, please". "Cocoa" means “here”, and "day" means “at”. You can also say "Cocoa day OK".

 Though Kyoto is a world-class tourist destination, unfortunately there are not many cashless taxis. Make sure you have cash on hand. Luckily the taxi meter in Kyoto is displayed in units of 100 yen, so there is no need for fine coins. It is recommended to always have a number of 1,000 yen bills and 100 yen coins. No tipping required. You only need to pay the amount indicated on the meter. There are occasions when you get out of a taxi and want the driver to wait for you. In such a case, say ”Cocoa day mat eight eight, please". This does not mean 8 minutes. Japanese sound "mat eight eight" asks some to wait.  Similar sound is “mat tea tea”. This is also OK. Of course, you must pay a waiting fee, be careful.

Finally, if you want to thank the driver, you can use "Thank you". But if you want to communicate in Japanese, it is "Door more early gut all". ="Thank you very much".

Transportation - Subway

 Well, the next means of transportation is the subway. Kyoto's subway lines are cross-shaped. It is a line that connects directly north of Kyoto Station to the International Conference Center, and a line that extends east and west from Karasuma Oike station.

In order to get on the subway, you need to buy a ticket. A large route map is posted above the ticket vending machine at the station, and the fare from the current location to the destination station is displayed. Check it and buy a ticket at the ticket machine. Credit cards are not accepted. After buying a ticket, insert it at the ticket gate. It will come out soon, so don't forget to take it. When you arrive at the desired station, insert the ticket again at the ticket gate. It will not come out this time, so please do not make a mistake. After all, it is very convenient to have the ICOCA introduced earlier. You don't need to buy a ticket, just hold up your ICOCA at the ticket gate. There are many subway trains, and you will not have to wait more than 10 minutes. In addition, it is not affected by traffic jams like buses and taxis. In addition, there is a display on the platform that shows how close the next train is to you, so you will be less stressed. In the past, there was only one line from north to south, the Karasuma Line, but now there is an East-west line that changes at Karasuma Oike, making it much more convenient to travel around Kyoto City. If you set a sightseeing course that uses the subway many times, your time performance will improve. At that time, you can make good use of the one-day ticket, if you have. The subway seats are soft and comfortable to sit on. Be careful not to doze off and oversleep.

Transportation - Friendly bus stop

 There are about 700 bus stops in Kyoto city as of 2019. As for the number of buses, there are about 800 buses, all of which are idling stop functioned vehicles. (2023) If you know this, there is no reason not to use the bus. Also, the current stop is very friendly.

 In addition to timetables and the main stops on the route, there are also useful features that indicate that a bus is approaching. If you know when the bus is coming, it will make a big difference in your mood. In addition, the bus you want to take may be super full, but if you know that a bus with the same number will come right after, you can pass that bus comfortably.

Many bus stops have roofs to keep out rain and sun. There are also benches at some stops. You can feel the consideration of that "the city did everything it could for tourists from the world." Instead of waiting for the bus with frustration, let's travel with a "relaxed mind" and an open mind!

Transportation - Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass

 ICOCA can be used not only in Kyoto but also everywhere, and can be used not only for transportation but also for all kinds of shopping and dining.

On the other hand, if limited to Kyoto alone, and only the subway or bus, there is even more convenient ticket. It's Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass.

 You can ride the subway or bus as many times as you like on the day you buy it. The price is 1,100 yen for adults and 550 yen for children, and you can buy it at the bus information desk or at the subway station window. Vending machine for it is also available.

You can buy it even from the driver on the bus. In this case, be careful because it may be sold out.

Only when you get on the bus for the first time with this ticket, insert the 1-day pass into the card slot in the fare box. The date is printed on the back. From the second ride, please show the driver the date printed on the back. Inserting is not needed.

When getting on and off the subway, please pass your 1-day ticket through the outlet of the automatic ticket gate. Only the first ride, date will be printed on it. From the next time onwards, it is OK if you put it in the ticket gate normally. Don't forget to take the 1-day pass that comes out.

It is a must-use on the day when you want to visit many places in Kyoto.

In addition, if you have this ticket, you can receive various special benefits at shrines and temples, cultural facilities, restaurants, baggage storage, etc. For example, the entrance fee to Nijo Castle is discounted by 100 yen.

Transportation - ICOCA card - "Kyoto ICOCA?" means ...

  With ICOCA card, you don't have to prepare the fare every time you use the bus, subway, or JR train. Simply tap your card on the reader when you exit a city bus, or hold it over the ticket gate when boarding the subway or JR trains. While you can't check your balance on the bus, rest assured that the balance will be displayed at the ticket gate for subways and JR. For added convenience, there's a smartphone app available that allows you to check the balance of any IC card, making it a must-have for your travels.

 You can easily purchase an ICOCA card at vending machines located in JR stations. If you're getting an ICOCA card for a child, just remember to bring their passport to the counter. For adults, the card costs 2,000 yen, with a 500 yen refund available upon return, meaning you'll start with a balance of 1,500 yen. You can return the card at vending machines or even at Tokyo Station, regardless of where you purchased it.

Please note that purchases and recharges can only be made with cash—credit cards are not accepted. You can conveniently recharge your ICOCA card at vending machines in subway stations or JR lines.

Fun fact: the name "ICOCA" translates to "Shall we go?" in Japanese. So, when you say "Kyoto ICOCA?", you're essentially asking, "Shall we go to Kyoto?" Give it a try!

Transportation - Kyoto City bus - Spell words that open the way in the bus = “Olive Mouse”

  Let's explore the various transportation options available for navigating the beautiful city of Kyoto! Whether you're hopping on the subway, catching a bus, or taking a taxi, there are plenty of ways to get around. For those who prefer a bit more freedom, renting a car or a bicycle is also an option. However, don't underestimate the charm of walking—especially in a city bustling with tourists, sometimes strolling through the streets can be the most efficient way to soak in the sights.

To kick things off, let’s dive into the city bus system, today.

While buses are a popular choice, they can get quite crowded. If you're traveling with a suitcase or a large backpack, it might be best to opt for the subway or a taxi to avoid inconveniencing fellow passengers. When you're on a packed bus and approaching your stop, try to move towards the front in advance. Remember, when boarding a Kyoto City Bus, enter through the central door and exit through the front door.

However, there may be times when the bus is so crowded that moving is a challenge. In such cases, after pressing the “Get off” button, simply say “OLIMAS,” which means “I’m going to get off.” This will prompt those around you to clear a path, and the driver will wait for you. If that phrase feels tricky, don’t worry! Just say “Olive Mouse” loudly—its sound is quite similar to “OLIMAS,” and it will have the same effect.

Now, let’s talk about fares. As of now, the cost to ride the bus is 230 yen for adults and 120 yen for children aged 6 to 11. Children under 5 can ride for free when accompanied by a parent. Make sure to calculate your fare beforehand and drop the exact amount into the fare box, as the current machines do not provide change. However, you can exchange money at the fare box, so it’s best to have the correct amount ready. Excitingly, new machines that will give change are set to be installed soon!