Kyoto Kawaramachi Station

Kawaramachi Station is the terminal of the Hankyu Kyoto Line and the main stop for travelers arriving in Kyoto from Osaka. The station sits right in the heart of the Shijo-Kawaramachi shopping district in central Kyoto. Step outside and you’ll find shopping streets, restaurants, and hotels all around. Many visitors choose to stay near this station because everything is within walking distance the moment you leave.

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Kyoto Kawaramachi Station Entrance

Kawaramachi vs. Kyoto Station: Which Should You Choose?

Many visitors wonder about the differences between Kawaramachi and Kyoto Station, and which one to use. It’s actually quite straightforward. Kyoto Station is the main transportation hub, designed primarily for transfers. It gets you anywhere with ease, whether you’re arriving by Shinkansen from Tokyo or Nagoya, or switching to JR for Nara. The downside is that most main sightseeing spots are not within walking distance. Kawaramachi Station, by contrast, sits right in the middle of central Kyoto, where you can reach several main sights on foot. If you’re coming from Osaka on the Hankyu Line, this is the more convenient choice.

Which Exit Should I Use?

Kawaramachi Station has quite a few exits, but don’t worry, you don’t need to memorize them all. Visitors mainly use just a handful, and following the signs inside the station will get you where you need to go.

For shopping streets like Nishiki Market, Shinkyogoku, and Teramachi Street, Exit 9 is your best bet. Once you step out, you’ll be right on Shijo-dori, the main road. Head north for about 5 minutes, roughly 400 meters (0.2 miles), and you’ll reach Teramachi Street. Feel free to wander north along the shopping street at your own pace, and in another 5 minutes you’ll arrive at Nishiki Market, where you can snack your way through the stalls. Continue east through the market and you’ll hit Shinkyogoku at the end. Stroll south along the lively Shinkyogoku, lined with drugstores and clothing shops, and you’ll eventually make your way back to the Shijo-dori intersection, ready to head to your next destination. Best of all, most of these streets are roofed over, so rain won’t ruin your plans.

For the Kamo River, Gion, and Yasaka Shrine, take Exit 1. After leaving the station, walk east for 3 - 5 minutes and you’ll reach the banks of the Kamo River. A short stroll along the river brings you to Shijo Bridge. Cross to the east side and continue 400 meters (0.2 miles), about 5 minutes, and you’ll arrive in Gion. Keep heading east along the main road and you’ll pass Hanamikoji Street. Walling another 100 meters (0.06 miles), and you’ll finally reach Yasaka Shrine.

Visitors in Gion

Yasaka Shrine

How to Transfer at Kawaramachi Station?

Transferring at Kawaramachi Station is simple, as there are not many lines to choose from. Just keep two directions in mind.

1.For Arashiyama and Osaka Umeda

For Arashiyama, take the Kyoto Line directly from this station to Katsura Station, then transfer to the Hankyu Arashiyama Line inside the station. The whole trip takes about 20 minutes and costs 240 yen (1.5 USD). For Umeda, Osaka, hop on the Rapid Limited Express and you’ll be there in about 45 minutes with no transfers needed. The fare is around 410 yen (2.6 USD).

2.For Fushimi Inari Taisha and Uji

First, exit from the Kawaramachi Station and walk straight east along the bustling Shijo-dori, crossing the Kamo Rive until you reach the Gion-Shijo Station. Go inside and board the Keihan Main Line. For Fushimi Inari Taisha, take the train for about 5 stops and 9 minutes at a cost of 220 yen (1.4 USD). Once you get off, turn left and walk 3 minutes to the shrine. One important note: don’t accidentally board a Limited Express train, as these skip smaller stations like Fushimi Inari Taisha. Choose a Semi-Express or another train that stops at every station instead. For Uji, first get to the Chushojima Station and then transfer to the Keihan Uji Line to Uji Station. The entire journey takes around 50 minutes.

In addition, you might also find the Kyoto Municipal Subway useful. You can exit the Kawaramachi Station and walk for 10 minutes to reach the Subway Shijio Station, where you can transfer to the Karasuma Line. From here, it is just two stops south to Kyoto Station, which is handy if you need to catch a Shinkansen or a JR train.

Passengers in Kyoto Subway

Nearby Bus Transfer Stops

Kawaramachi Station is also an important bus transfer hub in the city. The bus stops are arranged around the intersection of Shijo-dori and Kawaramachi-dori in a cross pattern. You can choose different bus stops depending on where you want to go.

For Heian Jingu, Nanzen-ji Temple, Ginkaku-ji Temple, or Eikando Temple, take Exit 3 and walk to the H stop on the northwest side of the intersection, then catch Route 5.

For Shimogamo Shrine or Kamigamo Shrine, also take Exit 3, but head to the F stop on the west side of the intersection and board Route 4.

For Shijo-Karasuma or Kyoto Station, take Exit 3 to the A stop on the north side of the intersection and ride Route 5. For Sanjo-Keihan, the Kyoto Imperial Palace, or Kitano Tenmangu, use the same A stop but take Route 10 instead.

City Bus outside the Station

Luggage Storage

Luggage storage options at Kawaramachi Station are somewhat limited, with most located in the passageways near Exit 1. They are mainly coin-operated lockers. Small lockers cost 400 yen (2.5 USD) per day and fit a backpack. Medium lockers are 500 yen (3.2 USD) per day and can hold a 24-inch suitcase. Large lockers go for 700 yen (4.4 USD) per day, with enough space for a 28-inch suitcase. However, keep in mind that storage is charged by the calendar day, not by 24 hours. If you are storing a luggage for multiple days, note that a new day’s charge begins at midnight.

If you arrive before 10 AM, you’ll likely find an available locker, but by afternoon they tend to fill up quickly. If that happens, your best choice is to use the lockers in the nearby shopping streets. There are more of them, scattered across various locations, and cost less at 200 to 400 yen (1.3 to 2.5 USD) per day.

Tips

1. Near Exit 6 inside the station, you’ll find the Hankyu Kyoto Tourist Information Center. It is open from 8:30 AM to 17:00 PM and offers English assistance. Feel free to stop by for directions or to pick up tourist maps.

2. If you’re travelling from Kyoto Station to Kawaramachi Station, a direct bus is not the most convenient option. City traffic is often heavy, and during peak season the ride can take over an hour. A better choice is to take the subway to Shijo Station first, then transfer to the Hankyu Express line to Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station. The whole trip takes only 15 minutes.