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Arashiyama is one of the must-visit spots in Kyoto. With attractions like the Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Tenryu-ji Temple, the area is packed with things to see. However, many visitors ask: “What’s the best way to get from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama?”
Train? Bus? Taxi? What are the pros and cons of each? How much do they cost? How long does each option take?
For first-time visitors to Kyoto, these are common questions. While guidebooks and websites often state things like “Take the train in just 16 minutes!” or “The bus is convenient!”, the reality is that choosing the best transportation method isn’t always straightforward.
The reason is simple: there isn’t a single definitive answer.
This article will thoroughly compare ways to get from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama, not just based on ride duration but considering total travel time. We’ll look at factors like station access and proximity to key attractions, using insights from local knowledge to help you find the best option.
Let’s start with the conclusion. When traveling from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama/Sagano, which is faster: the train or the bus? In reality, the difference isn’t significant.
We’ll break it down in detail below, but to put it simply, your best choice depends on your travel style:
Next, let’s dive into the data and explain why these choices make sense based on actual travel time.
First, let’s compare the ride duration for both train and bus.
| Transport Method | Fare | Ride Duration |
|---|---|---|
| JR Sagano Line | ¥240 | 16 min |
| City Bus | ¥230 | 45 min |
While the bus is ¥10 cheaper, it takes about 30 minutes longer than the train.
At first glance, the train seems like the clear winner! However, there are other factors to consider. Let’s take a closer look.
As we saw earlier, taking the train gets you to Arashiyama faster. However, Sagaarashiyama Station, where the JR Sagano Line stops, is about a 10-minute walk from the main street, Nagatsuji Street. Factoring in the time to exit the station, you should allow for an additional 15 minutes before reaching the heart of Arashiyama.
On the other hand, the Arashiyama Bus Stop, where the Kyoto City Bus stops, is located right in front of Randen Arashiyama Station, which is at the center of the main street. This means there’s no additional walking required when taking the bus.
Considering this, let’s update the travel time comparison to include walking time.
| Transport Method | Fare | Ride Duration | Walking Time | Total Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JR Sagano Line | ¥240 | 16 min | 15 min | 31 min |
| City Bus | ¥230 | 45 min | 0 min | 45 min |
After including walking time, the gap between train and bus shrinks to 14 minutes, which is half of the difference when comparing only ride duration.
Now, let’s consider the time it takes to reach the boarding location at Kyoto Station.
The JR Sagano Line departs from Platform 32 at Kyoto Station, but Kyoto Station is famously complex, especially for first-time visitors.
Kyoto Station is a massive hub with multiple train lines, including the Shinkansen and subway. Navigating through it can feel like solving a maze.
For the JR Sagano Line, you need to head to Platform 32, which requires some walking. It takes around 3 to 5 minutes to reach the platform. If you’re familiar with the station, you might make it in 2 to 3 minutes, but for first-time visitors, allow for 5 minutes to be safe.
In contrast, taking the Kyoto City Bus is much simpler. The bus departs from Bus Stop C6, located right in front of the Kyoto Station Central Exit. You can get there almost instantly.
Now, let’s update the travel time comparison again, factoring in the time needed to reach the boarding location.
| Transport Method | Fare | Time to Boarding Location | Ride Duration | Walking Time | Total Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JR Sagano Line | ¥240 | 5 min | 16 min | 15 min | 36 min |
| City Bus | ¥230 | 0 min | 45 min | 0 min | 45 min |
With this, the difference between the train and bus narrows further to just 9 minutes.
While the train is still technically faster, at this point, the departure schedule of each transport option can easily flip which one gets you to Arashiyama first.
Thus, choosing the train isn’t necessarily the best option in every case.
So, in the end, which should you take? Let’s finalize the answer in the next section.
To summarize, here are the best situations for choosing either the train or the bus.
If none of the above conditions apply, then the best strategy is to take whichever option departs first.
For those who want to optimize their travel time a bit more:
Check the departure times and pick the one that fits your itinerary best.
That said, traveling by bus lets you enjoy the scenic streets of Kyoto as you head toward Arashiyama. If you prefer a relaxing journey, the bus may be the way to go.
In this article, we didn’t just compare the theoretical travel times of trains and buses—we considered the actual total travel time including walking and station navigation.
The final choice depends on your personal preference and travel conditions. But as we’ve seen, both options get you to Arashiyama in roughly 45 minutes.
The key takeaway here is: the time difference between the two options is only about 10–15 minutes. So regardless of which one you pick, you won’t be at a huge disadvantage. Instead, focus on choosing the method that best suits your travel style—whether it’s prioritizing speed with the train or enjoying a laid-back ride with the bus.
Making even the journey itself enjoyable is one of the best parts of travel.
Once you arrive in Arashiyama, you’ll be greeted by stunning seasonal landscapes, historic temples and shrines, traditional crafts, and delicious Kyoto cuisine. While it’s great to optimize your transportation, the real highlight is what awaits at your destination.
Use the most convenient transport for you and enjoy your stroll through Arashiyama. Whether it’s the swaying bamboo groves, the view of the Hozu River from Togetsukyo Bridge, or the seasonal flowers, Kyoto’s unique beauty is waiting for you. And hopefully, your journey to Arashiyama becomes a memorable part of your Kyoto adventure.
