Kyoto Tackles Rising Overtourism: New Tourist Bus Routes for Iconic Attractions like Arashiyama, Kinkakuji, and Nijo Castle, Everything You Need to Know About Kyoto’s New Bus Routes

Published on December 6, 2025

In a bold move to tackle the growing pressures of overtourism, Kyoto has rolled out a new tourist bus line aimed at reducing congestion and protecting its beloved landmarks. In recent years, the city has faced increasing challenges related to the high volume of visitors, particularly in areas like the famous Arashiyama bamboo groves and Kinkakuji Temple. The new purple line on the Sky Hop Bus Kyoto is the city’s latest initiative to ensure that tourists and local residents can coexist peacefully without overburdening the city’s infrastructure.

This move comes after several warnings and alerts issued by Kyoto’s tourism officials, including the ongoing issue of graffiti defacing the Arashiyama area. The purple line will connect key tourist spots, such as Daitokuji Temple, Nijo Castle, and the popular Arashiyama district, offering a dedicated route for tourists and relieving pressure on the regular bus lines, which are commonly used by locals.

Addressing Overcrowding in Kyoto’s Popular Spots

Kyoto, known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, and serene landscapes, has long been a top destination for travelers from across the world. However, the influx of tourists in recent years has taken a toll on some of its most iconic sites. The Arashiyama bamboo grove, one of the most photographed locations in the city, has notably suffered from excessive visitor foot traffic and the recent trend of graffiti vandalism. This has led to public calls for stricter measures to protect the area’s natural beauty and historic sites.

The introduction of the purple line is a direct response to these concerns, offering an effective solution to ensure that tourists can access the major attractions without interfering with local communities. This new route will provide tourists with a more efficient and comfortable means of transportation, while also protecting the traditional, local way of life that Kyoto is known for.

Aiming for a Harmonious Tourist Experience

Kyoto’s new initiative of separating tourist and local routes is a vital step in creating a sustainable tourism model. The city has faced significant challenges over the past few years as it balances its rich history with the demands of modern-day tourism. The tourist bus lines are designed to alleviate some of the congestion in areas that have become overwhelmed by visitors. By assigning a dedicated tourist bus route, Kyoto hopes to reduce the crowding at local bus stations and provide a smoother travel experience for both tourists and locals.

The purple tourist line, an extension of the already popular Sky Hop Bus, will not only offer direct access to Kyoto’s major attractions but will also help to manage the flow of tourists in areas like Kinkakuji Temple, known for its serene gardens and stunning architecture. With a stop at Arashiyama, the line will be strategically positioned to manage the flow of tourists to this iconic spot, ensuring that its beauty is preserved.

What Travelers Should Know

If you’re planning to visit Kyoto, it’s important to be aware of this new initiative and make use of the purple tourist bus line to avoid congestion and ensure you’re using the most efficient means of transport. The new line will offer direct access to Kyoto’s most famous sites, and is designed to provide a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for visitors. Here are some travel tips to make your Kyoto visit even better:

• Use the Purple Tourist Bus Line: Take the new bus line for easy access to key tourist spots.
• Respect Local Customs: Kyoto’s historic sites are sacred to many locals. Always be mindful of cultural practices, like avoiding photographing geishas without permission.
• Avoid Vandalism: The city has warned tourists against vandalizing famous spots, particularly graffiti at Arashiyama.
• Plan Your Visit During Off-Peak Hours: If possible, visit Kyoto during quieter seasons to avoid heavy tourist traffic.
• Support Sustainable Tourism: By following the local rules and choosing the designated tourist routes, you help preserve Kyoto’s natural and cultural heritage.

Kyoto’s Commitment to Sustainable Tourism

Kyoto’s recent move aligns with the city’s broader efforts to combat the effects of overtourism, a global challenge faced by many popular destinations. The introduction of the tourist-only bus routes is part of a larger initiative to balance economic growth from tourism with the preservation of cultural and environmental assets. Kyoto has also implemented other measures, such as increasing public awareness campaigns to reduce inappropriate behavior by visitors, including the ban on photography of geishas and the call to avoid taking disruptive actions in sacred spaces like temples and shrines.

In recent years, Kyoto has taken significant steps to protect its historic sites and natural beauty. From enhanced regulations on tourist activities to the development of more sustainable transport options, Kyoto is setting an example of how to manage high tourism volumes without compromising its cultural identity. As part of its ongoing efforts, the city has also focused on educating travelers about the importance of respecting local customs and being more environmentally conscious.

Sustainable Tourism: The Future of Kyoto

The future of tourism in Kyoto depends on the city’s ability to strike a balance between growth and preservation. Kyoto’s proactive measures, such as the introduction of the purple bus line, are helping to ensure that tourists can enjoy the city’s cultural gems while safeguarding its legacy for future generations. By continuing to invest in sustainable tourism practices, Kyoto aims to offer an enjoyable, respectful, and environmentally friendly experience to travelers while maintaining its status as a must-see destination in Japan.