Best transportation mode in Kyoto to see famous sites in 2 days?

If you have limited time, hiring a taxi for the day is the most efficient way to explore Kyoto. If you prefer an active option, renting a bicycle is great in spring and autumn. Avoid buses due to extreme congestion, and use trains only when necessary.

General Information

Kyoto is one of the most visited cities in Japan, known for its historic temples, shrines, and traditional streets. The city offers a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, trains, and taxis. Buses are the most widely used mode of transport for tourists, as they connect nearly all major attractions. Visitors can purchase a Kyoto City Bus & Subway Pass, which allows unlimited travel within designated areas for one or two days. However, due to high tourist numbers, buses can be overcrowded, leading to long wait times and delays, especially near popular sites.

Recommended Transport Based on Travel Style

• For Maximum Efficiency: Private taxi or day rental taxi
• For Budget Travelers: A combination of local trains and walking
• For Active Travelers: Bicycle rental (ideal for spring and autumn)
• For Families with Kids or Elderly Travelers: Taxi or private car hire

Best Transport for Different Schedules

• Half-Day Visit: Taxi to cover key sites quickly
• One Full Day: Rent a bicycle for exploring at your own pace
• Two-Day Stay:
  • Day 1: Hire a taxi for major sites (Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari Taisha)
  • Day 2: Walk through Higashiyama and Gion, using occasional taxis

Cost Comparison

• Taxi (Full Day Hire): ¥30,000–¥40,000 (~$200–$270, €180–€250) → If shared among 4 people, around ¥7,500–¥10,000 per person ($50–$67, ~€45–€63)
• Regular Taxi Rides: ¥1,000–¥2,500 per ride (~$7–$17, ~€6–€15) → Splitting the fare among passengers reduces costs
• Bicycle Rental: ¥1,000–¥2,000 per day (~$7–$13, ~€6–€12)
• Bus & Train Pass:
  • Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass: ¥700 (~$5, ~€4)
  • Kyoto City Bus & Subway One-Day Pass: ¥1,100 (~$7.5, ~€7)
  • Kyoto City Bus & Subway Two-Day Pass: ¥2,000 (~$13, ~€12)

Seasonal Considerations

• Spring (Cherry Blossom) & Autumn (Maple Leaves): Buses are extremely crowded. Cycling is pleasant, but taxis are hard to find during peak hours.
• Summer (Hot & Humid): Avoid cycling. Taxis with air-conditioning are the best option.
• Winter (Cold & Occasional Snow): Trains and taxis are better than buses, as buses may be delayed.

Tourist Feedback & Common Opinions

• Positive:
  • "Cycling in Kyoto during autumn was magical! The cool weather made it easy to ride around temples."
  • "Hiring a taxi made our trip stress-free. The driver even gave us great recommendations! Taxis can also access small streets where buses cannot go, and they can stop right in front of many shrines, making sightseeing much more convenient."
• Negative:
  • "Waiting for buses took forever! We had to skip three buses because they were too full."
  • "Walking from train stations to temples took longer than expected."

Unexpected Issues & Downsides

• Taxis can be fully booked, especially in peak seasons.
• Some temple areas are not bike-friendly due to stairs and steep slopes.
• Kyoto’s public transport is not as convenient as in Tokyo.

Additional Travel Tips

• Reserve taxis in advance.
• Use Google Maps to check real-time bus crowd levels.
• Plan your route around train stations if avoiding taxis.
• Consider e-bikes if regular bicycles seem too tiring.