Keihan-Line Tanbabashi Station platform with train tracks and overhead power lines

Tambabashi Station

Tambabashi Station Kyoto: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Tambabashi Station, located in Kyoto’s Fushimi district, stands as a vital interchange connecting the Keihan Main Line and Kintetsu Kyoto Line. As a key gateway for both local commuters and tourists, it provides seamless access to Kyoto’s cultural and historic heart, as well as neighboring cities such as Osaka and Nara. Its strategic location and modern facilities make it an excellent starting point for exploring Kyoto’s rich heritage, famous shrines, sake districts, and seasonal festivals.

This comprehensive guide presents everything you need to plan your visit to Tambabashi Station, including station history, layout, facilities, ticketing, accessibility, nearby attractions, and essential travel tips. Whether you are planning a cultural tour, a day trip to Osaka or Nara, or a deep dive into Kyoto’s Fushimi area, this resource ensures a smooth and enriching journey.

For up-to-date station maps, train schedules, and travel resources, consult the official Keihan and Kintetsu websites. Download the Audiala app for real-time updates and route planning. You can also explore more about Kyoto’s temples and transportation options through trusted travel platforms (Keihan Official Guide, Wanderlog, Kyoto Travel Guide).

Quick Facts and Visitor Essentials
Station History
Navigating Tambabashi Station
Ticketing and Travel Tips
Nearby Attractions
Accessibility and Facilities
Connectivity to Key Destinations
Integration with Kyoto’s Transport System
Special Events and Guided Tours
Suggested Itineraries
Cultural Insights & Seasonal Events
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Conclusion
References

Quick Facts and Visitor Essentials

Operating Hours: Daily, approx. 5:00 AM – midnight (aligned with train schedules)
Ticketing: Purchase at machines or staffed counters; IC cards (ICOCA, PiTaPa, Suica, PASMO) accepted
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible (elevators, ramps, tactile paving)
Facilities: Luggage lockers, restrooms, waiting areas, shops, vending machines, free Wi-Fi

Station History

Tambabashi Station opened in 1910 as Momoyama Station and was renamed in 1913. Over time, it developed into a modern interchange, integrating with the Kintetsu lines in 1945 and gaining limited express stops in 2000. Its growth reflects Kyoto’s evolution as both a historical city and a transportation hub, offering efficient connections for both daily commuters and visitors.

Navigating Tambabashi Station

Transfers and Layout

Tambabashi consists of two adjacent sections:

Keihan Tambabashi Station (Keihan Main Line): Two island platforms (elevated), serving four tracks
Kintetsu Tambabashi Station (Kintetsu Kyoto Line): Two ground-level side platforms

A covered, signposted walkway links both stations for easy transfers—typically under five minutes. Bilingual Japanese-English signage and color-coded markings assist navigation.

Ticketing and Travel Tips

IC Cards: Recommended for convenience; tap-in/tap-out on both Keihan and Kintetsu lines
Day Passes: Available for unlimited travel on Keihan or Kintetsu (and Kansai Thru Pass for regional travel)
Premium Car Tickets: For extra comfort on select Keihan limited express services (Keihan PDF)
Luggage: Coin lockers and staffed baggage services available

Nearby Attractions

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Access: Two Keihan stops north (Fushimi-Inari Station); short walk to the shrine
Hours: Open 24 hours; free entry
Features: Iconic torii gate tunnels, panoramic views, and regular festivals (Kyoto Travel Guide)

Fushimi Sake District

Highlights: Over 20 breweries, including Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, tastings, and historical exhibits
Travel Tips: Explore canals and white-walled kura buildings

Jonangu Shrine

Access: About 2 km west; local bus or short taxi ride
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM; best during plum and camellia blossom season
Events: Spring’s Kyokusui-no-Utage festival (Kyoto Travel Guide)

Tofukuji Temple

Access: Short train ride, famous for autumn foliage and Zen gardens
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; entry fee applies

Teradaya Inn

History: Associated with Sakamoto Ryoma and Bakumatsu samurai history
Visits: Guided tours by appointment

Uji

Access: 15 minutes south on Keihan Uji Line
Highlights: Byodoin Temple, matcha tea culture, riverside tea houses

Accessibility and Facilities

Barrier-Free: Elevators, wide gates, tactile paving, accessible restrooms
Amenities: Waiting areas, shops, vending machines, ATMs, free Wi-Fi
Staff Support: Multilingual assistance available at counters

Connectivity to Key Destinations

Kyoto City Center: Direct Keihan trains to Gion-Shijo (Gion, Yasaka Shrine), Sanjo, and Kiyomizu-Gojo
Osaka: Keihan limited express to Yodoyabashi (45–55 minutes); trains every 10–15 minutes (jp.commutetour.com)
Nara: Direct on Kintetsu Kyoto Line (≈45 minutes)
Bus Links: Local buses to southern Kyoto, Uji, and other neighborhoods (whatsupinkyoto.com)

Integration with Kyoto’s Transport System

Intermodal Transfers: Easy transfer between Keihan and Kintetsu lines via covered walkway
Bus Connections: Adjacent stops for city and regional routes
Bicycle Parking: Secure facilities and rental options available
Taxi Stand: 24-hour access at station exits

Special Events and Guided Tours

Gion Festival: July; extra train services operate (Woke Waves)
Sake/Brewery Tours: Available from Fushimi Sake District; book in advance
Cultural Tours: Local guides offer themed walks and historical context

Suggested Itineraries

Sample Day:

Morning: Arrive at Tambabashi, visit Fushimi Inari Taisha
Midday: Sake tasting and brewery tour in Fushimi
Afternoon: Keihan train to Gion for temples and tea houses
Evening: Optional trip to Osaka for nightlife, return to Tambabashi

Cultural Insights & Seasonal Events

Fushimi Sake Heritage

The district’s famed “Fushimizu” spring water has sustained sake brewing since the 16th century. Explore the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum for insights into brewing techniques and sake’s place in local culture.

Local Cuisine

Try yudofu (tofu hot pot), tsukemono (pickles), and sake kasu (lees) dishes in the area’s izakayas and restaurants.

Seasonal Highlights

Spring: Hanami at Jonangu Shrine and Uji River; illuminated temples (Magical Trip)
Summer: Gion Matsuri (July), Uji River cormorant fishing
Autumn: Tofukuji’s foliage, Fushimi Sake Festival (October)
Winter: New Year’s visits (hatsumode) at shrines, Toji Temple flea market
Year-Round: Kyotographie photography festival, neighborhood matsuri

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Tambabashi Station’s hours?
A: Approx. 5:00 AM to midnight daily.

Q: Is the station accessible for travelers with disabilities?
A: Yes. Elevators, ramps, wide gates, and accessible restrooms are provided.

Q: How do I get to Fushimi Inari?
A: Take the Keihan Main Line two stops north to Fushimi-Inari Station.

Q: Are day passes available?
A: Yes. Keihan, Kintetsu, and Kansai Thru Passes are sold at machines/counters.

Q: Where can I store luggage?
A: Coin lockers are available on both station sides.

Q: When are cherry blossoms and autumn leaves at their best?
A: Late March–early April (cherry blossoms); mid-November (autumn foliage).

Summary and Conclusion

Tambabashi Station seamlessly blends modern transit convenience with access to Kyoto’s profound historical and cultural landscapes. Its role as an interchange between the Keihan and Kintetsu lines empowers visitors to explore Kyoto’s city center, the enchanting Fushimi district, and neighboring cities like Osaka and Nara. Comprehensive facilities, multilingual support, and easy ticketing ensure a smooth experience for all.

Start your Kansai adventure at Tambabashi Station and unlock Kyoto’s historical treasures, culinary delights, and scenic beauty. For further information, consult official resources and travel apps, and plan your routes for an unforgettable visit.