Trains and Subways
As with buses, usage of the train and subway system may be slightly different depending on the area you live
Click here to access a map of Kyoto's Railway system. Click here to access a map of the Kyoto City Subway.
Click here to access a map of Kyoto's Railway system. Click here to access a map of the Kyoto City Subway.
Route Finders - enter the names of stations to find trains and train times:
ICOCA - a rechargeable contactless card smart card used on JR West rail network.
- Hyperdia *similar to Google Maps, but with more filters specific to Japan (first train/last train, preferred seat, preferred train, commuter pass prices, etc.)
- Jorudan (Japan Transit Planner) *similar to Google Maps, but more functions specific to Japan
- Ekitan Able to search for train times and schedules in Japanese.
- Google Maps
ICOCA - a rechargeable contactless card smart card used on JR West rail network.
There are several types of trains:
Rural Areas
Trains may use a numbered ticket system. At unmanned stations, this means you must take a "numbered ticket" upon entering the train. The fares will be calculated using this numbered ticket. You may encounter several different situations.
**Remember that at unmanned stations, only the doors next to the conductor will open!**
Non-Rural Areas. In non-rural areas, you must buy a ticket (or use your ICOCA card) before you can pass through the ticket . When passing through the gate, put your ticket into the ticket slot and take your ticket on the other end. Don't forget your ticket! You will need it to exit the station!
- Local Trains 普通(futsuu) stops at every stop
- Rapid Service 快速 (kaisoku) doesn't stop at smaller stations
- Special Rapid Service 新快速 (shin-kaisoku) doesn't stop at smaller stations
- Express 急行 (kyuu-ko) doesn't stop at smaller stations and charges additional fee.
- Limited Express 特急 (tokkyuu) stops only at major stops and charges additional fee.
- Super Express/ Bullet train 新幹線 (shinkansen) stops only at major stops
- Make sure the train that you take stops at your destination. Some of these trains do not stop at the smaller stations and may also charge an express fee in addition to the regular fare.
Rural Areas
Trains may use a numbered ticket system. At unmanned stations, this means you must take a "numbered ticket" upon entering the train. The fares will be calculated using this numbered ticket. You may encounter several different situations.
- If your destination is an unmanned station, only the doors next to the conductor will open. You will have to pay the conductor the fare (calculated using the numbered ticket) when exiting the train.
- If you entered from an unmanned station and your destination is a manned station, you will exit the train and give your numbered ticket to the station staff and pay your fare.
- If you entered the train from a manned station and your destination is an unmanned station, you will simply give the conductor your ticket when exiting the train.
**Remember that at unmanned stations, only the doors next to the conductor will open!**
Non-Rural Areas. In non-rural areas, you must buy a ticket (or use your ICOCA card) before you can pass through the ticket . When passing through the gate, put your ticket into the ticket slot and take your ticket on the other end. Don't forget your ticket! You will need it to exit the station!