Katabiranotsuji Station

Katabiranotsuji Station Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Kyoto Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Katabiranotsuji Station (帷子ノ辻駅, Katabiranotsuji-eki) stands as a historic and crucial tram interchange in Ukyo-ku, western Kyoto. As the central junction of the Keifuku Electric Railroad’s Randen Arashiyama Main Line and Kitano Line, the station blends Kyoto’s enduring traditions with modern transit convenience. It is not only a functional hub for residents and tourists but also a gateway to some of Kyoto’s most significant cultural landmarks, including the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, UNESCO World Heritage temples such as Ninna-ji and Ryoan-ji, and the storied Kitano area. This guide offers comprehensive information on station visiting hours, ticketing and accessibility, nearby attractions, seasonal highlights, and practical travel tips to ensure a seamless journey through Kyoto’s vibrant western and northern districts (walkaroundblog.com; kyotostation.com; guidetokyoto.com).

Introduction & Overview
History and Significance of Katabiranotsuji Station
Station Visiting Hours and Ticketing
Facilities, Accessibility, and Layout
Lines, Connections, and Transfer Guidance
Nearby Kyoto Historical Sites and Attractions
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Dining and Shopping
Practical Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visual Aids and Resources
Conclusion and Call to Action
Sources

History and Significance of Katabiranotsuji Station

Established in 1910 during the Meiji era, Katabiranotsuji Station is integral to the preservation of Kyoto’s last remaining tram network. The station connects the east-west Arashiyama Main Line (Shijo-Omiya to Arashiyama) and the northward Kitano Line (to Kitano-Hakubaicho), making it the only transfer point between both lines. As such, it is a vital link for travelers seeking access to Kyoto’s western scenic sites and northern temple districts (walkaroundblog.com; kyotostation.com; wikipedia).

The station’s enduring operation highlights Kyoto’s commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly transportation, while offering a nostalgic glimpse into the city’s urban history (tsunagujapan.com).

Station Visiting Hours and Ticketing

Operating Hours

Daily: Approximately 5:30 AM to midnight
Staffed Ticket Counters: Open during tram service hours; some counters may close slightly earlier in the evening.

Ticketing Options

Single-Ride Tickets: Flat fare (typically ¥250 for adults; discounts for children)
Day Passes: Unlimited rides on both Randen lines for one day—ideal for sightseeing multiple attractions
IC Cards: Major cards like ICOCA, Suica, and Pasmo are accepted for seamless boarding and transfer
Where to Buy: Tickets and passes available at station vending machines, staffed counters, and select subway stations

Note: The Randen & Subway One-Day Pass (¥1,300) covers unlimited rides on Randen trams and Kyoto Subway lines for one day, but does not include city buses.

Facilities, Accessibility, and Station Layout

Station Layout

Platforms: Four ground-level platforms, clearly marked for easy transfers:
- Platforms 1–2: Arashiyama Main Line
- Platforms 3–4: Kitano Line
Transfer Guidance: Changing lines is straightforward; most platforms are at the same level, except some connections requiring stairs via an underground passage.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access: Most platforms are accessible via ramps; however, moving between certain platforms may require using stairs. Staff assistance is available.
Tactile Paving and Audio Announcements: Aid navigation for visually impaired travelers.
Restrooms: Public toilets available near ticket gates.
Waiting Areas: Covered seating provided.

Additional Facilities

Shopping: Randen Plaza Katabira complex offers a supermarket, discount clothing store, and Daiso ¥100 shop.
Nearby Services: Kyoto Bank branch, flower shop adjacent to the ticket gate.
Coin Lockers: Available at major nearby stations (e.g., Arashiyama, Kyoto Station).

Lines, Connections, and Transfer Guidance

Randen Arashiyama Main Line

Route: Shijo-Omiya (central Kyoto) ↔ Arashiyama (gateway to Bamboo Grove)
Travel Time: About 24 minutes end-to-end; Katabiranotsuji is mid-route

Randen Kitano Line

Route: Katabiranotsuji ↔ Kitano-Hakubaicho (northern Kyoto, near Kinkaku-ji)
Travel Time: About 20 minutes from Katabiranotsuji to Kitano-Hakubaicho

Other Connections

JR Sagano Line: Uzumasa Station is within walking distance for transfers to Kyoto Station and beyond.
Kyoto Subway (Tozai Line): Transfer at Randen-Tenjingawa Station for access to central city sites like Nijo Castle.
Buses and Taxis: Nearby stops and taxi stands provide access to districts not served by tram.

Nearby Kyoto Historical Sites and Attractions

Arashiyama District

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Renowned for its towering bamboo, best visited early morning or late afternoon (Bespes Bamboo Grove).
Togetsukyo Bridge: Iconic river crossing with stunning seasonal views (Bespes Togetsukyo Bridge).
Tenryu-ji Temple: UNESCO World Heritage Site with a celebrated Zen garden (Bespes Tenryu-ji).
Hōrin-ji Temple: Known for the Jūsan-mairi coming-of-age ceremony (Bespes Folklore).

Northern Temple Area

Kinkaku-ji: The Golden Pavilion, a must-see for first-time visitors.
Ryoan-ji: Famed for its Zen rock garden.
Ninna-ji: Noted for its late-blooming Omuro cherry trees (Walkaroundblog Ninna-ji).

Additional Sites

Koryu-ji Temple: Kyoto’s oldest Buddhist temple, home to the National Treasure Miroku Bosatsu statue.
Toei Kyoto Studio Park: A unique theme park and working film set (kyotostation.com).

Seasonal Events and Festivals

Spring

Cherry Blossom Tunnel: The Kitano Line features a famous sakura tunnel between Narutaki and Utano Stations; trams slow for optimal viewing (kyotostation.com).
Hanatouro (Lantern Festival): March event with thousands of lanterns illuminating Arashiyama.

Summer

Gion Festival: Kyoto’s most celebrated festival, accessible from Katabiranotsuji via tram and subway (Magical Trip Gion Festival).
Tanabata (Star Festival): July 7; wish-tying and bamboo displays at local shrines (Magical Trip Tanabata).
Arashiyama Toro Nagashi: August 16 lantern-floating event on the Katsura River (Magical Trip Toro Nagashi).

Autumn

Autumn Foliage: Arashiyama and temple gardens glow with reds and golds from late November to early December (Bespes Autumn Foliage).

Winter

Snowy Landscapes: Occasional snow brings a tranquil beauty to the area (Bespes Winter).

Dining and Shopping

Arashiyama Area

Yudofu Sagano: Known for tofu-based cuisine.
Arashiyama Yoshimura: Handmade soba noodles with river views.
Shoraian: Traditional kaiseki in a riverside setting.
Street Food: Yatsuhashi, matcha sweets, and grilled skewers near the bridge (Bespes Dining).

Kyoto Station Area

Kyoto Ramen Koji: Ramen street featuring top regional brands.
Kyoto Tower Sando: Multi-level dining and shopping (Walkaroundblog Kyoto Tower Sando).
Isetan Department Store: Food basement for regional delicacies.

Practical Travel Tips

Best Times to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
Luggage: Use coin lockers at major stations; avoid bringing large luggage onto trams.
Payment: Carry some cash, as smaller shops may not accept cards.
Navigation: Bilingual station signage and numbering make transfers easy for international visitors.
Weather: Summers are humid—dress accordingly and stay hydrated (Japan Highlights Weather).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the station’s operating hours?
A: Roughly 5:30 AM to midnight, in line with tram schedules.

Q: How do I buy tickets and passes?
A: At station vending machines, staffed counters, or select subway stations; IC cards accepted.

Q: Is the station accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Most platforms are accessible; some transfers require stairs. Staff assistance is available.

Q: Are there guided tours from Katabiranotsuji Station?
A: Many tram-focused and Arashiyama area tours begin nearby.

Q: When is the best time for cherry blossom viewing?
A: Late March to early April.

Visual Aids and Resources

Suggested images: Katabiranotsuji Station exterior, platform scenes, route maps, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, cherry blossom tunnel, and autumn foliage.
Alt text: Use descriptive labels such as “Katabiranotsuji Station platform view” or “Access to Kyoto historical sites from Katabiranotsuji Station”.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Katabiranotsuji Station is not just a transit point—it’s a living monument to Kyoto’s transportation heritage and an essential hub for exploring the city’s renowned historical and cultural sites. With wide-ranging accessibility, user-friendly ticketing, and carefully preserved amenities, it ensures a smooth travel experience for all. For real-time tram updates and exclusive travel tips, download the Audiala app and follow our Kyoto guides for the latest local insights.