10 New Changes in Kyoto and Osaka

Planning a trip to Kyoto or Osaka? 10 major changes have arrived that will transform your travel experience in these iconic Japanese cities.

From easier ways to get around to exciting new attractions and important tourist rules, these updates will help you explore more efficiently and enjoy your visit even more.

Here’s your essential guide to what’s new and how it affects your trip. 😊

1. Kyoto Buses Upgrade Fare System

a. New Fare Box System

Starting December 1, 2024, you’ll find a new payment system on Kyoto City buses that gives you change automatically
Just put your coins or ¥1,000 bill in the machine, and it’ll calculate your fare and return your change right away
You’ll see this new system on all 810 buses across Kyoto City
Getting your change is now super quick – only 4 seconds instead of the old 20-30 seconds wait
This helps keep the buses running on time and reduces crowding, especially in popular tourist areas

b. Increased Frequency on Key Routes

You’ll now find more frequent buses on popular routes to help reduce waiting times
Loop Buses: You can catch bus 201, 203, 205, 206, and 207 more often throughout the day around the city center
Main Line Buses: Bus 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12, and 46 now run more frequently to better serve you
Temple Routes: Getting to famous spots like Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) and Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) is easier with more frequent buses from subway stations

c. Fare Structure

Basic Fare: You’ll pay ¥230 for adults and ¥120 for children (ages 6-11) on regular city buses
Express Sightseeing Buses: These direct routes to tourist spots cost ¥500 for adults and ¥250 for children
How to Pay: You can use cash (the machine gives change) or tap your IC card (ICOCA, Suica, or PASMO)
Money-Saving Option: Get a Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass for ¥1,100 (adult) or ¥550 (child) for unlimited rides all day

d. Tips for Using Kyoto Buses

Getting On and Off Guide for Kyoto City Bus — Photo Credit: 京都市

Getting On and Off: Usually, get on at the back door and exit at the front. For Express Buses (EX100, EX101), enter at the front and pay as you board
Finding Your Stop: Don’t worry about missing your stop – announcements are made in both Japanese and English
Bus Etiquette: Remember to give up your seat for elderly passengers, people with disabilities, or parents with small children

2. Kyoto’s New Express Bus Tackles Overtourism

a. Your Guide to New Express Routes

Starting June 1, 2024, catch two convenient express buses: EX100 and EX101
These special routes help reduce crowds on regular city buses used by residents
Ride EX100 from Kyoto Station to explore beautiful temples on your way to Ginkakuji
Planning to visit Kiyomizu-dera? EX101 takes you there directly from Kyoto Station
Buses operate during weekends and holidays

b. Where You Can Go

EX100 connects you to popular spots like Gojozaka, Gion, Heian Jingu Shrine, and Ginkakuji Temple
EX101 drops you right at the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple area
Every stop is carefully chosen to be near major sightseeing spots

c. Tickets and Pricing

Pay ¥500 for adult tickets and ¥250 for children (ages 6-11)
While slightly pricier than regular buses, you get a faster journey with fewer stops
Your Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass covers these routes
Simply pay with cash or tap your IC card (Suica, ICOCA, and others work fine)

d. Why Choose Express Buses

Reach your destination quickly with minimal stops
Enjoy comfortable rides without overcrowding
Listen to clear announcements in multiple languages (Japanese, English, Korean, or Chinese)
Travel with confidence on simple, direct routes
See more of Kyoto’s treasures in your limited time

Read More: Top 17 Things to Do in Kyoto

3. Kyoto Gion District Limits Access to Private Alleys

a. New Access Rules in Gion

Starting April 2024, you’ll need to know that some private alleys in Kyoto’s Gion area are now off-limits to visitors
This change helps protect the neighborhood’s residents and geishas from crowds and disruptions
Remember, you can still walk on the main public streets in Gion – it’s just the small private alleys that are restricted
You’ll see signs in different languages telling you which areas you can’t enter
If you go into restricted areas, you might have to pay a fine of up to ¥10,000

b. Where You Can’t Go

You won’t be able to enter Kosode Koji alley, which now has no-entry signs
Don’t worry – you can still explore Hanamikoji, the main street
The rules mostly affect the small, narrow alleys between private homes

c. Why These Changes Are Happening

After the pandemic, too many visitors started crowding Gion’s tiny streets
Some tourists were bothering geishas and their apprentices (maiko)
Local people were having trouble with noise, trash, and people invading their privacy

d. How to Be a Good Visitor

Sign for Limit Access on Kyoto Gion Alley — Photo Credit: Shawn.ccf / Shutterstock.com

Watch for Signs: Look around for signs telling you where you can and can’t go – they’re there to help you avoid any problems
Think Before You Snap: Don’t take pictures of geishas, apprentices, or locals without asking
Stick to Main Streets: Walk on the public streets and areas meant for visitors – this shows you respect people’s private spaces
Keep it Down: Since people live here, try to be quiet, especially at night – it’s just like being a good neighbour

4. Nintendo Museum Opens as Kyoto’s New Attraction

The Nintendo Museum is Now Open in Kyoto!

Want to dive into the magical world of Nintendo? Here’s your complete guide to this brand-new attraction that tells the story of how Nintendo grew from a playing card company to a gaming giant.

a. Museum Layout and Exhibits

Step into a spacious complex with three buildings, each two stories tall
Explore Nintendo’s history on the second floor, from playing cards to modern games
Jump into the fun on the first floor with hands-on gaming activities
Start your visit with 10 digital coins to use at interactive stations
Discover Nintendo’s roots with displays of traditional hanafuda cards and vintage board games

b. Interactive Experiences

Electronic Shooting Games — Photo Credit: Nintendo

Have fun with super-sized gaming controls, including an impressive Nintendo 64 controller
Test your aim with classic electronic shooting games
Relax and enjoy video showcases of beloved games like Mario
Create your own hanafuda cards in a special workshop (additional cost)
Play traditional hanafuda games using cool modern technology

c. Location and Access

Located in Uji City, part of Kyoto Prefecture
Just a 25-minute train ride from Kyoto Station
Hop off at Ogura Station, and you’re nearly there

d. Tickets and Entry

Book your visit through online lottery system
You’ll need a Nintendo account to join the lottery
Pick your preferred dates up to 3 months ahead
Check lottery results when they come out on the 1st of each month
Won the lottery? Follow the easy steps to buy your tickets online
Tickets cost: Adults ¥3,300, Teens (12-17) ¥2,200, Kids (6-11) ¥1,100
Children 5 and under can visit for free

5. Kyoto Plans to Increase Lodging Tax to Tackle Overtourism

a. Kyoto’s New Lodging Tax Plan

You’ll soon see a new lodging tax in Kyoto, going up to ¥10,000 ($63) per night
This will be the highest accommodation tax in Japan
The city will start collecting this new tax in spring 2026
This tax is part of Kyoto’s plan to address the challenges of having too many visitors
You’ll pay this tax when staying at any hotel, traditional Japanese inn (ryokan), or vacation rental

b. Current vs. Proposed Tax Structure

Current Tax Structure: When you stay in Kyoto now (since October 2018), you pay:
- ¥200 per night if your room costs less than ¥20,000
- ¥500 per night if your room costs between ¥20,000 and ¥49,999
- ¥1,000 per night if your room costs ¥50,000 or more
Starting in 2026, you’ll see these new rates:
- ¥200 if your room costs less than ¥6,000
- ¥400 if your room costs between ¥6,000 and ¥19,999
- ¥1,000 if your room costs between ¥20,000 and ¥49,999
- ¥4,000 if your room costs between ¥50,000 and ¥99,999
- ¥10,000 if your room costs ¥100,000 or more

c. What This Means for You

If you’re staying at budget-friendly places, your tax will stay about the same
You’ll notice the biggest change if you’re booking high-end hotels
Want to save money? Plan your Kyoto trip before spring 2026
Keep in mind you’ll pay this tax for each night of your stay
Don’t forget this tax comes on top of your room rate and other taxes you need to pay

6. USJ Adds Donkey Kong Country to Super Nintendo World

a. Opening Date and Location

Donkey Kong Country opens on December 11, 2024, at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka
This exciting addition expands the magic of Super Mario Land you already love
You’ll find the entrance at the back of Super Mario Land, near Yoshi’s Snack Island
Get ready to explore a living, breathing jungle straight from your favorite Donkey Kong games
You won’t find another place like this anywhere else – it’s the world’s only Donkey Kong theme park area

b. Main Attraction: Mine Cart Madness

Jump aboard the star attraction – an amazing roller coaster called Mine Cart Madness
Your adventure takes you racing through wild jungles and into the mysterious Golden Temple
Experience something completely new – your mine cart actually jumps from track to track
Plan ahead – this popular ride will likely have longer lines in its first few months

c. Other Experiences

The Golden Temple — Photo Credit: Universal Studios Japan

Stop by Donkey Kong’s treehouse to meet the big guy himself and snap some fun photos
Discover the secrets hidden inside The Golden Temple, where game scenes come to life
Get hands-on with fun mini-games scattered throughout your jungle journey
Feel like you’re in the game with familiar music and jungle sounds all around you
Keep your eyes peeled for Donkey Kong’s friends – Diddy Kong and Cranky Kong love saying hello

d. Food and Merchandise

Cool down with fresh banana treats at the new Jungle Beat Shakes stand
Treat yourself to the DK Crush Sundae, packed with tropical banana goodness
Try the DK Wild Dog – a tasty hot dog topped with creamy avocado and cheese sauce
Take home special Donkey Kong souvenirs you can only find at the 1-Up Factory shop

e. How to Access Donkey Kong Country

To visit Donkey Kong Country, you’ll need a timed entry ticket for Super Nintendo World
Getting your free timed-entry ticket is easy – use the USJ app or visit the park’s ticket kiosks
Want to skip the line? Pick up an Express Pass that includes Super Nintendo World access

Read More:

7. Accommodation Tax Increases in Osaka

a. Recent Changes to the Tax

Price Changes: You’ll now pay the accommodation tax when your room costs ¥5,000 or more per night per person. Before, this tax only applied to rooms costing ¥7,000 or more
New Tax Rates: Here’s what you’ll pay under the updated system:
- If your room costs between ¥5,000 and ¥15,000: You pay ¥200 per person each night
- If your room costs between ¥15,000 and ¥20,000: You pay ¥300 per person each night
- If your room costs ¥20,000 or more: You pay ¥500 per person each night
When It Starts: The city approved these changes on November 5, 2024. They’ll start after the national government gives the green light and everyone has been properly informed

b. Potential New “Entry Fee” for Foreign Tourists

If you’re visiting from overseas, Osaka might ask you to pay an entry fee
This would be something you’d pay on top of your accommodation tax
The city wants to start this around the time the 2025 World Expo begins
This would be something new – no other place in Japan has tried this before

8. New Grand Green Osaka Opened Near Osaka Station

a. Overview of Grand Green Osaka

You’ll find Grand Green Osaka just north of JR Osaka Station – it’s a brand new city hub that brings together everything you need
The area used to be the old Umeda Freight Station, but now it’s being transformed into an exciting new neighborhood
Here you can enjoy peaceful green spaces, go shopping, stay at nice hotels, and see innovative businesses all in one place
While some parts are already open for you to explore, the whole project will be complete in 2027

b. Current Status and Recent Openings

South Building of Grand Green Osaka — Photo Credit: GRAND GREEN OSAKA

The first section of Grand Green Osaka opened its doors on September 6, 2024
You can now visit parts of Umekita Park and several spots in the northern area
The stylish Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda hotel has started welcoming guests
New underground train platforms at JR Osaka Station opened in 2023, improving access to Kansai International Airport
Mark your calendar – the South Building opens March 21, 2025, bringing even more places to explore

c. Key Features and Attractions

Umekita Park — Photo Credit: GRAND GREEN OSAKA

Umekita Park spans 45,000 square meters – that’s one of the biggest parks you’ll find next to a major train station anywhere in the world
At the heart of everything is Rohto Heart Square Umekita, a covered space perfect for events and gatherings
You’ll discover lots of places to eat and drink throughout the park, and many spots offer takeout if you’d like to have a picnic

d. Upcoming Developments

Starting March 2025, you’ll have 55 new shops and restaurants to explore in the South Building
Food lovers will enjoy Time Out Market OSAKA, which will showcase the best of Japanese cuisine
Three new hotels are coming soon, including the Hotel Hankyu GRAN RESPIRE OSAKA with its 482 rooms
You can look forward to relaxing at Kansai’s largest urban spa, complete with natural hot springs and an infinity pool in the South Building
By 2031, getting around will be even easier with a new train line connecting to Shin-Osaka Station

9. Upcoming Contactless Credit Card Payment Options in Kyoto and Osaka

a. Upcoming Contactless Payment Option

Starting from January 2025, you can now use your credit card to tap and ride trains in many parts of Kyoto and Osaka
Simply tap your credit card or phone with a digital wallet at the station gates
You can use Visa, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, and UnionPay cards
Mastercard support will be added in the future
This new system makes riding trains much easier for everyone

b. Railways Implementing the System

Kintetsu Railway and Hankyu Railway now have this tap-to-ride system
Hanshin Electric Railway will add it by spring 2025
Osaka Monorail now has contactless payments
Osaka Metro will roll out the system by March 2025
Nankai Electric Railway (which runs to Kansai Airport) already lets you tap and ride

c. How It Works

Just tap your card or phone at the ticket gate reader – it’s that simple
No need to buy tickets
The system works like contactless payment systems already used in Europe, the US, and Singapore

d. Benefits for Travelers

Skip the ticket machines and card charging stations completely
Perfect if you’re just visiting Japan for a few days
Easy to use if you’ve used tap-to-pay transport before
Travel lighter – no extra transit cards needed

e. Things to Keep in Mind

Not every station has this system yet – it’s still new
Keep some cash handy or get a Suica/Pasmo/ICOCA card as backup where tap-to-pay isn’t available
Some stations might let you tap in but not out if they’re run by different train companies
Make sure your card works internationally before you leave home

10. Nozomi Shinkansen Cuts Non-Reserved Seats

a. Current Seating Arrangement

Nozomi trains have 16 cars in total
You’ll find non-reserved seats in Cars 1, 2, and 3, giving you about 250 seats to choose from
For all other cars, you’ll need to book your seat in advance
If you’d like extra comfort, you can find the first-class “Green Cars” in Cars 8, 9, and 10
Many travelers choose non-reserved seats because they’re more flexible with timing and cost a bit less

b. Upcoming Changes

Starting March 2025, you’ll see Car 3 change from non-reserved to reserved seating
This means there will be 85 fewer non-reserved seats, leaving you with about 165 seats in Cars 1 and 2
This change helps match what most travelers want – the ability to secure their seats ahead of time
These updates affect your journey on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines, which take you between Tokyo and popular cities like Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka

c. Tips for Booking and Travel

Make your life easier by booking through the EX Service app or Klook
Don’t wait too long to book – especially during holidays and peak seasons, seats can fill up quickly
Keep in mind that if you’re traveling with a Japan Rail Pass, you won’t be able to ride Nozomi trains