Few of Kyoto’s historic sites are located close to subway or train stations. Instead, Kyoto has a dense bus network with direct lines from Kyoto Station and/or other city centers to most tourist attractions. The bus fares are not as expensive as other means of public transport. Therefore, thanks to its cost efficiency and convenience, public buses are the most popular means of transport among sightseers in Kyoto, and are almost always packed with commuters, residents and tourists. Bus rides also give you opportunities to learn Japanese ways of behavior and manners.

For example, you may see a long queue in front of a bus stop, and feel dizzy by thinking of the time it might take you to get on a bus. But try to see the time as an opportunity to watch how the people here would behave; you will find that few would ever try to cut in a queue or force themselves into a bus. Also, try to continue observing while on a bus; you will notice there is hardly any noise no matter how crowded it might be, because it is considered rude to talk loudly on public transport in Japan. Moreover, while waiting for a bus, you could even get a chance to communicate with some local people. Therefore, given the cost, utility and possible opportunity of interaction, there would be no more attractive public transport in Kyoto than buses.