When using the bus or Subway frequently, it is best to buy a ticket card in advance. There are several different kind of cards available including "Kyoto Sightseeing One and Two-day Pass Card", which can be used for the City bus & Subway line.
The subway cannot be relied upon for temple hopping as many stations are not close to temples so buses are the best option - although, they can be infrequent and crowded. Therefore, if you can afford it, use taxis to get around. Taxis are reasonably priced, but to save money maybe you can take the subway and get as close as possible to a particular temple and then take a taxi!
Train
Trains are fast, efficient, frequent, safe, and clean
The Shinkansen 'bullet train' departs from Kyoto Station.
English is written on all signs at train stations.
Bus
There is a good network of buses, but some routes can be infrequent and they can get very crowded. Also, you may get confused as knowing how much to pay can be complicated (unless you have a pass), particularly as you pay when leaving the bus!!
Metro
Tokyo has two subway lines, "Karasuma" and "Tozai". They intersect at Karasuma Oike Station, the only station where it is possible to transfer lines.
You buy a ticket at the automatic ticket machine before taking the Metro.
In several cases the subway will not be useful for temple hopping as many temples are not near the subway.
The Metro stations & trains are fast, efficient, frequent, safe, and clean
English is written on all signs at metro stations.
Taxi
You can hail taxis or find them at taxi stands at train stations and on certain streets.
Taxis are not too expensive and are very useful when temple hopping as many temples are not near subways and buses can be infrequent. Most drivers do not speak or understand English so it is best to have your destination written down in Japanese.
External Link
City Kyoto Transport
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