Kyoto's Public Transport Options for First-Time Travelers

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 5. 06. 2024
  • It's always intimidating to take public transport in a new city. But with this video, it shall be no more.
    The video will provide insights on how to travel around Kyoto using it's rather efficient public transport system and do it on the cheap. If you are visiting Kyoto for the first time, this is the only one video you'll ever need...on transport.
    Kyoto City's official bus & subway travel map(JA/EN/zh-CN/KO): www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/kotsu/w...
    00:00 Intro
    01:44 General Info and Overall Strategy
    02:55 The ICOCA Card and How to Get One
    05:06 The Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass and Where to Buy Yours
    07:07 The Ultimate Hack for Buying Your Pass
    08:32 Getting around Kyoto with your ICOCA
    10:04 Detailed Guide on How to Use the 1-Day Pass
    14:06 Summary

Komentáře • 407

  • @greentea27
    @greentea27 Před 10 měsíci +159

    Non-essential but additional information for those going to Kyoto:
    1) Underground train does NOT equal subway in Japan. Make sure the station says "Subway" (地下鉄) to use the Subway & Bus One Day Pass. In Kyoto, there are the Hankyu & Keihan Railways (privately owned and separate from Kyoto subway) which operates trains in underground sections. (You can always use the IC-card or buy tickets to ride them)
    2) For those traveling from Tokyo, Suica or Pasmo cards can be also used like Icoca. In fact, IC-cards of Kyushu, Osaka & Kyoto (Kansai), Nagoya, Tokyo, and Sapporo are inter-compatible (Kitaka, Icoca, Pitapa, Toica, Manaca, Suica, Pasmo, Nimoca, Sugoka, Hayakaken).
    3) IC-cards can only be charged using cash in most cases, so make sure to always carry cash.
    4) Trams in Kyoto are private companies, and are not covered by Subway & Bus One Day Pass.
    5) Many varieties of tickets & passes are offered by different companies. So if you are a more experienced traveller to Kyoto, it may be useful to search for value tickets (free pass) depending on your destinations (and the transportation company that covers that area).
    *Commuter pass in Japan refers to 定期券, used for commute to job or school. These One-Day pass and such are often referred to as "Free pass" or "Free ticket" (フリーパス・フリーきっぷ), as you are free to ride within the set section, or as value tickets.
    *Kyoto is experiencing over-tourism and overcrowding especially on buses. Please use the subway and other mass-transit (mostly rail) options for sections of travel if available.

    • @Will_Zhao
      @Will_Zhao  Před 10 měsíci +20

      That's great great addition to this topic! Especially the first point. Not a lot of people will tell you about this, but it got me so very confused when I arrived in Osaka, everything was 'xxx line' and there's no easy way to tell them apart, e.g. the Osaka Loop Line is, in fact, JR! I was going to talk a little bit about it in a coming video but you beat me to it 😆

    • @Will_Zhao
      @Will_Zhao  Před 10 měsíci +2

      And I grew up in an era where Japan was allegedly all about 'densha'. I ended up didn't find any during my trip, but was instead greeted by every other train disguised as underground.

    • @TheMihaiMarinescu
      @TheMihaiMarinescu Před 10 měsíci

      Just one question: how do I know if I can use only IC, if I can use IC and a ticket or if I need to buy a ticket (I do not use IC at all)?

    • @Will_Zhao
      @Will_Zhao  Před 10 měsíci +3

      ​@@TheMihaiMarinescu you don't 😂 it'll take research beforehand to know

    • @TheMihaiMarinescu
      @TheMihaiMarinescu Před 9 měsíci

      ​@@Will_Zhao😂😂😂 Nice!!!!!

  • @UzumakiHarutoJP
    @UzumakiHarutoJP Před 10 měsíci +130

    This video is incredible... I don't think I've ever come across a video about Japan with as much in-detail, obscure hard to find information like this one before... I'm eternally grateful that you did all this research, and while I won't be going to Kyoto, from watching this video I still feel more prepared in general when going to Japan for the first time, as I've never ridden on public transport before at all (except school buses), so thank you! It definitely takes away some of the unknown factors and what-ifs

  • @DaanPreijde
    @DaanPreijde Před 24 dny +2

    Best tip I can give anyone is to rent a bicycle in Kyoto. (Yes, I'm Dutch)
    1) You are not limited by public transport routes and timetables.
    2) It will only cost you about 1000 yen a day.
    3) You're able to see parts of the city you wouldn't see by public transport.
    4) Cycling is fun and a great exercise!

  • @washaa
    @washaa Před 10 měsíci +12

    Renting a bike was my favourite way to see Kyoto back in 2017

  • @pumpkinhill4570
    @pumpkinhill4570 Před 9 měsíci +47

    Also if you’re coming from Tokyo and have a Suica or Pasmo card already, you can just keep using that card. It should work and be rechargeable everywhere an Icoca card is. All the major cards across the entire country are interoperable.

    • @linkndark
      @linkndark Před 8 měsíci +3

      Thank you, I was missing that information from the video. Let me add another hint to IC cards: Owners of Apple iPhones can simply use the integrated IC card functionality (part of Apple Wallet app) and charge via credit card. So there is no need to buy a physical IC card. However, not all digital IC cards are compatible with every credit card. For example, I was only able to charge SUICA with my Master Card while my girlfriend was only able to charge ICOCA with her VISA (and not SUICA). Strangely a few days into our trip she no longer could charge the ICOCA with VISA, however, luckily at the same time SUICA was suddenly compatible with VISA. So don't panic if you encounter the same issue and just try another IC card.

    • @Trackers89
      @Trackers89 Před 6 měsíci +4

      Another tip to add to yours: If you're not near a rail or subway station, you can charge any IC card using 7/11 or Seven-Bank ATMs, though keep in mind they only accept banknotes, not coins. And I've read that you can also charge them at the cashier in any major convenience store by requesting an "IC Charge", though I haven't tested that out yet.

    • @mansijbiswas8768
      @mansijbiswas8768 Před 4 měsíci +1

      this is very helpful.

  • @kumbaga
    @kumbaga Před 8 měsíci +25

    gosh you edited the heck out of this like a powerpoint for us kids like a teacher would do. the kanji info is so helpful and the green bus

  • @JuanDavidDiazDuran
    @JuanDavidDiazDuran Před 7 měsíci +7

    Dude you literally made the ultimate transport guide. Incredible editing, information, and jokes. Keep doing this type of content 10/10

  • @tb8178
    @tb8178 Před 11 dny

    this is absolutely amazing for autistic people in eliminating uncertainty when you go through all the permutations. stellar

  • @Lonaticus
    @Lonaticus Před 3 měsíci +2

    ICOCA + JR West Pass was the combo I used. Former for inner Kyoto travel, latter for edge of city stuff like Arashiyama or Fushimi Inari and to other cities in the Kansai area.
    P.S. You can also just rent a bicycle. Kyoto is much friendlier to cyclists than Osaka or Tokyo.

  • @mysoulinletters6572
    @mysoulinletters6572 Před 10 měsíci +5

    I used Google Maps and no need to be confused by the maps in the station.
    A day pass is a savior.

    • @Will_Zhao
      @Will_Zhao  Před 10 měsíci +3

      Yes exactly, I also commented in the video that there is really no reason to use that map, Google Maps is so much more convenient and user-friendly.

    • @richardc4584
      @richardc4584 Před dnem

      I agree, transportation is much simpler, just use google map, it will tell you what train or bus to take with the time and price, very simple. I never look at the subway map.

  • @ZxSpectrumplus
    @ZxSpectrumplus Před 6 měsíci +1

    Just to share. Was there in April-May. For short distance in Kyoto (if I remember correctly, under 2km), taxi fares are reasonable. Won't be much more than bus. Just take can to nearest subway station etc or direct to location if they are nearby. Worth it for 2 people. If you have 3 or more people in the group, no brainer, just take a cab for short distance.

  • @YueWTravels
    @YueWTravels Před 10 měsíci

    Love the video! Great information and editing.

  • @LuciferMorningstar____
    @LuciferMorningstar____ Před 10 měsíci

    the video I needed. Thank you for the work put into this!

  • @CC-kl4nh
    @CC-kl4nh Před 4 měsíci

    Brilliantly simple. Simply brilliant.

  • @YoHo-dp8ps
    @YoHo-dp8ps Před 9 měsíci

    This is indeed helpful and explained so well… thank you for this!

  • @mrslia301
    @mrslia301 Před 10 měsíci +2

    This is such a great guide! Thank you so much for this! 😊

  • @leilanadunn975
    @leilanadunn975 Před 10 měsíci

    This video is super informative and sooo easy to understand - thank you!

  • @brendon408
    @brendon408 Před 4 měsíci +4

    I may have missed it in your video but for those who dont know Ioca cards can also be topped up at any 7 eleven using the payment machine at the front counters . You may be able to use a card to pay on those machines . I was in Kyoto for a couple of days over new years and used buses and subway and this video would have been very handy if I had seen it in advance . Thanks for the effort in producing it. I am currently an expat in Hiroshima so I am sure your advice will come in handy on future trips.

  • @felisenpai9625
    @felisenpai9625 Před 9 měsíci +3

    This VIDEO IS A MASTERPIECE on all of youtube

  • @SumitMangela
    @SumitMangela Před 10 měsíci

    you got yourself a new subscriber, keep making such informative and fun videos

  • @ParisaParis1
    @ParisaParis1 Před 9 měsíci

    Your video just saves my sanity! Thank you!!! ❤

  • @sarcasticsuz1483
    @sarcasticsuz1483 Před 10 měsíci

    Thank you so much. Practical help that us first timers need. 😊

  • @sahil0106
    @sahil0106 Před 10 měsíci

    This has been the most useful video I have seen on Japan! Thank you for the service good sir!

  • @Cnism248
    @Cnism248 Před 10 měsíci +34

    I rarely like videos but can't help but give it to you. Super spot-on guide with well-thought structure. I can only imagine how much time you spent on organizing the info and all the awkward moments. Love the voice and the humor as well. Look forward to your next videos, crossing my fingers that there would be one on Osaka.

  • @sydneycomstock5447
    @sydneycomstock5447 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Thank you for the detailed information! The visual aids of what it looks like and the step by step process of boarding and scanning/showing pass to the bus driver was really helpful.

  • @butcherbird1381
    @butcherbird1381 Před 10 měsíci

    Wait, this video is so good! I need a video like this for every foreign metro system. 🙏

  • @frozensnake1
    @frozensnake1 Před 10 měsíci +3

    I'm one minute into your video and I already liked and subbed. The quality of this video is amazing lol. I'll remember I was here before you hit 1 million subs. 🥂🥳 I'm going to Japan again soon and you really hit the confusion on point, luckily I made Japanese friends before going my first time. It helped a lot! Especially ordering all the delicious food Japan has. 🤤

  • @JastineJoyMartin
    @JastineJoyMartin Před 10 měsíci +4

    I usually have more questions in mind as I watch guides, but this answered some of the questions that I haven't initially thought of. Moreover, love the humor interlaced in it too. Thank you!

  • @Lola-de3wo
    @Lola-de3wo Před 10 měsíci +1

    I like your videos. Very informative.
    I was confused when I went to Kyoto, so next time I will buy the one day pass.

  • @ArrenHidalgo
    @ArrenHidalgo Před 8 měsíci

    This video is top-notch! Thank you! Now, I'm confident to roam around Kyoto on my visit next time.

  • @lukeplaysguitar
    @lukeplaysguitar Před 7 měsíci

    Sir, this is gold. Very helpful! thanks!

  • @fufu5068
    @fufu5068 Před 9 měsíci

    Perfection. This video describes exactly what I did when in Kyoto the first time in 2019. Glad nothing much has changed. Gonna go there again next month.

  • @ernieu4866
    @ernieu4866 Před 10 měsíci

    Very informative, this is what I am looking for my trip in late October... Please provide more videos for the rest of the Japan. Thank you

  • @sukritisethi7593
    @sukritisethi7593 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Your videos are incredible. Love the simple explanations. Thank you so much! You've made Osaka and Kyoto so easy to navigate for me. Please help with the mighty Tokyo as well 😂
    Great great stuff! Thanks a lot

  • @tokemon2
    @tokemon2 Před 10 měsíci +1

    Very helpful and cristal-clear explained, thank you so much for the effort sir👌🏻. I wish there was something like this for Osaka

  • @paulapopsickle7695
    @paulapopsickle7695 Před 10 měsíci +2

    The most informative video I've seen about how to get around Kyoto. You are amazing! Thank you for making this video!!! 🙏

  • @marcuslew523
    @marcuslew523 Před 10 měsíci

    Thank you for your detailed explanation!😀

  • @sylviaandgreg
    @sylviaandgreg Před 10 měsíci +2

    Thank you! I am headed to Kyoto soon and had no idea how confusing it could be had I not seen this video!

  • @laurentiusyudit2258
    @laurentiusyudit2258 Před 8 měsíci +1

    I really love how you explain the information, it will be very helpfull to me when visiting the Kyoto

  • @titaniumpancakes
    @titaniumpancakes Před 10 měsíci

    This is EXACTLY the kind of information I've been looking for {and all of the awkward scenarios I've had nightmares about haha.} Thank you so much!

  • @jambob169
    @jambob169 Před 10 měsíci

    This feels like it should be looped on interdimensional cable.
    Great stuff, very useful!

  • @annalepper457
    @annalepper457 Před 4 měsíci

    This is amazing, I hope you make more videos!

  • @hartr33
    @hartr33 Před 8 měsíci

    great information! looking forward to using your tips on our first trip in november.

  • @thejkatt
    @thejkatt Před 10 měsíci

    Wow this video is great! Of course I cane across it AFTER i just got back from Kyoto lol. Thank you so much for your time and research! I'll definitely apply this on my next trip there 😊

  • @graceyyun2745
    @graceyyun2745 Před 4 měsíci

    Thank you for the information! I’ll definitely be using the unlimited daily pass

  • @julie_teefs
    @julie_teefs Před 10 měsíci

    This video is amazing, thank you!!

  • @johnnytestchannel8731
    @johnnytestchannel8731 Před 4 měsíci +1

    Thank you for the in depth review! Love a good deal all the time! Will use suica or passmo with the one day pass as we are landing in Tokyo first.

  • @amy_1082
    @amy_1082 Před měsícem +1

    Most helpful and fun video I've seen in the many months of planning for our trip! Thank you SO much for your efforts!

  • @vanessale2422
    @vanessale2422 Před 10 měsíci +4

    Thank you so much for this video. I’ve been doing hours of research on how to navigate transportation for Kyoto but there’s always those gaps of where to buy it, how to use it, and which buses it’s applicable for. Definitely saving this video in my itinerary and sharing it with anyone that will go to Kyoto from now on!

  • @foxkocreates
    @foxkocreates Před 3 měsíci

    Fantastic video thanks mate. really appreciate it!

  • @catherinewong157
    @catherinewong157 Před 5 měsíci

    Thank you!Thank you! Thank you! I’m starting to understand. You are so clear and precise. Making my husband watch this

  • @vilyaaaaaa
    @vilyaaaaaa Před měsícem

    I’m going to Japan soon and that was very helpful.

  • @alma574
    @alma574 Před 6 měsíci

    You are amazing! I am looking for cost effective ways to travel around Japan and around the cities. Other videos skim over these things and aren't really helpful sometimes leaving you with more questions. You nailed it.

  • @guitar.travel
    @guitar.travel Před 7 měsíci

    so detailed and very informative guide for Kyoto public transportation's what and how.. also easy to understand. thanks

  • @i_vanni
    @i_vanni Před 9 měsíci +2

    Best video on internet about travel in Japan

  • @mistiqueookami
    @mistiqueookami Před 4 měsíci

    This video is the best! Thank you so much

  • @2393034
    @2393034 Před 2 měsíci

    this is an amazing video! wow. thank you.

  • @user-sm2cw2xp4r
    @user-sm2cw2xp4r Před 5 měsíci

    Your videos made me feel more confident about traveling in Japan

  • @julie-sophietremblay5774
    @julie-sophietremblay5774 Před 8 měsíci

    AMAZINGLY TRUE 😂 !!! Awesome job !!!

  • @jm3363
    @jm3363 Před 5 měsíci

    Entertaining and excellent content! 11 thumbs up!

  • @fabianfabian327
    @fabianfabian327 Před 2 měsíci

    thank you for making this video

  • @bonnietse378
    @bonnietse378 Před 10 měsíci +8

    You've done it again! Another well thought out, easy to understand video. I'm in osaka now. Your videos are so spot on for lost travelers like me!! Thank you. And your videos are also very humorous.

    • @Will_Zhao
      @Will_Zhao  Před 10 měsíci +1

      Thank you for the kind words! Enjoy your trip!

  • @taneunice5529
    @taneunice5529 Před 3 měsíci

    Great information!! Thank you!!

  • @eunicecheow
    @eunicecheow Před 7 měsíci

    Thank you. Am coming to Tokyo next month and Kyoto is in my itinerary 😊😊

  • @giorgia6770
    @giorgia6770 Před 5 měsíci

    Very useful video, thank you!

  • @Woolookologie
    @Woolookologie Před 10 měsíci

    Such a good video, thank you so much!

  • @diannechiu8986
    @diannechiu8986 Před 10 měsíci

    Fantastic guide 👍

  • @karikasumi888
    @karikasumi888 Před 2 měsíci

    Such great information. Thank you so much for the funny and informative video. I am traveling and am anxious person so this is so useful. 🌻🌌

  • @jackloh2534
    @jackloh2534 Před 8 měsíci

    Fantastic guide

  • @winoarcilla6049
    @winoarcilla6049 Před měsícem

    Wow, this is very helpful and fun to watch. Keep it up!
    You got yourself a new subscriber here and saying that, ima start watching ya other videos.

  • @chendu7918
    @chendu7918 Před 7 měsíci

    this youtube channel is a treasure

  • @harry556b
    @harry556b Před 8 měsíci

    Loved this video!

  • @LoveMadison
    @LoveMadison Před 10 měsíci +17

    This video just saved me so much time and confusion trying to figure out what transport pass to book. I literally just booked a week long trip to Osaka (3 days) and Kyoto (4 days) yesterday. I was in Kyoto for a 36 hours last year and loved it but just booked a two day jr west kansai pass but they don't have any 7 day options so I've been hesitating on what to book for my trip this week. You are a lifesaver, thank you for your service kind sir.

  • @JimMendenhall
    @JimMendenhall Před 8 měsíci

    Epic video!

  • @fviannaval
    @fviannaval Před 10 měsíci

    Excellent video, thank you!

  • @OliverSeiler-jm4tj
    @OliverSeiler-jm4tj Před 8 měsíci

    Thank you very much for this video!

  • @eri7367
    @eri7367 Před 7 měsíci

    for someone who loves Japan and memes, this video is just ✨chef's kiss!✨ very informative and so fun to watch 🤭👏🏻 thanks!

  • @widyaningrat
    @widyaningrat Před 2 měsíci

    Fantastic video! Thanks alot!

  • @rashannike2087
    @rashannike2087 Před 3 měsíci

    Great information. Thank you

  • @mikexbox1
    @mikexbox1 Před 10 měsíci +1

    I've only finished the intro and i'm already laughing haha liked and subbed :)

  • @dataprojectsviz6081
    @dataprojectsviz6081 Před 10 měsíci

    OMG, one of the most amazing videos!!

  • @Bagellatte
    @Bagellatte Před 10 měsíci

    😂 i’m going to save your video for my next Kyōto trip! 🎉tq for sharing!!! i followed your directions for the Sagano rail and my journey was as smooth as silk.. 😊

    • @Will_Zhao
      @Will_Zhao  Před 10 měsíci

      It makes me so happy hearing that, thank YOU for your feedback!

  • @ce2513
    @ce2513 Před 8 měsíci

    thank you. wish i had this when i went to kyoto earlier this year!

  • @jiggybugz9802
    @jiggybugz9802 Před 7 měsíci

    This is great! Thank you so much

  • @avijeetmohanty
    @avijeetmohanty Před měsícem

    Awesome Information ..... This is Spoon Feeding Pro Max ....

  • @Sashimi_luv
    @Sashimi_luv Před 9 měsíci

    great video! I'm saving it for my trip in a year

  • @ohlookitsalex
    @ohlookitsalex Před 9 měsíci +2

    I don't know if you get enough appreciation for your video edits, but they make this video all the more amazing. thank you for being so thorough & having a great taste in memes

    • @Will_Zhao
      @Will_Zhao  Před 9 měsíci +2

      Thank you for the kind words! I never thought I'd get such acknowledgement for my choice for meme but I was really happy that you guys liked it!

  • @raffaelae1020
    @raffaelae1020 Před 10 měsíci

    very useful! thank you!

  • @garysoh8470
    @garysoh8470 Před 11 dny

    This is so funny and I learned so quickly lol

  • @Reneming
    @Reneming Před 10 měsíci

    Wish you can do this to all major cities ❤ thanks for great info ❤

  • @tommyc7597
    @tommyc7597 Před 9 měsíci

    Thanks for the great video

  • @MisterWiriya
    @MisterWiriya Před 10 měsíci

    Wow. Very easy to understand. And yes. MEMEs! I like MEMEs! Thanks for made this, Mister.

  • @oliverseiler2871
    @oliverseiler2871 Před 10 měsíci

    Very very good video. Thank you very much! 😃👍🏻👍🏻❤

  • @riamaulida08
    @riamaulida08 Před 6 měsíci

    have no plan yet to visit Kyoto but I really enjoy your video. the editing is fun fyi 😂😂😂😂

  • @winniekwei3145
    @winniekwei3145 Před 10 měsíci

    Thank you, very clear 🎉

  • @SumedhPhadke
    @SumedhPhadke Před 10 měsíci

    Freaking legend! That's what you are...
    I am travelling in October... Really hope you make one for Osaka (Now I wish you had travelled to Tokyo as well)

  • @olivilla6960
    @olivilla6960 Před 10 měsíci

    OMG - YES!!!! i am putting together a complete itin for the family!!!

  • @yuilynne
    @yuilynne Před 8 měsíci

    This is a very helpful and great video! Would you also happen to have a guide for Osaka only?

  • @KENNETHFRANCISRODRIGUES
    @KENNETHFRANCISRODRIGUES Před 10 měsíci

    Lifesaver. Thank you

  • @twoshadesofochre
    @twoshadesofochre Před 10 měsíci +3

    This is so incredibly helpful! Thank you so much 😭🎉 I’ve been to Tokyo and Yokohama but not Kyoto and I’m currently researching before my trip next year. I’m going for an icoca card. I used the suica in Tokyo and found it made my life so easy.

    • @iaoshua
      @iaoshua Před 10 měsíci +3

      they are the same card. you can bring a suica from tokyo and it will work. there are many different ic cards

    • @twoshadesofochre
      @twoshadesofochre Před 10 měsíci

      @@iaoshua thanks!

    • @UzumakiHarutoJP
      @UzumakiHarutoJP Před 9 měsíci

      It might still be beneficial to have a second one, and you could sell your SUICA for profit cause of the shortage 🤣