How to Access Miyako Messe in Kyoto? A Guide for International KYO-MAF Visitors!

Welcome to the Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair (KYO-MAF), the largest event of its kind in western Japan! Get ready for an incredible weekend as publishers, studios, and creators showcase their latest releases, exclusive merchandise, and exciting stage events.

What is KYO-MAF? See more details: https://kyomaf.kyoto/en/whats-kyomaf/

The event in 2025 will take place on September 20th (Sat), and September 21st (Sun). The main venues will be Miyako Messe and the adjacent Rohm Theatre Kyoto, with the Kyoto International Manga Museum serving as a secondary venue.

This guide provides detailed directions to the main venues, Miyako Messe and Rohm Theatre Kyoto, using public transportation.

Please note: The information in this article is current as of September 2025. Fares and bus routes may have changed, so please be sure to check for the latest information.

Miyako Messe’s HP: https://www.miyakomesse.jp/english/access/

By Subway

Kyoto City Subway is the most reliable and efficient way to reach Miyako Messe. It avoids traffic, runs frequently (every 5-8 minutes during the day), and operates on a precise schedule, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the action.

The nearest station to Miyako Messe is Higashiyama (T10) on the Tozai Line.

From Kyoto Station (Shinkansen, JR, Kintetsu)

At Kyoto Station, transfer to the Subway Karasuma Line.
Take the train bound for Kokusaikaikan from platform 2.
Get off at Karasuma-Oike (K08), the 3rd stop, and transfer to the Subway Tozai Line.
The Tozai Line platform is one floor below the Karasuma Line platform. Take the train bound for Rokujizo or Biwako-Hamaotsu from platform 2.
Your destination is Higashiyama (T10), the 3rd stop.

From Karasuma Station (Hankyu)

Hankyu Karasuma Station (HK85) is connected to Shijo Station (K09) on the Karasuma Subway Line.
From Shijo Station, take the train bound for Kokusaikaikan from platform 2.
Get off at the next stop, Karasuma-Oike (K08). Then transfer to the Tozai Line.
The Tozai Line platform is one floor below the Karasuma Line platform. Take the train bound for Rokujizo or Biwako-Hamaotsu from platform 2.
Your destination is Higashiyama Station (T10), the 3rd stop.

From Sanjo Station (Keihan)

Sanjo Station (Keihan Line) is connected to Sanjo-Keihan Station on the Tozai Subway Line. Note: “Sanjo-Keihan” is the name of the subway station, not the Keihan Line station.
From Sanjo-Keihan, take the train bound for Rokujizo or Biwako-Hamaotsu from platform 2.
Your destination is the next stop, Higashiyama (T10).

Walking from Higashiyama Station to Miyako Messe

Once you arrive at Higashiyama Station, the walk to the venue is a scenic introduction to one of Kyoto’s most beautiful cultural districts.

After exiting the ticket gate, turn right and go out of Exit 1. Turn left and take the narrow street at the immediate corner.

This scenic route takes you past the Lake Biwa Canal and under the grand torii gate of Heian Shrine, offering a delightful “Welcome to Kyoto” experience.

The area, known as Okazaki, is a cultural spot featuring not only Miyako Messe but also Heian-jingu Shrine, Nanzen-ji Temple, the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, and The National Museum of Modern Art.

Getting There by City Bus

While Kyoto’s bus network is extensive, the routes to the Okazaki area are extremely popular with tourists and can become very crowded, especially on weekends. Buses are also subject to traffic delays.

For a stress-free journey, the subway is highly recommended. However, if you prefer to travel by bus, here are the main routes:

From Kyoto Station (Shinkansen, JR, Kintetsu)

Bus stop A1: Bus No. 5 or 105*. Get off at “Okazaki Koen Bijutsukan / Heian Jingu-mae” (Okazaki Park, Kyoto City Museum of Art, and Heian Jingu Shrine).
Bus stop D1: Bus EX100*. Get off at “Okazaki Koen Bijutsukan / Heian Jingu-mae”.
Bus stop D2: Bus No. 206. Get off at “Higashiyama Nijo / Okazaki Koen-guchi”.

*Bus No. 105 and EX100 run only on Saturdays, Sunday and holidays.

The “EX” buses are special tourist express services running on weekends and holidays, stopping only at major tourist sites. The fare is 500 yen, but the 1-day pass mentioned later is available!

From Shijo-Kawaramachi (for Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station)

Bus stop H: Bus No. 5 or 105*. Get off at “Okazaki Koen Bijutsukan / Heian Jingu-mae”.
Bus stop H: Bus No. 32. Get off at “Okazaki Koen Rohm Theatre Kyoto / Miyako Messe-mae”.
Bus stop E: Bus No. 46. Get off at “Okazaki Koen Rohm Theatre Kyoto / Miyako Messe-mae”.
Bus stop E: Bus No. 31, 201, or 203. Get off at “Higashiyama Nijo / Okazaki Koen-guchi”
*Bus No. 105 and EX100 run only on Saturdays, Sunday and holidays.

Bus Stops Map

Discount Tickets

Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass

Perfect if you plan to explore other parts of Kyoto before or after KYO-MAF.

Price: ¥1,100 for adults.
Includes: Unlimited rides on all subway lines, all city bus routes and more. It also covers the special tourist express buses (normally 500 yen).
More information: https://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/kotsu/webguide/en/ticket/regular_1day_card_comm.html

Kyoto City Subway 1-Day Pass

The ideal choice if you only plan to use the subway for your travel.

Price: ¥800 for adults.
Includes: Unlimited rides on all Kyoto City Subway lines.
More information: https://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/kotsu/webguide/en/ticket/regular_1day_card_tika.html

See you at KYO-MAF!!!

Ready for KYO-MAF 2025? Getting to the excitement at Miyako Messe and Rohm Theatre Kyoto is super easy!

The better way to go is the subway. Just take the Tozai Line to Higashiyama Station (T10).

From there, it’s a short, scenic 8-minute walk to the venue. You’ll pass the beautiful Lake Biwa Canal and walk under the giant Heian Shrine torii gate—the perfect welcome to an amazing day!

Forget about traffic and just focus on the fun. We can’t wait to see you there!