From Kiyomizu-dera Temple to Arashiyama area
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2. By Keihan Railway or Bus + Hankyu Railway
2-1 From Kiyomizu-Gojo by Keihan Railway
2-2 From Gojozaka by Kyoto City Bus or Keihan Bus
2-3 To Arashiyama by Hankyu Railway
1. Overview
How to get to Arashiyama area from Kiyomizu Temple ?
You can go (1) by Keihan Railway (or Bus) + Hankyu Railway, (2) by Bus + Keifuku Railway (Randen).
Or… (3) By Bus + JR line is also available depend on your destination in Arashiyama area.
The recommended ways to Arashiyama area from Kiyomizu Temple is (1) by Keihan Railway (or Bus) + Hankyu Railway, (2) by Bus + Randen (Keifuku Railway) or (3) by Bus + JR line depending on the situation.
There is no direct bus service available between Kiyomizu-dera temple and Arashiyama.
If you chenge buses, you can go. But, it is a long distance, and buses are often delayed due to heavy traffic jam especially on peak season.
The map below is the overview of the routes, time and fare.
So, after all, how long does it take from Kiyomizu Temple to Arashiyama ?
I’ll show you the examples of travel times from Kiyomizu Temple to Togetsukyo Bridge, the center and symbol of Arashiyama area, comparing 4 ways below.
The time includes average walking and transfer time.
«1» Keihan Railway & Hankyu Railway via Kyoto-Kawaramachi Sta.
It takes in total about 63- 73 minutes (¥410).
(the time depends on Hankyu train schdule)
Keihan trains are operated every 10 minute.
Hankyu trains bound for Arashiyama are operated at least 4 times per hour.
From the arrival Hankyu Arashiyama station to the Bridge, it takes 5 minutes’ walk.
This route enables you to move without delay even if on peak season such as cherry blossom and autumn leaves.
«2» Kyoto City Bus or Keihan Bus & Hankyu Railway via Kyoto-Kawaramachi Sta.
It takes in total about at least 73 minutes (¥470).
Buses are operated a lot.
«3» Kyoto City Bus & Kiefuku Railway (Randen) via Shijo-Omiya Sta.
It takes in total at least 71 minutes (¥480).
The buses and trains are operated almost every 10 minutes.
From the arrival Randen Arashiyama station to the Bridge, it takes about 2 minutes’ walk.
«4» Kyoto City Bus & JR via Kyoto Sta.
It takes in total at least 69 – 79 minutes (¥470)(if Limited Express Bus, ¥740).
(The time depends on JR train schedule.)
The buses are opetated a lot. JR trains are operated almost every 15 minutes.
From the arrival Saga-Arashiyama station to the Bridge, it takes about 12 minutes’ walk, a little bit away from the center of Arashiyama area.
If you plan firstly to ride trolley train or visit Daikakuji Temple, via JR line is recommened.
Please note that the buses are likeiy to take much more time on peak season becouse of heavy traffic jam.
The followings are the details of each travel way.
From Kiyomizu Temple to Arashiyama, firstly please head for Gojozaka bus stop or Kiyomizu-Gojo station (Keihan Railway).
The locations of the bus stops and the station are separated and a bit far from the temple.
From the gate of Kiyomizu Temple, it takes about 10 minutes’ walk to Gojozaka bus stop, and about 20 minutes’ walk to Kiyomizu-Gojo station.
Check the map below, showing the location of the bus stop and the station for Arashiyama (via Hankyu Railway, Keifuku Railway (Randen) or JR line).
From Kiyomizu Temple to Arashiyama area, each travel way has pros and cons.
If I must choose, Keihan Railway + Hankyu Railway is good because you can move on schedule even on peak season such as cherry blossom or autumn leaves, but you need to walk 10 more minutes compared with the location of the bus stop.
So, please decide your travel way, considering also your first visiting place in Arashiyama, in addition to time and fare.
Check the location map below, showing time from each arrival station to main attractions in Arashiyama.
2. By Keihan Railway or Bus + Hankyu Railway for Arashiyama (via Kyoto-Kawaramachi Sta.)
2-1 By Keihan Railway (From Kiyomizu-Gojo Sta. to Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi Sta.)
One way to Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi station from Kiyomizu Temple is by Keihan Railway.
Although you need more than 20 minutes’ walk from the temple to the nearest Keihan station, Kiyomizu-Gojo, you can move to Arashiyama area without delay, avoiding congestion even on peak season.
The followings are the details.
1. Head for Keihan Railway Kiyomizu-Gojo Sta.
Kiyomizu-Gojo station is located underground like subway.
So please find out the entrance of the station located near the intersection where Gojo street and Kawabata street cross beside river.
(the picture : Keihan Railway Kiyomizu-Gojo station Entrance No.4)
2. Take any Trains at Track No.1
All trains departing from track No. 1 take you to Gion-Shijo station, where you need to tranfer for Hankyu Railway.
Gion-Shijo station is the next stop.
(The Picture : Kiyomizu-Gojo station platform)
3. Get off at Gion-Shijo Sta. and Transfer for Hankyu Railway
In 2 minutes’ ride, trains arrive at Gion-Shijo station.
After getting out of the ticket gate, please walk to the left, and head for Exit 3, 4 or 5 to transfer for Hankyu Railway.
(The Picture : the area just after Gion-Shijo station Ticket Gate)
After getting out of the Exits (3, 4 or 5), walk toward the bridge and cross it.
At the both sides of the street after crossing the bridge, Hankyu Railway Kyoto-Kawaramachi station entrances are available.
(The Picture : Gion-Shijo Sta. Exit 4 & Bridge)
This is Hankyu Railway Kyoto-Kawaramachi station entranc 1-A.
The Hankyu Railway station is also located underground like Keihan Railway.
From Keihan Gion-Shijo station exit to Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi station entrance, it takes about 2 minutes’ walk.
All you need is just crossing the bridge. It is very easy to transfer.
2-2 By Kyoto City Bus or Keihan Bus (From Gojozaka Bus Stop to Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi Sta.)
The other way to Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi station from Kiyomizu Temple is by Bus.
Kyoto City Bus and Keihan Bus are available.
Basically, Kyoto City Bus is colored green, and Keihan Bus is colored red.
If you are Subway & Bus One-day Pass holder, Keihan Bus also accepts the pass!
So, you can take any early buses!
The followings are the details.
1. Head for Gojozaka Bus Stop C
Gojozaka bus stop C is located on the west side of the Higashi-oji street.
(the bus stop after crossing the street when you come from Kiyomizu Temple)
(the picture : Gojozaka Bus Stop C)
2. Take any Keihan Buses or Kyoto City Bus No.207 (or No.58) at Gojozaka Bus Stop C
You can take any Keihan Buses at Gojozaka bus stop C. (Bus No. 83 , 83A , 84 , 84C , 86 , 86B , 87A , 87B or 88B )
Please note that if you take Keihan Buses by cash, please get numbered ticket when you get on.
And, pay fare ¥230 together with the ticket when get off.
If IC cards, only touch the card reader, don’t need the numbered ticket.
(the picture : Keihan Bus at Gojozaka Bus Stop C)
If you take Kyoto City Bus No. 207 (or No.58 ) by cash or IC card, just pay the bus fare when get off.
If you have Subway & Bus One-Day Pass, you can ride both Kyoto City Bus and Keihan bus.
(the picture : Kyoto City Bus No.207 at Gojozaka Bus Stop C)
3. Get off at Shijo-Keihan-mae Bus Stop, and Transfer for Hankyu Railway
In about 8 minutes’ ride, Kyoto City or Keihan buses arrive at Shijo-Keihan-mae bus stop.
(“Shijo-Keihan-mae” means Keihan Railway Gion-Shijo station.)
After getting off the buses, please walk forward direction.
Then, you will see the big intersection and the bridge.
(the picture : Shijo-Keihan-mae Bus Stop & sidewalk)
Cross the intersection and the bridge, then you come to Hankyu Railway Kyoto-Kawaramachi station in just a few minutes.
(the picture : sidewalk on the bridge)
Hankyu Railway Kyoto-Kawaramachi station is located underground like subway.
(the picture : Hankyu Railway Kyoto-Kawaramachi station Entrance No.1-B)
2-3 By Hankyu Railway (From Kyoto-Kawaramachi Sta. to Arashiyama Sta.)
Trains at Kyoto-Kawaramati station don’t go to Arashiyama directly.
You need to change trains on the way at Katsura station.
But don’t worry.
Although stops are different depending on train types, all the trains departing from Kyoto-Kawaramachi stop Katsura station.
The followings are the details.
1. Take any Hankyu Trains at Kyoto-Kawaramachi Sta.
Take any type of trains (local, semi-express, express, semi-limited-express, limited-express, etc.)
Usually, trains depart from track No.1 or 3.
Almost all trains are bound for Osaka-Umeda station, and all the trains stop Katsura station, where you need to change trains for Arashiyama.
(the picture : Hankyu Railway Kyoto-Kawaramachi station Track No.1 & 3)
2. Change Trains at Katsura Sta.
Change trains at Katsura station for Arashiyama. (Hankyu Arashiyama line)
The trains for Arashiyam depart from track No.1.
So, please move to the track by the overpass or underpass.
(the picture : Overpass at Hankyu Railway Katsura station)
All trains for Arashiyama are local, and operated 4 times per hour, less than the section between Kyoto-Kawaramachi and Katusra.
So you may wait for a moment, depending on the train schedule from Kyoto-Kawaramachi.
(the picture : Hankyu Railway Katsura station Track No.1 for Arashiyama)
3. Get off at Arashiyama Sta.
In 7 minutes’ ride, the trains arrive at Arashiyama station, the last stop of Hankyu Arashiyama line.
So, it is easy when get off.
From this station, Arashiyama park is 3 minutes’ walk, and Togetsukyo Bridge is just 5 minutes’ walk.
(the picture : Hankyu Railway Arashiyama station)
4. Walk along the Street ahead, and head for the River Side.
After getting out of station gate, walk straight along the street ahead.
Cross the small intersection, go straight and head for river side (sandbank).
Soon, you come to Arashiyama park and Togetsukyo Bridge.
(the picture : Arashiyama Park & Togetsukyo Bridge)
3. By Kyoto City Bus + Randen for Arahiyama (via Shijo-Omiya Sta.)
Next, I’ ll show you the way by bus + Randen for Arashiyama.
Firstly, please take Kyoto City Bus No. 207 at Gojozaka bus stop C.
The buses are likely to be delayed or crowded dependig on time, season and traffic condition.
Then, transfer at Shijo-Omiya for Randen (Keifuku Railway) which take you to the center of Arashiyama area directly.
The followings are the details.
1. Head for Gojozaka Bus Stop C.
This bus stop is the same one for Gion-Shijo station, located at the west side of Higashi-oji street.
2. Take Kyoto City Bus No.207
From Gojozaka bus stop C, take Kyoto City Bus No. 207 .
This bus No.207 are operated almost every 10 minutes.
(The Picture : Kyoto City Bus No.207 at Gojozaka Bus Stop C)
3. Get off at Shijo-Omiya Bus Stop, and Transfer for Randen
In at least 23 minutes’ ride, please get off at Shijo-Omiya bus stop.
(The Picture : Shijo-Omiya Bus Stop)
After getting off, head for Randen Shijo-Omiya station, located across from the bus stop.
(The Picture : Shijo-Omiya Bus Stop to Randen Station)
4. Take any Trains at Randen Shijo-Omiya Sta.
Randen Shijo-Omiya station is the first station, and Arashiyama station is the final station.
And, all the Randen trains are bound for Arashiyama station.
So it is very easy to take for visitors.
The trains are operated every 10 minutes.
If you just ride, the trains take you to Arashiyama.
5. Trains arrive at Arashiyama Sta. in 24 minutes
In 24 minutes’ ride, the trains arrive at Arashiyama station.
This station is located in the center of Arashiyama area, so it is very convenient to visit any attractions in Arashiyama.
4. By Bus + JR line for Arashiyama (via Kyoto Sta.)
If your first visiting places are near JR Saga-Arashiyama station such as Trolley Train or Daikakuji Temple, “By Kyoto City Bus + JR via Kyoto Station” is better.
Firstly, take Kyoto City Bus No. 206 , 86 or 106 at Gojozaka bus stop A.
(if weekends & holidays, although the bus fare is ¥500, Limited Express No.100 & No.101 are also available from bus stop B. Subway & Bus One-day Pass is accepted by the limited express bus.)
Then, Transfer at Kyoto Station for JR Sagano line.
Those buses are likely to be very crowded depending on time, season and traffic condition.
The followings are the details.
1. Head for Gojozaka Bus Stop A. (or B if you take Limited Express Bus on Weekends & Holidays)
Gojozaka bus stop A is located at the east side of Higashi-oji street that buses run.
At Gojozaka intersection, turn right before crossing the street when you come from Kiyomizu Temple.
Gojozaka bus stop B is located at the south side of Gojo street (to the east dirction from Gojozaka intersection).
When you come to Gojozaka intersection, keep going straight along the south side of Gojo street.
2. Take Kyoto City Bus No.206, 86 or 106 (or Limited Express Bus No.100, No.101)
At Gojozaka bus stop A, take Kyoto City Bus No. 206 , 86 or 106 . (or bus stop B, take Limited Express bus No.100 or No.101 on weekends & holidays.)
(The picture : Bus No.206 for Kyoto Station)
3. Get off at Kyoto Station, and Transfer for JR
In about 15 minutes’ ride, buses arrive at Kyoto Station bus terminal.
After getting off, walk toward Kyoto station building, and head for JR Kyoto Station track No.31, 32 and 33 (JR Sagano line) through central ticket gate.
This is the central ticket gate.
After entering the gate, turn right and walk straight until the end of the platform, you come to the track No.31, 32 and 33 (JR Sagano line platform).
4. Take local or rapid Trains at JR Sagano line Platform
For Arashiyama, take local or rapid trains departing from track No.31, 32 or 33.
(Please don’t ride on limited express trains.)
The trains are usually operated about 5 times per hour.
5. Get off at Saga-Arashiyama Station.
In 17 minutes by local trains, trains arrive at Saga-Arashiyama station, the 7th stop from Kyoto station.
Please be careful that if you ride rapid train, Saga-Arashiyama is the 3rd stop, taking just 11 minutes.
6. Head for the correct Gate for your Destination
After getting out of the ticket gate, if you firstly visit Bamboo Forest, Togetsukyo Bridge or trolley train, please head for the south gate.
If you visit Daikakuji temple, Jojakkoji temple or Adashinono Nenbutsuji temple, please head for the north gate.
(The picture : ticket gate of Saga-Arashiyama Station)
This JR Saga-Arashiyama station is located a little bit away from the center of Arashiyama.
For example, it takes 12 minutes’ walk to Togetsukyo Bridge, also the symbol of Arashiyama area.
Check this map about a time to each famous spot from stations in Arashiyama including this JR station.
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