Ever since Japan reopened to the world after the pandemic, the country has seen a massive resurgence of tourists, especially in popular cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. Kyoto in particular seems to be struggling with the recent influx of visitors. There’s been major crowding on public transport, and the city’s local buses are hit the hardest.
Kyoto’s train network is not as extensive as that in Tokyo, so buses are an integral part of getting around the city for locals and visitors alike. As reported by The Japan Times, the Unesco World Heritage Site is now considering establishing express bus lines to take tourists to popular temples and sightseeing attractions directly from Kyoto Station. Adding these express buses would hopefully help reduce crowding and ease the stress of locals who depend on city buses for their daily commutes.
If all goes according to plan, the city will be implementing the express buses by June, with a set fare of ¥500 for adults and ¥250 for children. Destinations would include popular sights such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the Gion district.
Additionally, the local government is looking at including these new sightseeing express buses in its ¥1,100 single-day transport pass, which currently allows for rides on Kyoto's subway and buses.
More from Time Out Tokyo
The official Japan cherry blossom forecast for 2024 is out now
The iconic Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro has come to life at Ghibli Park
René Redzepi is bringing Noma back to Kyoto this autumn for a ten-week pop-up
Tokyo Banana now sells its elusive melonpan bread at Tokyo Station
9 Tokyo pizzerias ranked in the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific list for 2024
Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.