Explera DMC Japan expects Kyoto's planned two-tier city bus fare to change little for coach groups and more for independent clients. From fiscal 2027 the city intends to charge non-residents more than residents on its own buses. Groups on a private coach are not affected; FIT clients riding city buses between temples will pay more.
Kyoto City has said it wants to introduce what it calls a "citizen-priority fare" on its municipal buses during fiscal 2027, the year that runs from April 2027 to March 2028. Under the plan, residents would pay less than today and visitors would pay more. Mayor Koji Matsui announced the plan in February 2026, and it is aimed at the crowding on routes between the station and the main temple districts.
How would the two fares work?
Residents would be identified through a transport IC card linked to their My Number card, Japan's national ID card. Anyone without that link, including every overseas visitor, would pay the higher fare. Cash fares would not carry the resident discount. The plan still needs a change to the city ordinance and approval from the national transport ministry, so the final fares and start date could still move. We will not quote a figure until the city confirms it.
Who does it affect?
- Coach groups. Not affected. A group on a chartered coach does not ride city buses; see our guide to coach sizes and driver rules.
- FIT clients. They will pay the non-resident fare on every city bus ride. For a couple riding several buses a day, the difference adds up, and the buses will still be crowded at peak times.
- Small private groups. For four to eight people, a private vehicle or taxis between temples often makes more sense than the bus; see our Kyoto private tours guide.
- Rail and subway. The plan announced so far concerns the city's buses. Trains, including the subway and private railways, are a separate question, and we route clients by rail where it is faster.
How we plan Kyoto around it
We already plan Kyoto days to keep clients off the most crowded bus routes: early starts at the busiest temples, rail to the edges of the city, walking between neighbouring sights, and a vehicle where the group size justifies one. The new fare makes that approach more sensible, not less. We brief FIT clients on IC cards and payments before they travel; see our payments and IC card guide, and our note on crowding and dispersal.
Sources: Kyoto City Transportation Bureau document on the citizen-priority fare (Japanese, March 2026) and Travel Voice report, 8 September 2026 (Japanese).
FAQ
When will Kyoto's higher bus fare for visitors start? The city plans to introduce it during fiscal 2027, which runs from April 2027 to March 2028. It still needs an ordinance change and national approval, so the date is not final.
Does the new fare affect coach groups? No. It applies to Kyoto's municipal city buses. Groups travelling on a chartered coach do not use them.
How will the buses tell residents from visitors? Residents would link a transport IC card to their My Number national ID card. Overseas visitors cannot do this, so they would pay the visitor fare.
What is the best way for FIT clients to move around Kyoto? Rail for longer hops, walking between neighbouring sights, and a private vehicle or taxi for small groups. We plan each day around the client's pace and the crowds.
Planning Kyoto for your clients? Write to b2b@explera.jp, message the trade desk on WhatsApp at +66 93 656 8090, or register on the B2B portal. Proposals within 24 hours. IATA TIDS 96215733, ASTA member 900408341.
