To get a quick orientation on Kyoto and what the city has to offer, make sure one of your first stops is at the Japan National Tourist Organization’s Tourist Information Centers. At the information center, you will find an assortment of maps, including comprehensive maps of the bus and train systems. Information centers can be found at several locations throughout the city, including:  

• Kyoto Tourist Information (Kyoto Prefecture-specific) Located at JR Kyoto Station B/D 9th Floor Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City (in Kyoto Prefectural International Center). This location is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except for the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month. This office is also closed between December 29 and January 3.
• Kyoto City Tourist Information Located at JR Kyoto Station Building 2nd Floor Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City. This location is open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.  

• City Tourist Association Visitor Information Center Located in front of Heian-jingu Shrine. This center is open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.  

If still planning your trip at home, there are a number of websites that can help you to create an itinerary. Comprehensive information on the city can be found on the website manged by the  Kyoto Prefectural Government Tourism and Convention Office. A great amount of information can also be found on the City of Kyoto's website. Both of these sites feature information on the arts, festivals, activities, dining opportunities, and other necessary tidbits for planning your trip to the city.