This is sort of a PSA but also a question. There are a few circular bus lines in Kyoto and it appears that each of these lines has two routes — clockwise and counterclockwise. The problem is that the bus has the same number no matter what direction it is travelling. I learned this the hard way when I missed a private tea ceremony that I had booked far in advance because I got on the 206 bus going in the wrong direction from Kyoto Station. I was crushed and was not able to find another tea ceremony to book so late notice. After lots of googling I discovered that the counterclockwise bus leaves from platform B2 while the clockwise one leaves from platform A3.
I could not find any difference in signage to tell me which direction the bus was going from Kyoto station. Was there some kanji or something that I missed saying “clockwise” or “counterclockwise”? Or do you really just have to know the exact timing and location of the clockwise versus counterclockwise busses? If you had no access to internet whatsoever, how would you know if the 206 bus in front of you was going the right direction?
TL;DR: for the circular bus routes in Kyoto, how do you know which direction the bus is going (since busses going in both directions have the same number)?
5 comments
The side of the bus will tell you the next few stops. [https://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/kotsu/webguide/en/bus/howtoride_bus_0_0.html](https://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/kotsu/webguide/en/bus/howtoride_bus_0_0.html) (page 3)
Note the next stop on the route and check the schedule posted at the bus stop to make sure it’s headed in that direction (or ask the driver if you’re able to before boarding), or note the side of the street the bus stop is on.
Maybe google maps has improved since I was last in Kyoto, but I found the arukumachi kyoto app to be more useful for specific bus stop locations. Wrong direction is certainly an easy mistake to make though. I’ve had some annoying experiences, and a few serendipitous ones where I ended up in someplace more interesting than I intended (like deep in the mountains lol)
I’m not of any help, but I’ve heard that this is the exact reason why locals recommend tourists to just take taxis and ubers while in Kyoto. It’s what I plan to do especially because I’ll have to be at certain places by like 6am and such. I hope you figure out the bus system! I’m sorry you missed your reservation
Some bus stops in Kyoto have live updates on where the buses are and where they are going. Paper Maps are free in Kyoto Station. I took time to read it and study it but it’s really much easier if you just use google maps.
One easy ways is to look at the route info/stops that are posted at the stop. There’s lots of information that says which direction it’s going to go and it’s a mistake you’re not likely to make again, but I agree the basic number can be confusing.