Hi guys, I have a question regarding the Bus Stops on Kyoto Bus Routes. I’m not sure if it’s usually the case but when I was in Kyoto, the bus stops are usually in pairs and across from each other? One is going back to the bus station while the other just came from the bus station. I would like to ask how would I distinguish the waiting area for the bus that just came from the bus station from the one that is going back. I hope you understood my question. Can’t wait to go back to Japan! 😀
6 comments
This is the common layout in most cities, so not only applicable to Kyoto. It usually says on the bus stop signs where the bus is going (route and time table).
It also usually (or sometimes) says the next stop right next to the stop name, so you can also figure it out by that.
Generally, it’s fairly easy to figure out the direction the bus(es) are going just by looking at the transport map (https://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/kotsu/webguide/files/tikabusnavi/en_tikabusnavi_2.pdf).
They would be on different side of the street. So if you have some general navigation skill and knowledge of the city layout, then would not bee too hard to figure out. Like if you are in front of Nijo-jo, then the stop in front of it is going North, so the opposite direction of the station, and the other side of the street to go to the station. But if you want to go to Gion, then the bus would be on the street just below the castle and on the castle side. Obviously it might not always be that simple, but with a map of the bus network, I would be you can guess it right most of the time.
I think there is also usually a posting with the time next to the stop and it include timetable and direction.
If you don’t know the route and directions, go to the busstop and check on the tables there if your bus is listed and which are the next destinations. Use Google maps to figure out your way, then check if the bis with that final stop that’s listed in Google maps is there. If not, it goes in the other direction so you need to change the street.
Another thing to watch out for is that Google Maps can be quite inaccurate with the exact locations of the bus stops (at least when we were last in Kyoto in early 2020). Apple Maps was much more accurate.
Most busses usually stop at the Train station. I jus mention train station and by that answer I’ll know which direction that bus is headed. I found however Ive usually started my journey from the train stations, haven’t really caught busses mid-route though.