Kyoto Bus Hack: How to Ride to Kinkakuji or Kiyomizudera More Comfortably
Planning to visit Kinkakuji or Kiyomizudera by city bus in Kyoto?
Most tourists head to Bus 205 (for Kinkakuji) or Bus 206 (for Kiyomizudera) from Kyoto Station,
only to face long lines and packed buses.
But here’s a local secret:
There’s a hidden bus stop just a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Station, where you can board these buses with far fewer crowds — and often, a seat.
📍 How to Find the Stop
- Search for “Shimo-Gyo Ward Office” on Google Maps
- From Kyoto Station (Central Exit), walk northwest for about 5 minutes
- The stop is located on Shiokoji Street (same street as Kyoto Station)
🧭 Local Directions Tip
The bus stop name is “Shimo-Gyo Ward Office-mae”,
but it’s actually located a bit east of the ward office — not directly in front of it.
Also, don’t go too far west!
If you pass Nishinotoin Street, you’ve gone a bit too far.
But if you find yourself at Horikawa Street… well, just take a taxi.
(That’s a joke… kind of. 😄)
💡 Local Tip
This bus stop was once known as Santetsu (三哲), a name unfamiliar to most tourists. It was renamed to be more recognizable, but even now, very few visitors use this stop — making it the perfect place to start your journey like a local.
⚠️ What to Watch Out For
- Double-check the bus direction — Bus 205 loops around Kyoto in two directions
- Bus 205 runs both westbound (to Kinkakuji) and eastbound (to Kawaramachi). Make sure to board the westbound direction if you’re heading to Kinkakuji.
- If you get on the wrong one, don’t worry — it’s a loop route, so you’ll eventually arrive. Just be prepared for a longer ride (and maybe enjoy the full city tour 😄)
- Look at the electronic signboard on the bus before boarding
✅ Summary
- Bus Routes: 205 (to Kinkakuji), 206 (to Kiyomizudera/Gion)
- Secret Stop: Shimo-Gyo Ward Office-mae
- Walk Time: About 5 minutes from Kyoto Station
- Advantage: At the very least, you’ll get on — and probably get a seat too
Avoid the tourist crowd and start your day like a local Kyotoite.
Ride in comfort as you explore some of Japan’s most iconic landmarks.
😎 Bonus Tip
Got it? Make sure you’re at the northbound bus stop.
If you board from the south side, you’ll end up heading straight to the bus depot —
but only if you’re on Bus 205!
Bus 206 does not go to the depot, so this quirky detour applies only to 205.
Haha — don’t say I didn’t warn you!
🚌 Bonus Tip for Kiyomizudera Visitors
This article focused on Bus 205 for Kinkakuji,
but if you’re heading to Kiyomizudera or Gion, the same technique works with Bus 206.
While it’s not officially labeled “eastbound,” Bus 206 loops through the eastern part of Kyoto —
making it a practical choice for destinations like Kiyomizudera.
And yes — you can catch it at Shimo-Gyo Ward Office-mae just like Bus 205.
Same comfort, fewer crowds, and a calmer start to your day. Just double-check the direction on the signboard!
#KyotoTips #JapanTravel #BusHack #Kinkakuji #Kiyomizudera #TravelLikeALocal
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