How to Get from Kawaramachi to Arashiyama by Bus:
Stops, Fares & Time Explained
If you're staying around Kawaramachi in Kyoto, you're probably wondering how to get to Arashiyama. Taking the subway means walking between stations, and taking the JR line makes you backtrack all the way to Kyoto Station—major hassle, right?
But honestly, the fix is super simple! Just hop on Kyoto City Bus #11 from Shijo Kawaramachi, and it takes you straight to Arashiyama with zero transfers. If you've got heavy bags or you're just looking for the most chill way to travel, this is legit the best option. I'm breaking down exactly where to wait, how much it costs, and the ultimate pro tip on where to get off!
01 The 1-Minute Quick Summary
In a rush? Just screenshot this card! I'll explain all the details below.
(Towards Arashiyama/Saga)
Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae stop
02 Finding the Elusive 'Stop D' at Shijo Kawaramachi
Unlike the massive bus terminal at Kyoto Station, Kawaramachi just has stops scattered all along the main intersection. They’re labeled A, B, C, D, so it’s super easy to get turned around if it's your first time here.
🗺 For Bus #11, you NEED 'Stop D'!
You'll find Stop D on Shijo-dori (Shijo Street). Just search "四条河原町バス停" on Google Maps, or look for the bus stop right next to the Takashimaya Department Store, across the street from the Sanrio Gallery.
(Electronics)
Dept. Store
| Bus Stop | Location | Main Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Stop B | Kawaramachi Street (Southbound) | Kyoto Station |
| Stop C | Kawaramachi Street (South/Eastbound) | Kiyomizu-dera (Some routes), Demachiyanagi |
| Stop D ★ | Shijo Street (Westbound) | Arashiyama (Bus #11), Kinkaku-ji |
It's located on the west side of the Kawaramachi intersection.
- Landmarks: Look for the Sanrio Gallery (across the street) and the Takashimaya Department Store (right next to it).
- Check the bus stop pillar for a big 'D' and make sure #11 is listed on the route map!
- There might be different lines for different buses, so check the markers on the pavement to queue up correctly.
03 Riding Japanese Buses 101 (First-Timer Friendly)
Japanese buses can be a little confusing because you usually enter and exit from different doors than you might be used to back home. Just follow these steps and you'll look like a local!
For Kyoto City Buses, you get on at the back door and exit at the front. There's no need to tap a card or grab a paper ticket when you get on. Just walk right in.
There's a digital screen at the front of the bus with English translations! Keep an eye on it to track the next stop, or just follow along on Google Maps for peace of mind.
When you hear the announcement for "Arashiyama" or "Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae," hit one of the stop buttons located on the windows or poles.
When you arrive, walk to the front to pay the driver.
· Cash: Drop exactly 230 yen into the plastic slot.
· IC Card: Tap your physical card or Apple Pay (Suica/PASMO) on the blue reader until it beeps.
04 Fares & Passes (Must Read!)
You might see older blogs or TikToks hyping up the '700 Yen Bus 1-Day Pass,' but as of late March 2024, it has been completely discontinued! Please don't waste time looking for it.
| Payment Method | Fare | Traveler Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IC Card (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA) Best Option | 230 Yen | Zero hassle with loose change. Apple Pay Suica works perfectly! |
| Cash (Coins) | 230 Yen | If you only have 1,000 yen bills, you have to use the exchange machine on the bus first, which is stressful. Bring coins! |
| Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass | 1,100 Yen | Only worth it if you plan to ride buses and subways 5 or more times in a single day. |
💡 Tip: If you're just doing a round trip to Arashiyama (2 rides = 460 yen) and walking the rest of the day, skip the pass. Just use your Apple Pay/IC Card. It's way cheaper!
05 How Long Does it Take? (Rush Hour Warning)
The ride usually takes about **45 to 55 minutes**. However, Kyoto streets are narrow and traffic is a real thing, especially during rush hour or on weekends.
| Time of Day | Crowd Level | Est. Time |
|---|---|---|
| 7~9 AM (Morning Commute) | Packed with locals + tourists | Approx. 55~65 mins |
| 9~11 AM Sweet Spot | Relatively chill, easier to sit | Approx. 45~50 mins |
| Afternoon | Consistently busy | Approx. 50~60 mins |
| Cherry Blossom / Fall Season | ★★★★★ Good luck getting a seat | Budget 1 hour+ |
06 Where to Get Off: Togetsukyo Bridge vs. Bamboo Forest
A lot of people just auto-hop off at the "Arashiyama" stop, but where you get off should depend on what you want to see first. Save your legs with this tip!
👉 Option A: "I want the Togetsukyo Bridge and % Arabica Coffee vibes!"
- Get off at: Arashiyama (嵐山)
- You'll step off right by the river with a perfect view of the bridge. It's a super short walk to the famous % Arabica coffee shop from here.
👉 Option B: "I'm heading straight for the Bamboo Forest and Tenryuji Temple!"
- Get off at: Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae (嵐山天龍寺前)
- This is one stop *after* Arashiyama! It drops you off right in front of the temple entrance, meaning you skip walking up the main crowded street. Major energy saver!
07 Bus vs. Train: Which is Better?
Bus #11 is the most straightforward, but depending on the vibe of your day, the train might be a better call.
- ✔️ Your hotel is right in the Kawaramachi/Shijo area.
- ✔️ You hate navigating subway transfers.
- ✔️ You want to be dropped off right in the main tourist hub.
- ✔️ You're in a hurry (requires 1 transfer at Katsura Station).
- ✔️ It's peak cherry blossom/fall foliage season and traffic is crazy.
- ✔️ (Heads up: The Hankyu station is south of the bridge, adding a 10-15 min walk to the main street).
FAQ First-Time Visitor FAQs
Since you exit from the front door, standing near the middle or front is the move when it's crowded. The view is mostly just regular city streets, but if you stand on the left side, you'll catch a glimpse of the aesthetic Randen train tracks rolling by halfway through the trip.
No! Japanese buses do not give automatic change. If you drop a 500 yen coin in for a 230 yen fare, it eats the rest. You have to use the exchange slot (両替) on the machine *first* to break your bill, and *then* put 230 yen into the payment slot. Save yourself the stress and just tap your Suica on Apple Wallet!
You *can*, but honestly, don't do it. Bus #11 gets packed even on weekdays. Hauling big bags is going to stress you out and take up a lot of space. If you have luggage, take the Hankyu train or grab a taxi.
Just head to the bus stop on the opposite side of the street from where you got off and catch the #11 (towards Shijo Kawaramachi / Sanjo Keihan) again.
💡 Pro Tip: Riding the bus both ways is kinda boring. For the way back, take the retro Randen Train to Shijo-Omiya station, then switch to a train/bus. The vibes are absolutely immaculate!
Getting to Arashiyama from Kawaramachi is a breeze, right?
Skip the messy subway transfers and just vibe on Bus #11.
Enjoy the neat Kyoto streets rolling by out the window,
and have the absolute best time exploring Arashiyama! 🌸
