Raku bus with Kyoto tourist bus for top sighseeing spots: Raku bus route. Backpacking Japan

 

 

Hi there!

 

So if you want to go to the top tourist sightseeing spots in Kyoto, getting around by bus can be a good option!

The “Raku bus” is basically a Kyoto tourist bus.

The main purpose of this bus is to provide bus routes that pass by tourist attractions.

 

Raku bus with Kyoto tourist bus for top sighseeing spots: Raku bus timings. Backpacking Japan

 

The Raku bus isn’t the only way to get to these places, as the regular buses – notably the “city bus” and “Kyoto bus” – also can be good ways to get around Kyoto.

Although, the Raku bus is a type of city bus. It looks different from a regular “city bus” and this makes it easier to be spotted by tourists too.

 

Regular city bus…

Raku bus with Kyoto tourist bus for top sighseeing spots: City bus. Backpacking Japan

Raku bus with Kyoto tourist bus for top sighseeing spots: City bus green. Backpacking Japan

 

Raku bus…

Raku bus with Kyoto tourist bus for top sighseeing spots: Raku bus at Kyoto station. Backpacking Japan

Raku bus with Kyoto tourist bus for top sighseeing spots: Raku bus pink. Backpacking Japan

 

How to know which bus to take?!

You can basically just take any bus that arrives to the bus stop closest to where you are, and pocket wifi and Google Maps can make your life much easier when trying to get around Kyoto by bus!

 

How much does a Raku bus cost?

A single ride bus fare is 230 yen (US$2).

If you’re planning on hitting up a bunch of places in a single day, be sure to have a look at the one day bus pass. The pass will cover bus rides on the Raku bus, regular city bus, and Kyoto bus.

 

Raku bus with Kyoto one day bus pass - Kyoto tourist route. Backpacking Japan

Information from Kyoto tourism office from summer 2018.

 

 

If you have a JR pass, the JR bus does also go to some of the top tourist attractions.

 

 

Now…

First, the quick list of the top tourist attractions you can get to by taking the Raku bus.

Then, the more complete list of places the Raku bus goes.

 

 

Best tourist places to visit in Kyoto on a Raku bus

 

1. Nijo Castle (+ teahouse)

Raku bus with Kyoto tourist bus for top sighseeing spots: Route - Nijo Castle. Backpacking Japan

 

2. Kinkakuji Temple

Raku bus with Kyoto tourist bus for top sighseeing spots: Route - Kinkakuji Temple. Backpacking Japan

 

3. Yasaka Shrine

Raku bus with Kyoto tourist bus for top sighseeing spots: Route - Yasaka shrine, Gion. Backpacking Japan

 

4. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Raku bus with Kyoto tourist bus for top sighseeing spots: Route - Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Backpacking Japan

 

5. Ginkakuji Temple (+ tea garden)

Raku bus with Kyoto tourist bus for top sighseeing spots: Route - Ginkakuji Temple. Backpacking Japan

 

6. Heian Shrine

Raku bus with Kyoto tourist bus for top sighseeing spots: Route - Heian Shrine. Backpacking Japan

 

Some of these attractions are among the top UNESCO world heritage sites in Kyoto!

 

 

List of where you can go by taking the Raku bus

 

  • Kyoto Station
  • Kyoto National Museum
  • Sanjusangen-do Temple
  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple
  • Gion
  • Yasaka Shrine
  • Heian Shrine
  • Ginkakuji Temple
  • Nijo Castle
  • Kitano-Tenmangu Shrine
  • Kinkakuji Temple
  • Daitokuji Temple
  • Kitaoji bus station – Kitaoji subway station
  • Kyoto Imperial Palace

 

Raku bus with Kyoto tourist bus for top sighseeing spots: Route list of bus stops. Backpacking Japan

 

 

Raku bus route map

Have a look at the Kyoto bus information guide!

 

 

Kyoto with a 600 yen (US$5) one day bus pass!

The Kyoto bus pass will allow you unlimited rides on the Raku bus, city bus, and Kyoto bus.

See what you think about this one day in Kyoto:

 

Raku bus with Kyoto tourist bus for top sighseeing spots: Raku bus stop route. Backpacking Japan

 

HAPPY RAKU BUS RIDE IN KYOTO!

 

Use this Kyoto tourist map to plan out your 5 days in Kyoto!