Since it's the city’s main transportation hub, most visitors to Kyoto will find themselves passing through Kyoto Station at some point during their travels. Many sightseeing tours, whether of Kyoto attractions or day tours to nearby cities such as Nara or Osaka, often start and end at Kyoto Station. For a more in-depth experience, opt for a walking tour that focuses on the area, which typically includes other attractions such as Kyoto Tower and Toji Temple.
Kyoto Station is served by Japan Railways (including the Tokaido Shinkansen), Kintetsu Railways, and the Karasuma Subway Line. The Karuka Express from Kansai International Airport Station also stops here. A large bus terminal for city buses and long-distance and overnight highway buses is outside the station building.
The station is busiest during the weekday commuter rush hours (7am–9am and 5pm–7pm). Hours may vary for individual shops, cafés, restaurants, and other venues inside the station.
Kyoto Station is close to several top attractions, such as Kyoto Tower, which is directly opposite the central exit. Within walking distance of the station are two UNESCO World Heritage–listed temples, Toji Temple and Higashi Honganji. Also nearby are the Kyoto Aquarium and the Kyoto Railway Museum.
