Getting around in Kyoto
 

So we are on our way to Kyoto and I'm realizing now that it's pretty big.

We have our JR passes but I don't think this will get us around in kyoto.

Is there a subway pass to buy? Like in Tokyo?

I used SPG points and booked the Westin which I've read isn't in a prime location, but it was in my budget ( free!)

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2363.html

Aloha!

Did you get a Suica card in Tokyo? If so you can use that in Kyoto for trains and buses....

No...we didn't buy anything in Tokyo...we managed with jr and paid for some subway rides....

We stayed at the Westin as well. I recall the subway station being very near the hotel, and we used it frequently. We didn't buy a pass, and I don't remember even considering it.

There are restaurants within walking distance of the hotel, and we walked to some of the temples from there. Don't worry--you'll be fine.

BTW, we visited Kyoto in the summer as well, and it was hot and steamy. Drink lots of water, and wear a hat or use an umbrella. The indoor pool at the Westin is great for cooling off in the evening.

Californialady...
Thanks for the info!! I just bought a wide brimmed hat yesterday in Takayama!!

What hawaiiantraveler said -- and what we have told you before, several times. :-( Seriously, if you can reach Fodor's, you can reach japan-guide.com....

Kja....meow....you don't have to answer if you don't want to....

And you don't have to wait until Fodorites chime in -- you can get your answers ASAP.

And, meow, you don't need to criticize those of us who take our time and energy to try to be helpful. JMO.

MBM - you are going to be nasty to kja after all the great info she has given you?

It is reasonable to think that posters here will endeavor to do some of their own research.

OK, ladies, enough. I personally am enjoying readying MBM's live posts from Japan. Sometimes other posters can add valuable gems that are not apparent on websites.

However, good manners dictate that the OP thank all posters graciously, no matter what the tone. The OP should work on the assumption that all posters have good intentions in wanting to help

Time to hug and make up, ladies.

Westin has shuttle between the hotel and Kyoto station. The resort shuttle can be found at the Hachijo Exit and the shuttle runs every thirty minutes.

IIRC, the shuttle stops at a subway station on the way to Kyoto station.

Ta-ku-shi is a good way to get around Kyoto.

Oh that's right, mr wunfrl, I forgot about the free shuttle. We took it from the train state to the Westin. Good get.

lol agree taxi is a great way to get around Kyoto

MiamiBeachMomma,

Please continue asking any question you desire. No poster should feel it is their right to tell you how to research your trip. Like you, I would think it is a better idea to just pass on answering.

kja,

I have always enjoyed reading the numerous, numerous questions that you pose on Fodors as you plan your trips. In fact, the thread with your questions are almost as long as most people's TR's. I also enjoy reading your amazing trip reports. The last one was epic and a sheer delight! That is why I am at a loss as to why you would respond in such a short and somewhat rude way to the OP. As it stands, she received some truly rich and good information from mrwunrfl and CaliforniaLady specific to her hotel, which is probably not on Japan Guide. Yes, it is a great resource, but so are your fellow fodor posters. And like CaliforniaLady, I am really enjoying the OP's posts from the road, which are full of insightful comments that can be used by others.

Kathie, you really thought the OP was rude? I thought she handled it pretty well considering the response she received.

This whole thread just feels petty and entitled. The very thing that always ruins a good Fodors thread. We are all travelers just trying to see the world.

In fact, the OP is an avid and longtime fodorite. I have read her numerous fantastic TR's and am glad that she is a contributor -- questions and all.

I hope we can all continue to enjoy her rich commentary and benefit from her insights and the answers to her inquiries as she continues her amazing trip with her family.

I hope no one feels I am being disrespectful, as it is not my intention.

And MBM,

Taxis are everywhere, fantastically priced, and the cleanest and nicest taxis you will ever see! All of the drivers are helpful, kind and professional with the smartest attire. I enjoyed zipping around Kyoto. Like Tokyo, when we did take the subway, it was easy and efficient.

Enjoy. Looking forward to hearing what you think.

I suspect that many of us realize that tone can be easily misread in online messages, so let me say that when I read the OP, I heard urgency. And I suspect that many of us have had the experience of losing sight of our readily available resources when feeling stressed. So I heard a message from a person who was stressed out and appeared to have forgotten then she has ready access to immediate information, such as the information available on japan-guide or through her hotel. Sometimes, IME, a reminder that one has options is what is needed.

With the benefit of the perspectives that several of you have shared, I can appreciate that my initial response could have seemed rude. I sincerely apologize to anyone who took offense at my effort to provide the reminder that I thought might be in order.

My thanks to those of you who have taken the time to help put this interaction in perspective.

OMG, I just realized that the smiley face I entered into my initial response with the specific intention of softening my message somehow turned into a frownie instead! I honestly did not see that until now, and can better understand the misinterpretations of my message now that I see this error.

No problem, kja. We all remain fans of yours. You are one of the most resourceful travelers here.

I think that most of us who plan our own trips tend to be forthright people--perhaps leaders instead of followers, so there are sometimes when we conflict here. I myself tend to be a bit bossy, but I sure am pretty good at planning trips, lol.

@ CaliforniaLady: Thank you for your kind responses and gentle guidance!

My inclination is to assume the best of others, and I am sincere in expressing my gratitude to every Fodorite who has ever posted on one of my planning threads, whether helpful or irrelevant or even (rarely) completely unhelpful – gosh, someone took the time and energy to respond, and even gave my thread a bounce to the top in the process! How can I complain??? JMO.

I also believe that I can always learn to be more sensitive and thoughtful in my replies, so again, thanks!