Kyoto has good road connections, situated as it is almost at the crossroads of the transport lines running between Tokyo and the south west of Japan. It is connected to Osaka and Nagoya by the Meishin Expressway, which connects with expressways heading east, west and north.

The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) (tel: (03) 3436 2811 or 6833 9100; website: www.jaf.or.jp/e/index_e.htm), provides an English-language ‘Rules of the Road' booklet and JAF Road Service offers 24-hour breakdown assistance for both members and non-members. In the case of an accident, the police must be informed (tel: 110).

Emergency breakdown service: JAF 8139

Highway bus services run regularly between Kyoto and Tokyo, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Fukuoka and several other cities across Japan. The trip from Tokyo to Kyoto by highway bus takes 7-8 hours. Both daytime and overnight buses are available. J R Bus Kanto (tel: (03) 3844 1950; website: www.jrbuskanto.co.jp/mn) operates regular coach services between Kyoto and Tokyo. J R Tokai (tel: (052) 563 0489; website: www.jrtbinm.co.jp) runs coach services to and from Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya and several other cities.