Cheap travel in Kyoto

Affordable accommodation

Accommodation is undoubtedly one of the most significant expenses when traveling to Japan. The rates are relatively high, especially if you want to stay in the city's center. In Kyoto, housing is more expensive, especially in the ancestral district of Gion, to the east of the town.

Youth hostels are advantageous if you are traveling alone or with friends. You can also rent an apartment or a house if there are more of you. It is advisable to book in advance, especially if you are traveling during the high season. You can find homes from $70/60€ per night.

Inexpensive tours

Some of Japan's finest temples are found in Kyoto. If the vast majority of them are paying, generally between 400 and 600 yen ($3.50 - 5.25/3 - 4.575€) for the entrance, there are also specific complexes to visit for free : the Kamo sanctuaries in the north, the two Hongan temples -ji north of the station or the famous Yasaka-Jinja shrine in Gion.

To read: The Hongan-ji temples

For walkers, pleasant hikes are to be done in the Kyoto mountains, especially to the west of the city, in Arashiyama. Mount Daimonji and the ascent between the torii of Fushimi Inari are also unmissable and free walks!

Other free tours in Kyoto:

• Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
• The Kamigamo Jinja
• The Shimogamo Jinja

Affordable Visits

Some of the most beautiful temples in Japan are located in Kyoto. While the majority of them charge an entrance fee, generally between 500 and 1000 yen (3.12€-6.20€), there are also some complexes you can visit for free: the Kamo Shrines to the north, the two Hongan-ji temples north of the station, and the famous Yasaka-Jinja Shrine in Gion.

For walkers, there are some pleasant hikes to do in the Kyoto mountains, especially to the west of the city, in Arashiyama. Climbing Mount Daimonji or hiking through the torii gates at Fushimi Inari are also must-do walks that are entirely free!

Low-cost transport

In Kyoto, to get around quickly and spend little on transport - reputedly expensive - buses and bicycles are kings! The metro is indeed underdeveloped since only two lines are available. On the contrary, the Kyoto bus network is very developed, and the prices are moderate. It is not easy at the beginning to understand the convoluted and provided plan of the web and the actual operation of the buses. Remember that you have to get on from the back and get off at the front and that the ticket is paid for when getting off the bus by inserting your change into a machine near the driver. A trip will cost you 230 yen ($2/1.75€), but the unlimited day pass is exciting since it sells for 500 yen ($4.25/4€) and is thus quickly profitable.

You can check the city bus map in English on the official website. Instructions have been added to allow the use of Kyoto buses without unpleasant surprises and to know the prices charged. Finally, a map shows you the lines to take to get to the most popular tourist sites.

See also: Cheap travel in Japan.

Bike rental is also a perfect solution if you want to get around the city quickly, especially in summer. There are many rental shops, either by the hour or by the day, the latter solution being the most interesting, with a price of around 1,000 yen (about $9/8.50€), which is very interesting in the long run. The term, as well as for the autonomy gained.

Note that the JR Kansai Area Pass allows unlimited travel in the region at a reduced price, from 1 to 4 consecutive days ($55/50€ for four days on our website japan-rail-pass.fr ).