In the U.S., especially in smaller towns, most of us rely on cars to get from place to place. Some of you might walk or ride a bike if you live close to school, and a few of you might have taken a bus or a train while visiting bigger cities. In Kyoto, where I’m staying, the transportation system is built for a lot more people. About 1.5 million people live in Kyoto, and another million live in nearby towns—that’s about three times the population of Denver! With so many people needing to move around every day, Japan has built a super organized and reliable public transportation system. In this post, I’ll talk about bikes, buses and trains, and share what it’s like to actually use them.
People in Kyoto mostly get around using bicycles, buses and trains. While some people drive cars, it’s less common than in the U.S., and public transport is often faster and easier.
Bikes are everywhere in Kyoto. Seriously—outside restaurants, stores and homes, you’ll see bike racks packed full. Families even take bike rides together, and I’ve seen moms riding with one child in front and another in the back. It’s pretty amazing! I’m getting a used bike myself for ¥4,000, which sounds like a lot but is actually only about $27 in U.S.
