Discover Kyoto at your own pace with hop-on hop-off freedom

Begin your exploration of Kyoto with the convenience of the Sky Hop Bus, offering you access to three color-coded sightseeing routes and 14 convenient stops. Whether you have one or two days, this flexible pass lets you discover the city’s historic sites, contemporary attractions and beautiful scenery right from an open-top bus.

Red Route: History and Heritage

The Red Route begins at Kyoto Station and takes you through some of the city's most iconic landmarks. The service starts at 9am and runs until 7pm, with buses every 40 minutes. Notable stops include:

• Nijo-Jo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its unique 'Nightingale Floors'

• Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion

• Heian Shrine, celebrated for its massive torii gate and beautiful gardens

Purple Route: Imperial Kyoto

The Purple Route showcases Kyoto’s classical elegance and imperial legacy. Buses first depart at 9:20am and the last service is at 5:09pm, running every 40 minutes between:

• Daitoku-ji Temple, renowned for its Zen gardens

• Kyoto Imperial Palace, centerpiece of the city’s regal past

• Additional cultural landmarks along the way

Green Route: Art and Culture

The Green Route offers passengers a taste of Kyoto’s artistic and museum scenes. Buses leave from Kyoto Station at 12:15pm, with the final bus at 6:01pm and departures every 2 hours. Main highlights include:

• Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion)

• Kyoto National Museum

• Serene riversides and tranquil neighborhoods

Flexibility is central to this pass: you can join the bus at any stop and explore each destination at your leisure. With departures from Kyoto Station throughout the day, you never have to worry about rigid schedules. A multilingual audio guide enhances your experience, offering lively commentary in Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French and German.

All Sky Hop buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi and seasonal amenities such as ponchos for rainy weather, ensuring a comfortable journey regardless of the forecast. Click here for a detailed map and boarding locations.

Whether you’re drawn to Kyoto’s temples, seeking panoramic city views from Kyoto Tower, or intrigued by its living traditions, this bus tour brings the city to your fingertips. Marvel at cherry blossoms in spring, admire vibrant autumn leaves, or enjoy urban scenes from the comfort of your seat.

Your ticket provides freedom to create your own itinerary and see as much as you desire. Don’t miss the chance to visit sites like Nijo Castle, the Kamo River and the 18th-century Imperial Palace—all curated along the routes for an unforgettable visit.

Book your Sky Hop Bus: Kyoto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour tickets now!