2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket for Double-Decker bus tour in Kyoto, Japan Transport Passes

Must Do Experiences

• Ride the open-top double-decker bus through the historic Higashiyama district to capture unobstructed views of traditional machiya townhouses.

• Hop off at the Kiyomizu-dera area to explore the famous wooden stage temple and stroll through the charming Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka preserved streets.

• Use the multilingual audio guide to learn about the fascinating history of the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle as you cruise past.

• Take advantage of the 2-day validity to explore the Arashiyama bamboo grove area on one day and the Fushimi Inari Shrine vicinity on the next.

Hidden Gems

• The upper deck offers a rare, elevated perspective of Kyoto hidden rooftop gardens and traditional wooden architecture that you simply cannot see from street level.

• Ask the bus staff about the best lesser-known stops near local artisan craft streets to avoid the massive crowds at major tourist hubs.

• Riding the bus during the late afternoon golden hour provides spectacular, warm lighting on the historic pagodas and temple roofs.

What Makes it Special

• The open-air double-decker design provides an unobstructed, immersive sightseeing experience that enclosed tour buses cannot match.

• A comprehensive 7-language audio guide ensures travellers from all over the world can deeply understand the rich cultural heritage.

• Thoughtful rainy day service provides complimentary raincoats, ensuring your sightseeing adventure continues comfortably even in unpredictable weather.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Board the bus early in the morning right after the first departure to beat the crowds and enjoy the crisp, clear light for photography. Spring for cherry blossoms and autumn for vibrant foliage are the most spectacular seasons to ride, though these periods bring larger crowds and require early boarding.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Sit on the top deck towards the front or sides for the best unobstructed, wide-angle shots of historic streetscapes and towering pagodas.

• Capture the stunning contrast of traditional architecture against the sky during the golden hour just before sunset for the most dramatic lighting.

• Ensure your camera strap is securely fastened around your neck or wrist while on the moving open-air deck to prevent accidental drops.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When visiting the temples and shrines along the bus route, remember to bow slightly before entering the torii gates and speak in hushed tones to respect worshippers. Tipping is not customary in Japan, so a simple, polite thank you or arigatou gozaimasu to the bus staff and guides is the perfect way to show your appreciation.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• Ride the bus during the Gion Matsuri in July to see the spectacular, towering floats and festive decorations adorning the streets of central Kyoto.

• Experience the magical autumn illumination events in November, where the bus route passes by temples and gardens beautifully lit up against the night sky.

• Enjoy the breathtaking views of cherry blossoms lining the Kamo River and temple grounds during the peak sakura season in early April.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Remain seated while the double-decker bus is in motion, especially on the open-air top deck, to avoid losing your balance on turns.

• Keep a firm grip on your hats, sunglasses, and loose belongings when riding on the top deck to prevent them from blowing away in the wind.

• Use the provided handrails carefully when climbing the stairs to the upper deck, as they can be steep and slippery if wet.