Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top Bus in Kyoto
Last updated: September 13, 2026
Discover Kyoto's top attractions with the flexibility of a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. Travel between the city's most famous temples, shrines, historic districts, and cultural landmarks while exploring at your own pace. 🟦 East Line – Gion, Kiyomizu-dera & the Ginkakuji side 🟥 West Line – Nijo-jo Castle, Kinkakuji & the Imperial Palace
Itinerary
Route
Departure
- Start point: Kyoto Station
- Stop at: Karasuma Gojo
- Stop at: Shijo Karasuma / Nishiki Market
- Stop at: Kyoto City Hall
- Stop at: Ginkakuji-michi (Silver Pavilion)
- Stop at: Heian-jingu Shrine / Okazaki Park
- Stop at: Gion (Kotowa Kyoto Yasaka)
- Stop at: Gojozaka (Kiyomizu-dera Temple / Gion)
- Stop at: Sanjusangendo Temple / Kyoto National Museum (Hyatt Regency Kyoto)
- End point: Kyoto Station
Frequently Asked Questions
The loop strings together Kyoto's spread-out headliners — the sights that are awkward to connect by train because they ring the city's edges. Check the stop map on the booking page for the current route before planning your day.
You can — they cover more ground — but they're notoriously packed in blossom and foliage season, and you'll spend the ride watching for your stop. The open-top loop trades that for guaranteed seats, commentary and views over the temple walls.
Kyoto's temples reward unhurried visits — an hour or two each. Three or four stops done well beats six ticked off; note the loop frequency and the last bus time when you plan the day's rhythm.