Kyoto SKYBUS Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus

Kyoto , Japan

Kyoto SKYBUS Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus

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(4 reviews)

1d - 4d

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Choose from a variety of bus tours in Japan, and forget about having to worry about train schedules or expensive taxis. Save time, see the best sights in a convenient way and learn about Japan's history and culture.

- Navigate Kyoto and beyond with ease and avail of this Kyoto Skybus Hop-on Hop-Off pass with JR Kansai Area Pass
- Visit some of Kyoto’s top attractions and more with the help of your Kyoto Skybus Day Pass
- Equip yourself with the JR Kansai Area Pass and enjoy unlimited rides to JR trains and buses for 1 to 4 days
- Save yourself the hassle of lining up to long queues and just ride your preferred mode of transportation immediately!

Available options

Kyoto SKYBUS 2-Day Pass

2-Day JR Kansai Area Pass

Kyoto SKYBUS 1-Day Pass

Kyoto SKYBUS 1-Day Pass : 1-Day JR Kansai Area Pass

What's included

JR Kansai Area Pass (adult) with unlimited rides within the specified area

Japanese-speaking guide on board and pre-recorded audio commentary in 7 languages

Kyoto SKYBUS Pass: unlimited Hop-On Hop-Off service for 24 hours - based on selected packages

Detailed itinerary

How To Use:-

You must present your mobile voucher to redeem a physical Kyoto SKYBUS Pass and JR Pass
Kyoto SKYBUS Pass: You can use the original voucher to redeem your pass on any other date 30 days from your purchase date
JR Kansai Area Pass: You can use the original voucher to redeem your pass on any other date 90 days from your purchase date
The JR Pass is valid for 1-4 days starting on the date of your first ride

Redemption Information:-

Kyoto SKYBUS Ticket:

You must present your e-ticket in exchange for the physical ticket from the bus attendant
Location: JR Kyoto station, Karasuma exit
Address: Shimogyo-ku Higashi-Shiokoji machi 909, Kyoto sightseeing bus terminal. For assistance, please refer to map
How to get there: From the Kasasuma Exit of Kyoto Station on JR Line, there is a bus terminal on the left side. Walk for about a minute until you reach the location

JR Kansai Area Pass:
You may redeem your JR Kansai Area Pass at any of the following locations: Kyoto Station, Osaka Station, Shin-Ōsaka Station, Osaka Kansai International Airport, Nara Station, Sannomiya Station, Wakayama Station, Fukuchiyama Station, and Okayama Station

Travelers without Biometric Passports

Travelers whose passports do not have IC chips must redeem their passes manually at JR Pass ticket windows
Present the mobile voucher along with your valid passport in exchange for your physical JR Pass

Travelers with Biometric Passports
Proceed to a JR Pass Ticket Office (Midori no Madoguchi) and look for a digital redemption machine
Step 1: Prepare your e-MCO and your passport
Step 2: Select your preferred language
Step 3: Select “Receive Reserved Tickets”
Step 4: Select "Exchange Order (E-Ticket)
Step 5: Scan the QR code of your e-MCO
Step 6: Select your departure date
Step 7: Confirm your JR Pass eligibility and agree to the terms and conditions
Step 8: Scan your passport
Step 9: Select “Confirm”

Kyoto SKYBUS Schedule:
Operating hours: 9:00am-6:39pm, daily
Frequency: Buses depart every 30 minutes

JR Kansai Operating Hours:
Operating hours varies from station to station
Please refer to their official website for assistance

What's not included

Other items not listed under the Inclusive Of section

Gratuities

Available languages

Audio guide

DE KO JA EN ZH-CN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 2.5

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Child ticket is not available for 1-day and 2-day JR Kansai Area Pass

Child ticket for 3-day and 4-day JR Kansai Area Pass: Age 6-11

Children aged 0-5 can board the JR Kansai railway and Kyoto SKYBUS for free. Each paying adult can bring up to 2 children aged 0-5 for free and must sit on their laps. If they require seats, please book child tickets on-site for them

Additional children aged 0-5 (third, fourth, and so on) require child tickets. Please purchase child tickets on-site

Bringing luggage is allowed but not recommended for this tour as the bus does not come with a luggage trunk

Children and people with disabilities must be accompanied by an adult

Pets are not allowed on board

Name, country of residence, and passport number must be an exact match when inputting passport details. Special characters can’t be used

Please specify your title: MR, MS, or CH (children) upon check out

Japanese passport holders who have been residing outside of Japan for 10+ years are eligible to use a JR pass if they have 1) a valid Japanese passport and 2) a Copy of Overseas Residential Registration/Certificate of Overseas Residence from the embassy/legation of Japan in your foreign country of residence

Visit the website more information about JR Pass eligibility

Non-reserved seats on Kansai-Airport Express Haruka train

Special Rapid Services, Rapid Services, and local trains on JR-West Conventional lines

West JR Bus services within the area

Please select a travel date. This is for reference only as the SKYBUS ticket is valid for 30 days from the date of purchase, and the JR Kansai Area Pass is valid for 90 days from the date of purchase

Important notes

How to Redeem Tickets !!!!
You cannot enter the attraction directly with this TripAdvisor voucher.
We will send you the e ticket by e mail 2 days before travel date
You can present either a printed or a mobile voucher (2nd Voucher) for this activity to respective counter.
If you not receive your final ticket 48 Hours before your travel date, please feel free to contact out hotline no.
Kindly share your whatsapp no (if available) to send you the voucher.

About Kyoto

Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.

Top Attractions

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.

Religious 2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike) Free

Kiyomizu-dera

A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.

Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)

Gion

Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).

Cultural 1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event) Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kaiseki Ryori

A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.

Dinner Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.

Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)

A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.

Matcha Desserts

Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Obanzai

Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.

Lunch/Dinner Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Cycling through the countryside Rafting on the Hozu River Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Scenic walks in gardens and parks Temple and shrine visits Traditional tea ceremonies

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.

15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn) 59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited/Rare

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (UTC+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto

By train

Kyoto Station

By bus

Kyoto Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gion Higashiyama Arashiyama Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)

Day trips

Nara

40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day

Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.

Uji

20 km from Kyoto • Half day

Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).

Kurama and Kibune

25 km from Kyoto • Full day

Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th) Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd Aoi Matsuri • May 15th

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.