Kyoto's Public Transport Options for First-Time Travelers

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.

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

[greentea]

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.

[UzumakiHarutoJP]

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

[pumpkinhill]

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.

[washaa]

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

[kumbaga]

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

[packtheluggage-juan]

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

[DaanPreijde]

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!

[jasminey]

Can I just say this is the most useful, real-life practical and concise video of travel in Kyoto I've come across? Hats off to you, and very much appreciated by jaded viewers tired of trawling through sensationalist videos. Given that the situation has changed so drastically, would be great if you one day manage to update the video. Big thanks though!

[mmcc]

So much great info I had to take a break halfway, and then I slowed it down to 75% speed. Not kidding. I was looking at the official Kyoto pass site, and my brain was gonna explode, so your tip about: "Don't worry! Get on the bus! Use ICOCA if necessary!" is invaluable.

[felisenpai]

This VIDEO IS A MASTERPIECE on all of youtube

[alishahrose]

This is the most informative travel information video I've ever seen. Thank you very much for the detailed guide. Loved the humor too!

[mysoulinletters]

I used Google Maps and no need to be confused by the maps in the station.

A day pass is a savior.

[SallyCotton-sw]

Came back to drop you a thank you message. You have been so kind to share this complicated information. You made our trip so much easier ❤

[mata]

Will Zhao, your YouTube videos stand out amongst the many so-called information videos. Your videos are entertaining, informative, accurate and concise. You are a life saver making our own travels so much easier without the hassle of searching the Net for info. A big thank you.

[i_vanni]

Best video on internet about travel in Japan

[culturevultureonline]

Travel anxiety gone - check! Thank you for the video🙏🏻

[JastineJoyMartin]

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!

[paulapopsickle]

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

[Cnism]

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.

[picori]

❤❤❤THANK YOU! ❤❤❤I was seriously questioning my IQ trying to solve the transportation arrangement in kyoto which is overwhelming.... and you are my light!