We’ll have to admit it, we here at WoWasis aren’t much for using city buses to get around. In most cities, we’ll take the subway, taxis, hire a car and driver for a day, we might even take a bicycle. Typically, city buses can be challenging for those not speaking the language. But Kyoto, Japan’s city buses are different. Really different. They’re easy, inexpensive, go everywhere and they have a map optimized for Western visitors. For touring Kyoto, they’re the best. Here’s how they work. 

1)      First of all, get yourself a copy or two of the green ‘Bus Navi,’ the city bus travel map available at the airport, train station, and tourist info centers. Fold it up and keep it in your pocket.
2)      Bus fare is 220 yen, but a full-day pass costs only 500 yen, and you can buy it from the bus driver. When you exit the bus after your first ride, just insert it in the card reader slot next to the driver and it will automatically stamp the date on it.
3)      Each bus stop is named using the Western alphabet, and has an easy-to-read schedule with the buses it serves as well as arrival times.
4)      The bus map is a gem of graphic design. Each city bus stop lists the buses it serves, and color-coded lines with bus numbers radiate from each stop. In seconds, you can find where you are, pick your destination, and choose your route and bus.
5)      A number of well-visited tourist locations are listed on the map as well adjacent to their respective stops. 

In short, this efficient, effective bus system has been optimized for Westerners. Map in hand, it takes only a couple of rides to fully understand the system. Kyoto also has a two-line subway system, but for the most part, you’ll find yourself using (and enjoying) city bus travel in Kyoto.