Kyoto transport

If you wish to be met at Kyoto Station, you could ask your hotel to arrange it. But the trick will be figuring out the meeting place. Kyoto Station is huge and complicated. However, it is easy to find your way to the taxi stand and just take a cab from there. It helps to have a printed copy of your hotel name and address to hand to the driver. Or you can go to one of the “foreign friendly” taxi stands on either side of the station:

https://kyoto.travel/en/info/transportation/taxi.html

These taxis have a little clover designation and the driver speaks some English.

To reach Osaka, you return to Kyoto Station and take the train. Again, your hotel can arrange a taxi to the station.

Just take a taxi. They are honest so you don't have to worry about being ripped off.

A few rules for taking a taxi...

1) Don't touch the doors. The driver opens and closes them.

2) No tipping. Tipping is not a thing in Japan and the driver will probably give the tip back. It's not part of their culture. They don't expect it and might even feel embarrassed.

3) More then likely, the driver will wear a tie and white gloves. Don't act shocked!!! (LOL)

4) Not all taxis take credit cards. Check before you get in.

5) As stated previously Kyoto statin is massive. There are three separate shopping malls within the station. If you do find a private car hire, make sure you have the exact pick up point.

Taxis are right outside the Kyoto station. Follow signs, easy. There is a dedicated line for English speaking cabbies. (As recommended above!). Just look at the cab area. My experience is that the level of English is fine.

Kyoto to Osaka - how are you getting there? multiple train options. Download Jorudan or Navitime and start looking at connections. Multiple train stations in Osaka. What is your hotel? That will make a difference in your train choice.

My response above may not be helpful - I am a bit confused with the Kyoto to Osaka transport question. Did you want a driver recommendation? Most probably take the train. Commuting distance between the cities.

If you can be more specific, maybe some of us can give better advice.

There are very nice hotels right by the Kyoto Station and Osaka also. I walked to my hotel in Kyoto last year and to Osaka hotel from Osaka station earlier this week. The area near stations is good - in Kyoto, some prefer other areas like Higashiyama. Closer to traditional areas.

You may be imagining difficulty with having no Japanese except the Courtesy Words everyone should learn. You do need printed names and addresses for taxis or consultations, but most transit signs include English. It is very easy to buy a local train ticket (from a machine with English screen option) from Kyoto to Osaka, although it is easier if you have a stored-value card. We had already bought one for a daytrip to Nara and Inari. My memory may fail me, but I think we used the same cards for the subway in Tokyo, which is a very big city. You have to let go of the fear of leaving Japan with $8.53 left on your card!

Here is an aid we found helpful when traveling to give taxi direction to hotel where the script is not "English" letters and so not easy to write down ourselves. Look up your hotel on Tripadvisor. There is usually a "button" on the hotel's page right above the map "name/address in local language" you can click and then copy and paste to a note or take a screen shot and show them on your phone. Once you're at the hotel, they will usually have a card with their name/address in local script you can take with you or you can ask hotel staff to write down your destination and address (for when you go out) or the hotel's (for when you go back).

So helpful.
Yes, speak to me as though I am 9 years old.
Kyoto Station to Thousand hotel? Close by.
Kyoto to Osaka?
Hotel in Osaka is Zentis? Train to Osaka then cab? Or cab from Kyoto to Osaka hotel?
Thanks again!

Check the hotel websites. Under “Access” lots of Japanese hotels and other businesses/attractions will tell you how to get to them from the nearest station. The Thousand Kyoto is practically at the station. It’s two minutes from exit 5. You definitely don’t need a taxi for this. It will take you longer to find a taxi than to walk to your hotel.

Let’s start at the beginning. How are you getting to Kyoto Station in the first place? The Shinkansen (bullet trains), local trains, and other types all arrive on different levels or different areas of the station. If you are coming from Kansai Airport on the Haruka Express (train with cute little Hello Kitty decor) you arrive at Platform 30 in the NW corner of the station, at street level if I remember correctly. If you are coming from Tokyo on the Shinkansen, you arrive at the dedicated Shinkansen platforms in the southeast area of the station, and up a level or two.

Since you are departing Kyoto to Osaka, I will assume you are arriving from Tokyo on the Shinkansen.

The Thousand Hotel is basically at the east end of station, next to the Kyoto Century Hotel. Google maps (which is actually very useful for walking directions in Kyoto) says it is a 2-minute walk. From the Shinkansen platforms, you descend to street level and exit on the north side of the station. Look to the east and you should be able to see the signs, or you can follow the Google walking directions. According to the map the hotel is just north of the station bicycle parking lot.

Here is a map of Kyoto Station:

https://www.kyotostation.com/kyoto-station-map-finding-your-way/

The TripAdvisor Japan forum is the best place to get help with Japan travel questions.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowForum-g294232-i525-Japan.html

But I see a “nycmom22” asking about an October trip there. Is that you?

Hi!

Kyoto Station to Thousand hotel?

It is adjacent, follow signs for the north exit, it will be to the east (right) of the taxi stand.

Kyoto to Osaka?

Do not take a cab all the way. Take a JR Tokaido train (not Shinkansen) to Osaka station, then you could walk out of Sakurabashi exit (less than 1/2 mile) or take a taxi if you have a lot of luggage (the taxi stand is at that same exit)

Use google maps.

The Thousand Hotel is only a 2-minute walk from Kyoto station.

The Zentis Hotel is about an 11-minute walk from Osaka station.

Confirming that “maps” - I use Apple Maps - works well for finding hotels. I’m currently in Japan.

Also, train station people are quite helpful. Osaka station new Haruka platform was new to me - I had to ask for exit directions. Lots of info booths and helpful guides walking around with “English” signs on. Ask anyone official, even if not at an info booth. They probably will show you a map.

Enjoy your trip!

If not for the OP who may learned it already, it may be helpful for others with similar questions to know that 2 of the Osaka train stations have similar names: Shin-Osaka for Shinkansen trains and the separate Osaka Station. There is no need to pay for a Shinkansen (bullet) train from Kyoto.

Jorudan and Navitime are very good apps for planning and using on the spot.

You have been so helpful!