Order Your JRPass
Back to Using the Japan Rail Pass

JR Pass valid for Kyoto Subway?

ifigma
ifigma
over 11 years ago
9 responses

HI. I'll like to ask if the JR Pass is valid for Kyoto Subway (Karasuma Line and Tozai Line).
http://www.infomapjapan.com/images/map/Kyoto-train-subway.pdf

Here's my itinerary for Kyoto

Day1 (I'll ony arrive at Kyoto at about 1pm)
Kinkakuji
Nijo Castle

Day2
Ginkakuji
Philosopher's Path
Nanzenji
Kodaiji
Kiyomizudera
Sanjusangendo
Fushimi Inari Shrine

Day3
Monkey Park
Togetsukyo Bridge
Tenryuji
Bamboo Groves
Jojakkoji
Gioji
Saga-Toriimoto Street
Otagi Nenbutsuji
Daikakuji

Day4 (Only half day before I move on to Nara)
Kyoto Station
Porta Underground

Shopping Mall
The CUBE

Kyoto Tower
Shin Kyogoku Shopping Arcade

Nishiki Market*

If not what do you recommend I do?
Should I get a Kyoto Sightseeing Pass? Will it be worth it?
If so, then should I get a 1 or 2 day pass?
Because I'm heading up to Arashiyama area on Day3 so will I be able to utitise it or not?
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/img/basunabieigo-omote.pdf
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/img/basunabieigo-rosenn.pdf

By the way my hotel is near Shijo station.

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
over 11 years ago
Expert

Hi There!

That looks like a really nice and well researched trip!
Unfortunately you can't use the JRPass in Kyoto for Local transport (Bus, Metro etc).
The Kyoto Sightseeing pass offers really good value for you, as you can use it for both the Subway and Bus and also gives you small discounts on local attractions. So I would recommend that you get the 2-day pass for day 2 and 3.
In Kyoto I think the best way to get around is by bus but for your last day you could consider an all day Metro ticket only, they are 600 Yen and can be bought at any ticket machine.
Also if the weather is nice consider renting a bicycle, Kyoto is not that big and it's easy to get around by bicycle. I have found some really amazing places there just by cycling around.

Here's a website that gives a good overview of how to get around in Kyoto
http://www.japanguidebook.com/travel/getting-around-kyoto-53.html

Good luck with you trip!
-Daniel

ifigma
ifigma
9 posts
over 11 years ago

Just want to double check, both the Kyoto Sightseeing Pass and the all day Metro ticket you mention can be bought at any train station at Kyoto right? So there's no need to pre-order the ticket like the JR pass right?

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
over 11 years ago
Expert

You can buy the Metro all day pass at any metro station in and around Kyoto. As for the Kyoto Sightseeing Pass you can buy them at any Tourist Information Centre. There is no need to make any pre-order or reservation for them.

Also, if at any point something is not clear or you require help with something the Tourist Information Centre in Kyoto station is very friendly and helpful. You can buy the pass there as well!

Hope it helps!
-Daniel

renita
renita
6 posts
over 7 years ago

Hi Dan,

Thanks. Last question before I leave for India.

I am leaving from Kyoto today. Will be taking the bullet train back to Tokyo. I will be staying at APA Hotel Ginza-Takaracho. Can you please let me know, how to get about there from Tokyo station.

Also, where can I buy stuff from Tokyo - souvenirs, Japanese Kit Kat, cool gadgets? my last few hours in Japan.

Thank you so much for your help.

Renita

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
over 7 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

Ginza is close to Tokyo station. You could walk from Tokyo station, although it will be faster to use the JR Yamanote line to Yukarucho station and walk 5min from there to Ginza.

Airports have tons of stuff like this, so you can just buy it there. Alternatively Akihabara is great for last minute shopping lots of gadgets and there are tourist shops around as well.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

renita
renita
6 posts
over 7 years ago

Thank you so much :-)


Looking for more information? Search the forum

Select Category

Instant Quote

Starting from $343.00 for 7 days of unlimited Japan Rail travel

Can’t find the answer?

Learn from over 17329 questions about the Japan Rail Pass, or ask our Japan Rail travel experts

Ask Question

Get pocket Wifi in Japan

Get pocket Wifi in Japan

Visit us on Facebook

Get inspired for your visit to Japan by following us on Instagram and don't forget your own shots once you are there.


Find out where to buy the japan rail pass online.

Order your JRPass Now!

We have special prices for children and great first class options. See all tickets or see our range of Regional Passes