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News

Helpful Tips for Spring Sightseeing in Kyoto

News

Helpful Tips for Spring Sightseeing in Kyoto

Kyoto City, as well as Kyoto City Tourism Association are working with local organizations to create a sustainable approach to tourism during the upcoming spring season. Our goal is to welcome the incoming visitors while ensuring that tourism remains in harmony with the daily life of citizens.
 
You can find the list of helpful information that you might want to know before your spring visit to Kyoto below. (Webpage is regularly updated)

On this page:

1. Travelling without burden

1.3. Baggage delivery service at Kyoto Tourist Information Center


2. Transportation and avoiding the crowds

2.1. Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass tickets
2.2. New express buses useful for sightseeing

 
3. Enjoying the season to its fullest

3.1. Kyoto Cherry Blossom Calendar
3.2. Spring illuminations and special opening events
3.3. "Haru no Odori" - Spring Dance performances by maiko and geiko

Travelling without burden

In Kyoto, there are many places where you can send your luggage from the station to your lodgings or have it kept for you.
Check this website when you plan to travel with large pieces of luggage and go sightseeing without having to carry them around!
 
 

Visit website:
https://hands-free.kyoto.travel/?lang=en

New temporary information desk and luggage delivery/storage point at Kyoto Station

To alleviate congestion on bus routes connecting Kyoto Station with tourist sites, a new information desk and luggage delivery/storage point will be temporarily set up.

(1) Information and guidance from Kyoto Station to tourist areas 

Location: Kyoto Station Square (in front of the Central Gate)

Dates available: March 20th (Thu, National Holiday) - 23rd (Sun), 29th (Sat), 30th (Sun)

Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Supported languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean

(2) Temporary luggage delivery and storage 

Location: Kyoto Station Square (in front of Hotel Granvia Kyoto)

Dates available: March 20th (Thu, National Holiday) - 23rd (Sun), 29th (Sat), 30th (Sun)

Time: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Same-day delivery service is available until 2:00 PM)

Fees:

Luggage delivery: 1,500 yen per piece (same-day) / 1,400 yen per piece (reservation in advance)

Luggage storage : 1,000 yen per piece (same-day) / 800 yen per piece (reservation in advance)

Click below for reservations:

"Ecbo cloak" baggage storage service:
https://cloak.ecbo.io/en/space/W_9KZXxi


"Ecbo delivery" same-day baggage delivery:
https://delivery.ecbo.io/en.kyoto/



Click here or on the image to enlarge it

Baggage delivery service at Kyoto Tourist Information Center

Starting from October 1st, 2024, Kyoto Tourist Information Center began to offer a baggage delivery service for tourists. Those who use it will be able to send baggage to their accommodation in Kyoto Prefecture or Osaka City, even within the same day. Requesting the service can be done at a consultation desk of Kyoto Tourist Information Center. 



Click here to learn more:
 https://kyoto.travel/en/info/tourist.html#anchor0

Transportation and avoiding the crowds

Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass tickets

For sightseeing in Kyoto, please use the convenient and economical "Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass" (1,100 yen)!

Kyoto City has two subway lines - the Karasuma Line running north-south and the Tozai Line running east-west, as well as a number of buses, including the City Bus. By taking the subway to the station nearest your destination and then transferring to a bus, you can travel smoothly to sightseeing spots while avoiding congestion.

Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass cards can be purchased at Kyoto Tourist Information Center "Kyo Navi", City Bus and Subway information centers, commuter pass sales offices and City Bus sales offices.

*The Bus 1-Day Pass was discontinued as of September 30th, 2023.

New express buses useful for sightseeing

Starting from June 1st, 2024, Kyoto City has introduced new buses that go directly to popular tourist destinations, as well as increased the number of regular city buses operating in the key areas of the city. 



Learn how to use the new buses here: https://kyoto.travel/en/see-and-do/new_limited_express_buses_and_increased_frequency.html

The express bus is especially recommended for tourists who would like to quickly and comfortably get to the most popular locations in Kyoto, such as Gion or the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The following articles explain how to do so in detail:

From Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu-dera Temple: https://kyoto.travel/en/see-and-do/limited_kiyomizu.html

From Kyoto Station to Gion, Heian-jingu Shrine, and Ginkaku-ji Temple: https://kyoto.travel/en/see-and-do/limitedexpress_ginkakuji.html

Kyoto Travel Congestion Forecast

In order to help prevent overcrowding, we share real-time information and forecasts on the congestion levels around the tourist areas of Kyoto.

You can access that data both in the form of a map as well as through live-stream of cameras set up in a number of spots throughout the city. Please make use of it while visiting to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip.



Click here to learn more: https://kyoto.travel/en/info/maps-apps/congestion.html

Enjoying the season to its fullest

Kyoto Cherry Blossom Calendar

Each year, we release an up-to-date calendar of the current state of cherry blossoms. This year's version is scheduled to release on March 19th and keep updating until April 12th. Please make use of it while visiting during the spring season to see which area is worth visiting.



Click here to learn more: https://kyoto.travel/en/cherryblossom/

Spring illuminations and special opening events

In order to make the most of the beautiful cherry blossoms, many temples, shrines and gardens organize special illumination and opening events between March and May. Thanks to their efforts, tourists in Kyoto can enjoy its nature regardless of the time of day. 



Click here to learn more: https://kyoto.travel/en/news/Lightup_events.html

"Haru no Odori" - Spring Dance performances by maiko and geiko

Every year, the main maiko and geiko districts of Kyoto hold "Haru no Odori" performances. They include live music, theater plays and dances, all presented by the local maiko and geiko. They are events that have been organized for over a hundred years and are a representation of the quintessential traditional culture of Kyoto.



Click here to learn more: https://kyoto.travel/en/see-and-do/haru_odori.html