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Overview

Source: https://www.discoverkyoto.com/visitors-guide/trains/

Kyoto City has an efficient train network that helps both visitors and locals to get around easily and inexpensively. It can be overwhelming to use the system for the first time, but there are some useful tips about the train lines that can make it simpler to use.

Kyoto Station is the main hub for transportation around the city, with the Karasuma subway line running from north to south and the Kintetsu line connecting to the south of Kyoto, Nara and further. The JR lines offer a variety of options; the Sanin line will take you west to Arashiyama, the Tōkaidō line to Osaka in the southwest or eastern Kyoto and Shiga Prefecture, and the Nara line south to Uji or Nara Prefecture. Visitors arriving in Kyoto usually come by shinkansen bullet train on the Tōkaidō Line.

In addition to the train lines that go through Kyoto Station, it is also possible to use the Tōzai line, which runs east to west, and the Keihan line, which goes north to south along the east side of the Kamogawa River. This line connects northern Kyoto to Osaka, and also has an extension, the Keihan Uji line, to Uji City.

Getting around in the suburbs can be done via short-distance public transportation, such as the Keifuku (Randen) rail line which connects Arashiyama to the city centre, and the Eizan train route which links downtown to the northern towns of Kibune and Kurama.

Examine the map above and become acquainted with the main routes. To get more details regarding connections, duration of the journey, and attractions that can be reached from each station, please check the webpages for particular train lines.

Karasuma Line Stations
Tozai Line Station
Keifuku Line (Randen)
Keihan Line
Kintetsu Line
Sagano Scenic Line
Hankyū Line
Eizan Line
HOW TO BUY A TICKET

Step 1. Find your destination and check the fare on the large map/board above the ticket vending machine.


Displayed Price

Upper: Adults

Lower: Children

Step 2. Most ticket machines have buttons for English instructions. Press this button and the menu will appear in English.

Step 3. Insert cash into the ticket vending machine.

Step 4. Choose the number of passengers and the correct fare for your destination.

Step 5. You can buy as many tickets as you need to at the same time if you are traveling in a group.

Step 6. Take the ticket and enter the gate.



HOW TO ENTER/EXIT

Step 1. Insert the ticket into the slot on the turnstile, and proceed through the gate. Take your ticket from the slot after you pass the gate.

This procedure is the same for exiting, but the ticket will not come out.

Step 2. If your ticket has the incorrect fare, the gate will not open when you try to exit and a buzzer will sound. Don't be alarmed, just go to a nearby fare adjustment machine. Insert your ticket and pay the remaining amount, then receive a new adjusted fare ticket and proceed through the ticket gate.

Step 3. If you need any help, please ask the station staff.

Step 4. If you need any help, you can ask the station staff by pushing the "Call" button on the ticket vending machine.