In general, bus fares are charged according to distance travelled. Some Kyoto route bus charge a flat fee if my memory was correct. Pay either in JPY cash or by IC card.

How to use local route buses.

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2015.html

In Kyoto try to avoid taking city buses where most popular routes are packed, difficult to get on, very slow due to numerous stops and traffic lights.

Use city subways and commuter trains as much as possible to avoid traffic jams. Take taxis as appropriate.

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_003.html = IC cards

oh, nop. Kyoto Cty Bus is different from other buses in Japan with pay later even if you pay in cash or tag your travel card. mostly 230 yen. long distance is very limited, only west bound beyond Katsura.

https://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/kotsu/webguide/en/bus/howtoride_bus.html

Other Keihan and, Jr are mostly long distance. You may buy ticket.

In June Kyoto is supposed to be starting a new tourist focused bus route hitting the major sites. I don't know if it is permanent or just for summer. I agree about using the subway or using this new bus as tourist crowds on local buses are causing issues with residents not being able to get their bus to work or appointments.

The bus in Kyoto has a flat rate of 230 yen in the city center. You get on from the door in the middle of the bus and get off from the front door after paying the fare. There is an IC reader and fare box next to the driver.

Take the train/subway and get as close as possible to your destination, then switch to the bus/taxi. Do not take the bus long distance. The buses in Kyoto are unpleasant in general.

In any case, get an IC card. It's a must-have traveling in Japan.

sorry my edit from june 1;

Raku Raku bus will be front ride and pay first, same as other buses in Japan..Raku Raku bus price is 500yen fix. accept Day Pass

other lines will not change with mostly 230 yen.

Every day 106; Kyoto station to Sanjo via Gojo slope

Weekend 102; Kitaohji Sta to Kinkaku/Ginkaku

Week end 105; Kyoto station to Gin

Weekend 109; extend 102 to Arashiyama

Weekend EXP 100; 106 extend to Gin

Weekend EXP 101; Kyoto station to Gojo slope

Rakuraku operates all year around.

So the Raku Bus is coming back? That's great news! Looks like they added a few routes as well. That will help both tourists and residents. I always felt sorry for the residents who are dealing with packed buses daily.

Yes, the Raku Bus is coming back so they can reduce the load on "local" routes. A line like 101 can certainly use the express service.

I have relatives visiting Kyoto now. They have visited Japan repeatedly and one of them even studied in Japan for a year so they know their way around. Just yesterday, they told me the city is crowded with visitors.

I took a HOOP BUS in Kyoto recently. We could pay by cash, PayPay, Line Pay and WAON, not Suica, PASMO.

https://hoopbus.jp/