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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Kyoto, Japan

Air Travel Details

Major Airports

The main international gateway is Kansai International Airport (KIX), 75-90 kilometers from Kyoto. KIX handles international and domestic flights.

Airport Information

  • KIX: Located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay.
  • Osaka Itami Airport (ITM): A domestic airport, closer to Kyoto than KIX, serving domestic flights.
  • Airlines: KIX served by Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), Delta, United, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways, among others.

Direct Flights & Seasons

Direct flights to KIX are available from major global hubs. Flight availability varies by airline and season.

Flight Seasonality

  • Direct Routes: From Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), Vancouver (YVR), London (LHR), Paris (CDG), Frankfurt (FRA), Dubai (DXB), Singapore (SIN), Hong Kong (HKG), Seoul (ICN), Taipei (TPE), Sydney (SYD).
  • Peak Prices: Highest during cherry blossom (late March-April) and autumn foliage (mid-November-early December).
  • Better Value: Shoulder seasons (late May-early June, early September-October) present better value.

Kansai International Airport

KIX has two terminals (T1 and T2). Both provide comprehensive facilities including duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange, ATMs, luggage delivery, and tourist information.

Japan Rail Pass

The Japan Rail Pass exchange office is available at KIX.

Osaka Itami Airport

ITM, a domestic airport, has standard facilities for domestic travelers, including shops, restaurants, and lounges.

Airport to Arashiyama Transfers

From KIX to Kyoto

  • JR Haruka Express: Most convenient, fastest. Direct train from KIX to Kyoto Station (75-80 minutes). Covered by Japan Rail Pass.
  • Limousine Bus: Direct bus services from KIX to various Kyoto points (90-120 minutes, traffic dependent).
  • Taxi: Most expensive option, not generally suggested for airport transfers.
  • From Kyoto Station to Arashiyama: Take JR San-in Line (Sagano Line) to Saga-Arashiyama Station (approx. 17 minutes).

Local Connections

  • Kyoto City Bus: Various routes (e.g., 28, 93) connect Kyoto Station to Arashiyama. Slower, subject to traffic.
  • JR San-in Line (Sagano Line): Recommended from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station. Convenient for Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji.
  • Randen Tram: Connects Shijo-Omiya to Arashiyama. Scenic, charming ride.
  • Hankyu Arashiyama Line: Connects Katsura Station to Arashiyama Station. Useful from Osaka.

Connectivity Options

Affordable Flights

Check Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner for flight deals.

Car Rental Services

DiscoverCars.com for car rental options.

VPN Services

NordVPN and ExpressVPN for internet security.

Land Transportation

Train Services

Japan's train network offers excellent connectivity. Use these lines for Arashiyama access.

Train Lines

  • JR San-in Line (Sagano Line): Main train route from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station. Close to Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji.
  • Keifuku Arashiyama Line (Randen): Scenic tram line from central Kyoto (Shijo-Omiya) to Arashiyama Station. Unique ride.
  • Hankyu Arashiyama Line: Connects Katsura Station (Hankyu Kyoto Line) to Arashiyama Station. Useful from Osaka.

Bus & Scenic Trains

Long-distance highway buses connect Kyoto to other major Japanese cities. They typically arrive at Kyoto Station.

Bus and Sightseeing Options

  • Long-Distance Buses: Often economical alternative to trains, especially for night journeys.
  • Sagano Romantic Train (Torokko Train): Scenic sightseeing train along the Hozugawa River. Popular in spring and autumn.
  • Tickets for Sagano Romantic Train: Runs from Torokko Saga Station (next to JR Saga-Arashiyama) to Torokko Kameoka Station.

Self-Driving Guidance

Self-driving offers independence, but consider local conditions.

Driving Requirements

  • International Driving Permit (IDP): Needed for most nationalities (e.g., US, UK, Canada, Australia) under 1949 Geneva Convention.
  • Road Conditions: Well-maintained roads. Driving is on the left side. Navigation systems excellent.
  • Parking: Limited and expensive in Arashiyama, especially peak seasons. Public transport is suggested.

Road Safety & Conditions

Roads are generally safe and well-maintained. Traffic can be heavy in Kyoto city.

Safety Notes

  • Roadways: Well-maintained and clearly signposted.
  • Traffic: Can be heavy in Kyoto city. Arashiyama's main tourist areas are heavily pedestrianized, making driving impractical.
  • Driving Laws: Strict speed limits, mandatory seatbelts, strict prohibition on drinking and driving.

Important Driving Reminders

  • IDP Necessity: Obtain your IDP in your home country before traveling.
  • Navigation: Car navigation systems offer English language options.
  • Parking Warning: Public transport is highly recommended for visiting Arashiyama due to traffic and parking difficulties.
  • Rental Recommendation: Car rental not generally recommended for exploring Arashiyama itself.
  • Driving side: Japan drives on the left side of the road.
  • Local Traffic: Be aware of potentially heavy city traffic.

Water & Departure

River Transportation

Arashiyama presents an unique river experience down the Hozugawa River.

Hozugawa Boat Ride

  • Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari): A popular scenic boat ride downriver from Kameoka to Arashiyama.
  • Journey Length: Approximately two hours, offering views of the gorge and surrounding nature.
  • Starting Point: Upstream near Torokko Kameoka Station, concluding near Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama.

Sea & Ferry Services

Kyoto is an inland city. No direct sea or river ferry services serve Arashiyama as a main point of entry to Japan.

Water Travel Notes

  • Ferry Services: Not applicable for Arashiyama.
  • Cruise Ports: Not applicable for Arashiyama.
  • International Seaports: No international seaports directly serve Arashiyama.

Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes for tourists departing Japan paid separately at the airport.

International Tourist Tax

Japan levies an International Tourist Tax of ¥1,000 per person, typically included in airline ticket price.

Departure Timing

For international flights from KIX, arrive at least 2-3 hours before scheduled departure. This allows check-in, security, and immigration procedures.

Airport Departure Tip

If traveling from Kyoto Station to KIX via the JR Haruka Express, factor in the 75-80 minute train journey time, plus any time needed to get to Kyoto Station from Arashiyama.