Map of Kyoto Station – Shinkansen, Train Lines, Exits & Transfer Guide
Kyoto Station is the principal railway, Shinkansen, subway and bus interchange serving Kyoto. Located south of the traditional city centre, the station connects the Tokaido Shinkansen with JR West regional services, the Kyoto City Subway Karasuma Line and nearby Kintetsu Railway services.
The station is a large multi-level complex containing railway platforms, ticket gates, shopping centres, hotels, restaurants, bus terminals and observation areas. Its two principal orientation zones are the Karasuma side facing Kyoto Tower and the city centre, and the Hachijō side serving the Shinkansen, Kintetsu Railway and southern station district.
This map of Kyoto Station provides a location guide to the Shinkansen platforms, conventional JR lines, subway and Kintetsu connections, major entrances, transfer routes, bus terminals and nearby Kyoto attractions.
## Quick Answer
Kyoto Station is located in Shimogyō ward south of central Kyoto. Use the Karasuma Central Entrance for Kyoto Tower, city buses and the main city-centre side, or the Hachijō entrances for the Tokaido Shinkansen, Kintetsu Kyoto Station and destinations south of the railway.
## Map of Kyoto Station
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
## Where Is Kyoto Station Located?
Kyoto Station is located in Higashishiokōji Kamadonochō in Shimogyō ward, Kyoto, Japan.
The station stands south of the traditional central shopping and historic districts, with Kyoto Tower immediately north of the Karasuma side.
The Karasuma side faces the principal city bus terminal, Kyoto Tower, Shiokōji-dori and routes towards central Kyoto.
The Hachijō side faces Hachijō-dori, hotels, airport buses, Kintetsu Kyoto Station and the Shinkansen entrances.
The map marker identifies the JR Central Entrance on the Karasuma side of the station.
## Shinkansen and Train Services
## JR Central Shinkansen
JR Central operates Tokaido Shinkansen services through Kyoto Station.
### Tokaido Shinkansen
The Tokaido Shinkansen connects Kyoto with major destinations including Nagoya, Shin-Yokohama and Tokyo to the east, and Shin-Osaka to the west.
Nozomi, Hikari and Kodama services have different stopping patterns and journey times.
Many trains continue beyond Shin-Osaka onto the Sanyo Shinkansen towards destinations including Shin-Kobe, Okayama, Hiroshima and Hakata.
Passengers should check the train name, departure platform, carriage number and reservation details before boarding.
## JR West Conventional Lines
JR West operates urban, regional, limited-express and airport services from Kyoto Station.
### JR Kyoto Line
The JR Kyoto Line connects Kyoto with destinations southwest towards Osaka and Kobe.
Major destinations include Takatsuki, Shin-Osaka and Osaka Station.
Special Rapid, Rapid and Local services have different stopping patterns.
Many services continue beyond Osaka onto the JR Kobe Line towards Sannomiya, Kobe, Akashi and Himeji.
### Biwako Line
The Biwako Line connects Kyoto with destinations east towards Shiga Prefecture.
Major destinations include Yamashina, Ōtsu, Ishiyama, Kusatsu, Moriyama, Yasu, Ōmi-Hachiman, Hikone and Maibara.
Some trains operate directly between the Biwako, Kyoto and Kobe lines.
### Kosei Line
The Kosei Line provides services north from Kyoto along the western side of Lake Biwa.
Major destinations include Yamashina, Ōtsukyō, Katata, Ōmi-Imazu and stations farther north.
Selected limited-express services also use parts of this route.
### Nara Line
The Nara Line connects Kyoto with destinations southeast of the city.
Major destinations include Tōfukuji, Inari, Rokujizō, Uji, Jōyō and Nara.
Rapid, Regional Rapid and Local services have different stopping patterns.
Inari Station provides access to Fushimi Inari Taisha.
### Sagano Line
The Sagano Line is the local name for the San-in Main Line between Kyoto and the western side of the city.
Major destinations include Umekōji-Kyōtonishi, Tambaguchi, Nijō, Hanazono, Saga-Arashiyama and Kameoka.
Saga-Arashiyama Station provides access to the Arashiyama district.
### Kintetsu and JR Connections Towards Nara
JR Nara Line trains and nearby Kintetsu services both provide routes towards Nara, but they use different stations and railway networks.
Passengers should confirm whether their ticket and destination require JR Nara Station or Kintetsu-Nara Station.
### Limited Express Haruka
Limited Express Haruka trains connect Kyoto Station with Kansai International Airport.
Major intermediate stops may include Shin-Osaka, Osaka and Tennōji, depending on the service.
A limited-express ticket or eligible reservation is required in addition to the basic fare.
### Limited Express Thunderbird
Limited Express Thunderbird services connect Kyoto with destinations towards Tsuruga.
Passengers travelling farther towards Fukui, Kanazawa or Toyama may transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen at Tsuruga.
### Limited Express Kinosaki
Limited Express Kinosaki services operate from Kyoto towards destinations including Fukuchiyama, Toyooka and Kinosaki Onsen.
### Limited Express Hashidate
Limited Express Hashidate services connect Kyoto with destinations including Fukuchiyama, Amanohashidate and the northern Kyoto Prefecture region.
### Limited Express Maizuru
Limited Express Maizuru services operate towards Ayabe and Higashi-Maizuru.
Some services may operate coupled with another limited-express train for part of the journey.
### Limited Express Hida
Selected Limited Express Hida services may connect Kyoto with destinations towards Gifu and Takayama according to the current timetable.
Passengers should check live departure displays because limited-express routes, stopping patterns and platform assignments may change.
## Kyoto City Subway Karasuma Line
Kyoto Station is served by the Kyoto City Subway Karasuma Line as station K11.
### Towards Central and Northern Kyoto
Northbound destinations include Gojō, Shijō, Karasuma Oike, Marutamachi, Imadegawa, Kitaōji and Kokusaikaikan.
Shijō provides access to the central shopping district and a walking connection with Hankyu Karasuma Station.
Karasuma Oike provides a transfer to the Kyoto City Subway Tōzai Line.
### Towards Southern Kyoto
Southbound destinations include Kujō, Jūjō, Kuinabashi and Takeda.
Many services continue beyond Takeda onto the Kintetsu Kyoto Line.
The subway station is underground beneath the Karasuma side of the wider railway complex.
## Kintetsu Kyoto Station
Kintetsu Kyoto Station is a separate terminal on the Hachijō side of the station complex.
It serves the Kintetsu Kyoto Line.
### Towards Nara
Kintetsu services connect Kyoto with destinations including Tōji, Takeda, Kintetsu-Tambabashi, Momoyama-goryōmae, Shin-Tanabe, Yamato-Saidaiji and Kintetsu-Nara.
Express and Limited Express services provide faster journeys by skipping selected stations.
### Through Services with the Subway
Some Kintetsu trains continue through Takeda onto the Kyoto City Subway Karasuma Line.
Passengers should check the final destination because not every service continues into the subway network.
### Limited-Express Services
Reserved-seat Kintetsu Limited Express trains operate towards destinations including Nara and Kashihara.
Some services may continue towards Ise-Shima or other parts of the Kintetsu network with transfers or through operation.
An additional limited-express ticket is required.
## Station Areas
### Karasuma Central Entrance
The Karasuma Central Entrance is the principal northern entrance to Kyoto Station.
It faces Kyoto Tower, the main city bus terminal and Shiokōji-dori.
The map marker identifies this entrance area.
### Central Ticket Gates
The Central Ticket Gates provide access between the principal JR concourse and conventional railway platforms.
They are convenient for the Karasuma side, station information facilities and city buses.
### West Ticket Gates
The West Ticket Gates serve the western station concourse.
They provide access towards the station building’s upper levels, restaurants, shops and routes towards both the Karasuma and Hachijō sides.
### Underground East Gate
The Underground East Gate provides access to subterranean passages, the subway and eastern sections of the station complex.
It can be useful during poor weather and for connections with underground commercial areas.
### Hachijō Exit
The Hachijō Exit serves the southern side of Kyoto Station.
It is convenient for hotels, airport buses, Hachijō-dori and destinations south of the railway.
### Hachijō East Exit
The Hachijō East Exit serves the southeastern station district.
It provides access towards Avanti, local buses and streets east of the main southern forecourt.
### Hachijō West Exit
The Hachijō West Exit serves the southwestern side of the station.
It is useful for hotels, bus facilities and routes towards Umekōji and the western Hachijō district.
### Shinkansen Central Gate
The Shinkansen Central Gate provides access to the Tokaido Shinkansen concourse from the Hachijō side.
Passengers should confirm the train, platform and carriage number before entering.
### Shinkansen Hachijō Gate
The Shinkansen Hachijō Gate is another major entrance to the bullet-train area.
It is convenient for passengers approaching from the southern station forecourt.
### Shinkansen Transfer Gates
Transfer gates connect the conventional JR and Shinkansen ticketed areas.
Passengers using paper tickets should keep their basic-fare and Shinkansen tickets available.
### Kintetsu Ticket Gates
The Kintetsu gates are located on the southern side of the wider station complex.
They provide access to Kintetsu Kyoto Line platforms and transfer routes towards JR and the subway.
### Subway Central Gate
The subway Central Gate is beneath the northern and central station area.
It provides access to the Karasuma Line and underground passages.
### Kyoto Station Building
The main station building contains hotels, shopping facilities, restaurants, an observation walkway, escalators and the large central atrium.
Some building entrances and internal routes may follow commercial operating hours.
## Station Facilities
• JR West and JR Central ticket offices
• Shinkansen ticket machines
• Reserved-seat ticket machines
• Kyoto City Subway ticketing facilities
• Kintetsu ticket machines and staffed gates
• Passenger information centres
• Digital departure displays
• Elevators, escalators and stairways
• Accessible routes through designated station areas
• Waiting rooms and seating areas
• Toilets and accessible toilets
• Baby-care facilities
• Coin lockers
• Luggage storage and delivery services
• Convenience stores
• Cafés and restaurants
• Kyoto Porta underground shopping centre
• The Cube shopping and dining facilities
• Isetan department store
• Tourist information centres
• Bus and taxi connections
• Airport railway and bus services
• Public Wi-Fi in selected areas
Kyoto Station contains railway and commercial areas operated by several organisations. Elevator locations and step-free transfer routes vary between JR, Shinkansen, subway and Kintetsu sections.
## Transfers Between Lines
### Conventional JR Lines to the Shinkansen
Follow signs for the Shinkansen transfer gates.
Confirm whether the train is a Nozomi, Hikari or Kodama service before entering the bullet-train concourse.
Allow approximately ten minutes or longer when unfamiliar with the station or carrying luggage.
### JR West to Kyoto City Subway
Follow signs for the Karasuma Line and underground station area.
The subway uses separate ticket gates from JR services.
The most direct route depends on the JR ticket gate and platform used.
### JR West to Kintetsu Kyoto Station
Follow signs towards the Hachijō side and Kintetsu Railway.
The Kintetsu station uses separate ticket gates and platforms.
Allow approximately five to ten minutes depending on the JR gate, platform and crowd level.
### Shinkansen to Kintetsu
Use the Shinkansen Central Gate area and follow signs for Kintetsu Railway.
The Kintetsu platforms are close to the Shinkansen side, although passengers must pass through separate ticket gates.
### Kintetsu to Kyoto City Subway
Follow signs towards the Karasuma Line.
The walk normally requires leaving the Kintetsu ticketed area and passing through public station passages.
Allow additional time when carrying luggage.
### Karasuma Side to Hachijō Side
Public passages through and beneath Kyoto Station connect the northern and southern sides.
Passengers can cross the station without boarding a train.
The route can become crowded during commuter periods and peak tourism seasons.
## Transport Connections
### Kyoto Station Bus Terminal
The principal Kyoto city bus terminal is located on the Karasuma side in front of the Central Entrance.
Bus routes serve major attractions and districts throughout Kyoto.
Passengers should check the route number, destination and lettered boarding bay before joining a queue.
### Sightseeing Buses
Sightseeing and limited-stop buses operate from designated stops around Kyoto Station.
Routes and boarding points may change according to traffic management and seasonal demand.
### Hachijō Bus Stops
Airport, highway, hotel and local buses operate from several stops on the Hachijō side.
The exact stop depends on the bus company and destination.
### Kansai International Airport
Limited Express Haruka trains provide direct services between Kyoto and Kansai International Airport.
Airport limousine buses also operate from designated stops around Kyoto Station.
### Osaka Itami Airport
Airport limousine buses connect Kyoto Station with Osaka Itami Airport.
Passengers should confirm the departure side, stop number and current timetable.
### Taxis
Taxi ranks and pickup areas are available on both the Karasuma and Hachijō sides.
Choose the station side closest to your destination before entering a taxi queue.
### Walking
Kyoto Tower, Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, Kyoto Porta and the immediate station shopping district are within walking distance.
Many of Kyoto’s major temples and heritage districts are farther away and are best reached by subway, train, bus or taxi.
## Nearby Attractions
• Kyoto Tower
• Higashi Hongan-ji Temple
• Shosei-en Garden
• Kyoto Station Building
• Skyway observation walkway
• Kyoto Porta
• Kyoto Railway Museum
• Kyoto Aquarium
• Tō-ji Temple
• Nishi Hongan-ji Temple
• Umekōji Park
• Sanjūsangen-dō Temple
• Kyoto National Museum
• Fushimi Inari Taisha
## Visitor Tips
Choose the correct side of Kyoto Station before leaving the ticketed area.
Use the Karasuma side for Kyoto Tower, city buses, the subway and destinations towards central Kyoto.
Use the Hachijō side for the Shinkansen, Kintetsu Railway, airport buses and hotels south of the station.
Allow at least ten minutes for an unfamiliar transfer between conventional JR trains and the Shinkansen.
Allow additional time when transferring between JR and Kintetsu or the subway.
Check whether your JR service is Local, Rapid, Special Rapid or Limited Express before boarding.
Use the JR Nara Line for Fushimi Inari and Uji.
Use the Sagano Line for Saga-Arashiyama.
Use the subway Karasuma Line for Shijō, Karasuma Oike, Imadegawa and northern Kyoto.
Check whether a Kintetsu train is Local, Express or Limited Express.
Keep your ticket or transport card available because transfers between operators require separate gates.
Confirm your bus stop before joining a queue because the station has several terminals and many boarding bays.
Allow extra time during cherry-blossom season, autumn foliage periods, weekends and public holidays.
Use a staffed gate when travelling with oversized luggage, a stroller or a wheelchair.
Do not confuse Kyoto Station with Kyoto-kawaramachi Station, which is a separate Hankyu terminal in the central shopping district.
## Frequently Asked Questions
### Where is Kyoto Station?
Kyoto Station is located in Shimogyō ward south of central Kyoto.
### Which railway companies serve Kyoto Station?
The station district is served by JR West, JR Central, Kintetsu Railway and the Kyoto City Subway.
### Which Shinkansen line serves Kyoto Station?
Kyoto Station is served by the Tokaido Shinkansen, with many trains continuing onto the Sanyo Shinkansen.
### Which JR lines serve Kyoto Station?
The principal JR routes include the JR Kyoto, Biwako, Kosei, Nara and Sagano lines, together with airport and limited-express services.
### Which subway line serves Kyoto Station?
The Kyoto City Subway Karasuma Line serves Kyoto Station.
### Which exit should visitors use for Kyoto Tower?
Use the Karasuma Central Entrance on the northern side.
### Which exit should passengers use for the Shinkansen?
Use the Hachijō side and follow signs for the Shinkansen Central or Hachijō gates.
### Which exit should passengers use for Kintetsu Railway?
Use the Hachijō side and follow signs for Kintetsu Kyoto Station.
### Can passengers travel directly to Tokyo?
Yes. Tokaido Shinkansen services connect Kyoto directly with Tokyo Station and Shinagawa.
### Can passengers travel directly to Osaka?
Yes. JR services connect Kyoto with Shin-Osaka and Osaka Station, while the Shinkansen connects Kyoto with Shin-Osaka.
### Can passengers travel directly to Kansai International Airport?
Yes. Limited Express Haruka trains connect Kyoto Station with Kansai International Airport.
### Can passengers travel directly to Nara?
Yes. JR Nara Line services and Kintetsu services both connect Kyoto with Nara, although they use different railway stations in Nara.
### Can passengers travel directly to Fushimi Inari?
Yes. Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto to Inari Station.
### Can passengers travel directly to Arashiyama?
Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
### Is Kyoto-kawaramachi the same station?
No. Kyoto-kawaramachi is a separate Hankyu station in the central shopping and entertainment district.
### Is Kyoto Station accessible?
Accessible routes and elevators are available, but arrangements vary between JR West, JR Central, Kyoto City Subway and Kintetsu areas. Check the official operator map for the specific service being used.
Related Japan Railway Station Maps
Disclaimer: This map is provided as a general location and orientation guide. Station gates, entrances, underground passages, elevator availability, platform access, railway services, transfer routes, Shinkansen operations, bus terminals and airport connections may change because of construction, maintenance or operational requirements. Kyoto Station is a large multi-level complex served by JR West, JR Central, Kyoto City Subway and Kintetsu Railway. Check the official map and current information for the specific operator and line before travelling.