

Kyoto Subway Map: Lines, Stations, Fares, and Routes to Top Attractions

By Tina
July 27, 2026

Kyoto has many temples, shrines, and traditional neighborhoods, but they are spread across different parts of the city. The Kyoto subway makes some journeys faster, especially when roads and buses are crowded. With only two subway lines, the system is much easier to understand than the train networks in Tokyo or Osaka.
Overview of Kyoto Subway Lines

The Kyoto City Subway has two lines. The Karasuma Line travels north and south, while the Tozai Line travels east and west. They meet at Karasuma Oike Station, the main transfer point in the network.
Subway Line | Route | Length | Stations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Karasuma Line (Green / K) | Kokusaikaikan to Takeda | 13.7 km | 15 | Kyoto Station, Shijo, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and northern Kyoto |
Tozai Line (Vermilion-Orange / T) | Rokujizo to Uzumasa Tenjingawa | 17.5 km | 17 | Nijo Castle, Higashiyama, Sanjo, Yamashina, and Randen connections |
The station codes are easy to follow. Karasuma Line stations use the letter K, while Tozai Line stations use the letter T. For example, Kyoto Station is K11 and Nijojo-mae Station is T14.
Quick Things That Help
- Transfer between both subway lines at Karasuma Oike Station
- Use the Karasuma Line for Kyoto Station, Shijo, and Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Use the Tozai Line for Nijo Castle, Higashiyama, Keage, and Sanjo
- Use JR, Keihan, Hankyu, Randen, or a bus for places not near the subway
- Check the exit number before leaving the station
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Kyoto Subway Karasuma Line
The Karasuma Line is marked green and uses the letter K. It runs through central Kyoto from Kokusaikaikan in the north to Takeda in the south. This is the only subway line serving Kyoto Station, so many visitors will use it during their trip.
Karasuma Line Stations
Kokusaikaikan (K01) → Matsugasaki (K02) → Kitayama (K03) → Kitaoji (K04) → Kuramaguchi (K05) → Imadegawa (K06) → Marutamachi (K07) → Karasuma Oike (K08) → Shijo (K09) → Gojo (K10) → Kyoto (K11) → Kujo (K12) → Jujo (K13) → Kuinabashi (K14) → Takeda (K15)
Useful Karasuma Line Stations
Station | Code | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Kitaoji | K04 | Kitaoji Bus Terminal and buses to Kinkaku-ji |
Imadegawa | K06 | Kyoto Imperial Palace and Doshisha University |
Marutamachi | K07 | Southern side of Kyoto Imperial Palace |
Karasuma Oike | K08 | Transfer to the Tozai Line and Kyoto International Manga Museum |
Shijo | K09 | Downtown Kyoto, Nishiki Market, and Hankyu Karasuma Station |
Kyoto | K11 | JR trains, Shinkansen, airport trains, buses, and Kyoto Tower |
Takeda | K15 | Transfer to Kintetsu Railway |
Some Karasuma Line trains continue onto the Kintetsu Line. Check the train destination carefully if you only plan to travel within Kyoto.
Kyoto Subway Tozai Line
The Tozai Line is marked vermilion-orange and uses the letter T. It runs from Rokujizo in eastern Kyoto to Uzumasa Tenjingawa in the west. It is useful for reaching Nijo Castle, Higashiyama, Sanjo, and connections to JR, Keihan, and Randen.
Tozai Line Stations
Rokujizo (T01) → Ishida (T02) → Daigo (T03) → Ono (T04) → Nagitsuji (T05) → Higashino (T06) → Yamashina (T07) → Misasagi (T08) → Keage (T09) → Higashiyama (T10) → Sanjo Keihan (T11) → Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae (T12) → Karasuma Oike (T13) → Nijojo-mae (T14) → Nijo (T15) → Nishioji Oike (T16) → Uzumasa Tenjingawa (T17)
Useful Tozai Line Stations
Station | Code | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Yamashina | T07 | Transfer to JR and Keihan services |
Keage | T09 | Nanzen-ji Temple and Keage Incline |
Higashiyama | T10 | Heian-jingu Shrine, museums, and the Okazaki area |
Sanjo Keihan | T11 | Transfer to Keihan Sanjo Station and access toward Gion |
Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae | T12 | Kyoto City Hall, Teramachi, and central shopping streets |
Karasuma Oike | T13 | Transfer to the Karasuma Line |
Nijojo-mae | T14 | Nijo-jo Castle |
Nijo | T15 | Transfer to the JR Sagano Line for Arashiyama |
Uzumasa Tenjingawa | T17 | Transfer to Randen-Tenjingawa for Arashiyama |
Some Keihan Keishin Line trains continue onto the Tozai Line. If you are going to Yamashina, Daigo, or Rokujizo, check the destination display and choose a train bound for Rokujizo.
Popular Kyoto Attractions Near Subway Stations
The subway reaches several major sights, but it does not stop directly beside every famous attraction. For Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, and Arashiyama, you may need to transfer to a bus or another railway.
Attraction or Area | Subway Line or Transport | Nearest Useful Station or Stop | What to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
Kyoto Imperial Palace | Karasuma Line | Imadegawa or Marutamachi | Choose the station based on the entrance you plan to use |
Nishiki Market | Karasuma Line | Shijo | Around a 5-minute walk to the western entrance |
Kyoto International Manga Museum | Both lines | Karasuma Oike | A short walk from the station |
Nijo-jo Castle | Tozai Line | Nijojo-mae | One of the easiest attractions to reach by subway |
Nanzen-ji Temple | Tozai Line | Keage | Around a 10-minute walk |
Heian-jingu Shrine | Tozai Line | Higashiyama | Continue on foot through the Okazaki area |
Gion | Tozai Line | Sanjo Keihan | Walk south or transfer to Keihan Railway for Gion-Shijo |
Kinkaku-ji | Karasuma Line plus bus | Kitaoji | Transfer at Kitaoji Bus Terminal |
Arashiyama | Tozai Line plus Randen | Uzumasa Tenjingawa | Transfer to Randen-Tenjingawa Station |
Fushimi Inari Taisha | JR or Keihan Railway | JR Inari or Keihan Fushimi-Inari | The subway is not the easiest option |
Kiyomizu-dera | City bus or Keihan Railway | Gojozaka Bus Stop or Kiyomizu-Gojo Station | From Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, walk for about 25 minutes |
Kyoto Subway Operating Hours
Kyoto City Subway trains generally operate from around 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. First and last train times depend on the station, direction, day, and whether the service continues onto another railway.
- Trains run more frequently during the daytime and rush hours
- Early morning and late-night services are less frequent
- Check the last train before staying out late
- Allow extra time when transferring to another railway
- Use Google Maps or the official Kyoto route planner for the latest schedule
Kyoto Subway Fares and Tickets

Kyoto subway fares are based on distance. Adult single fares range from ¥220 to ¥360, while child fares range from ¥110 to ¥180.
Distance | Adult Fare | Child Fare |
|---|---|---|
Up to 3 km | ¥220 | ¥110 |
Over 3 km to 7 km | ¥260 | ¥130 |
Over 7 km to 11 km | ¥290 | ¥150 |
Over 11 km to 15 km | ¥330 | ¥170 |
Over 15 km | ¥360 | ¥180 |
Single Journey Ticket
Buy a single ticket from a station ticket machine before entering the gate. Check the fare map above the machine, select the correct amount, and keep the ticket until you exit.
Credit and debit cards cannot currently be used to pay Kyoto City Subway fares directly. Use cash, an IC card, or a valid transport pass.
IC Card

An IC card is the easiest option for most visitors. Kyoto City Subway accepts ICOCA, Suica, PASMO, PiTaPa, and other compatible Japanese transport cards.
- Tap the same card when entering and leaving
- Add enough balance before riding
- Use it on many trains, buses, and convenience stores
- An IC card does not automatically give you a discounted fare
Kyoto City Subway 1-Day Pass

- Price: ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for children
- Coverage: Unlimited rides on both Kyoto City Subway lines for one day
- Best for: Around three longer rides or four short rides in one day
- Important: It is not a 24-hour pass and does not cover JR or private railways
Subway and Bus 1-Day Pass

- Price: ¥1,100 for adults and ¥550 for children
- Coverage: All Kyoto City Subway and Kyoto City Bus services, plus selected Kyoto Bus, Keihan Bus, and West Japan JR Bus routes
- Best for: A sightseeing day that combines subway and bus rides
- Important: Some bus routes are not covered
Kyoto City Subway and Randen 1-Day Pass

- Price: ¥1,300
- Coverage: All Kyoto City Subway and Randen lines
- Best for: Visiting central Kyoto and Arashiyama on the same day
- Important: Only an adult ticket is available
- 2026 sale period: April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027

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How to Use the Kyoto Subway

Step 1: Check Your Line and Station Code
Find your starting station and destination on the Kyoto Subway Map. Look for the K code on the Karasuma Line or the T code on the Tozai Line.
Step 2: Buy a Ticket or Prepare Your IC Card
Buy a single ticket, use a valid day pass, or make sure your IC card has enough balance.
Step 3: Enter Through the Correct Gate
Insert your ticket or tap your IC card at the gate. Keep the ticket because you will need it when leaving.
Step 4: Check the Train Direction
Look at the final station shown on the platform sign. On the Karasuma Line, trains travel toward Kokusaikaikan or Takeda. On the Tozai Line, the main directions are Rokujizo and Uzumasa Tenjingawa.
Step 5: Transfer at Karasuma Oike
Follow the signs for the other subway line. You do not need to exit the paid area when transferring between the Karasuma and Tozai lines.
Step 6: Check Your Exit Number
Look at the station map before going upstairs. Choosing the correct exit can save you from a long walk.
Easy Kyoto Subway Routes for First-Time Visitors
Destination | Route from Kyoto Station | Transfer or Final Stop | Travel Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
Nijo-jo Castle | Take the Karasuma Line from Kyoto Station (K11) to Karasuma Oike (K08). | Transfer to the Tozai Line and get off at Nijojo-mae (T14). | Nijojo-mae is only one stop from Karasuma Oike. |
Kyoto Imperial Palace | Take the Karasuma Line from Kyoto Station (K11). | Get off at Imadegawa (K06) for the northern side or Marutamachi (K07) for the southern side. | Choose the station based on the palace entrance you plan to use. |
Heian-jingu Shrine | Take the Karasuma Line to Karasuma Oike. | Transfer to the Tozai Line and get off at Higashiyama (T10). | Continue on foot through the Okazaki area. |
Arashiyama | Take the Karasuma Line to Karasuma Oike, then transfer to the Tozai Line. | Get off at Uzumasa Tenjingawa (T17), use Exit 3, and transfer to Randen-Tenjingawa Station. | Take the Randen train to Arashiyama. A separate fare may apply. |
Fushimi Inari Taisha | Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station. | Get off at JR Inari Station. | The subway is not recommended. The JR journey takes around nine minutes. |
Kiyomizu-dera | Take Kyoto City Bus 86 or 206 from Kyoto Station. | Get off at Gojozaka and continue walking uphill. | Buses may be crowded or delayed by traffic. |
Kiyomizu-dera Alternative Route | Take the JR Nara Line to Tofukuji and transfer to Keihan Railway. | Get off at Kiyomizu-Gojo Station. | Walk for about 25 minutes to the temple. |
Kiyomizu-dera Traffic-Avoiding Route | Take the Karasuma Line one stop to Kujo Station. | Take bus 202 or 207 from Subway Kujo Station to Gojozaka. | This route can help you avoid heavy traffic near Kyoto Station. |
Secure Your Stay in Kyoto
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From Kansai Airport to the Kyoto Subway

Kyoto does not have its own major commercial airport. Filipino travelers usually arrive at Kansai International Airport and continue to Kyoto Station.
JR Limited Express Haruka
- Direct from Kansai Airport to Kyoto Station
- Travel time is around 80 minutes
- Transfer to the Karasuma Line at Kyoto Station
- Convenient for travelers who want fewer transfers
Airport Limousine Bus
- Direct service from Kansai Airport to Kyoto Station
- Travel time is around 100 minutes, depending on traffic
- Useful if you are carrying large luggage
- Transfer to the subway or city bus at Kyoto Station
From Osaka Itami Airport
The airport limousine bus reaches Kyoto Station or selected Kyoto hotels in around 50 to 55 minutes. From Kyoto Station, use the Karasuma Line or connect to another railway.
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Kyoto Subway Rules and Manners
Kyoto trains are clean, quiet, and organized. Follow these simple habits to make the journey comfortable for everyone.
- Let passengers leave before entering
- Queue behind the platform markings
- Keep your phone on silent and avoid phone calls
- Speak quietly inside the train
- Do not block the doors
- Carry your backpack in front when the train is crowded
- Keep priority seats available for passengers who need them
- Avoid eating full meals inside the subway
- Avoid carrying oversized luggage during busy periods
Tips for Filipino Travelers Using the Kyoto Subway
- Download a route app: Google Maps helps with train directions, transfers, exits, and travel times.
- Keep mobile data ready: A Japan eSIM helps you check live schedules and walking routes.
- Carry some yen: Credit and debit cards cannot currently be used to pay Kyoto City Subway fares directly.
- Use an IC card: ICOCA, Suica, and PASMO make transfers easier.
- Avoid busy travel times: Weekday mornings and late afternoons can be crowded.
- Plan beyond the subway: Many famous attractions require a bus, JR train, private railway, or a longer walk.
- Check the last train: Different railways may have different closing times.
- Travel light: Kyoto Station and city buses can become crowded during peak seasons.
FAQs About the Kyoto Subway Map
-
Is the Kyoto subway easy for first-time travelers?
Yes. The network has only two color-coded lines, English signs, and numbered stations. Check the direction and final station before boarding. -
Can I use Suica or PASMO on the Kyoto subway?
Yes. Kyoto City Subway accepts Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, and other compatible Japanese IC cards. -
Is the Kyoto City Subway 1-Day Pass worth it?
The ¥800 pass can be useful for around three longer rides or four short rides in one day. Compare your planned single fares first. If your itinerary also includes several bus rides, consider the ¥1,100 Subway and Bus 1-Day Pass. -
Can I use a credit card to enter the Kyoto subway?
No. Credit and debit cards cannot currently be used to pay Kyoto City Subway fares directly. Use a regular ticket, IC card, or transport pass. -
Does the Kyoto subway go directly to Arashiyama?
No. Take the Tozai Line to Uzumasa Tenjingawa and transfer to Randen, or use the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station.
Related products
Kyoto Subway Map
- 1. Overview of Kyoto Subway Lines
- 2. Kyoto Subway Karasuma Line
- 3. Kyoto Subway Tozai Line
- 4. Popular Kyoto Attractions Near Subway Stations
- 5. Kyoto Subway Operating Hours
- 6. Kyoto Subway Fares and Tickets
- 7. How to Use the Kyoto Subway
- 8. Easy Kyoto Subway Routes for First-Time Visitors
- 9. From Kansai Airport to the Kyoto Subway
- 10. Kyoto Subway Rules and Manners
- 11. Tips for Filipino Travelers Using the Kyoto Subway
- 12. FAQs About the Kyoto Subway Map
I’m someone who loves turning real travel experiences into helpful stories. From figuring out transport to planning smooth trips, I share practical tips that help Filipino travelers feel more confident wherever they go.
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