Kyoto: Arashiyama Tour With Optional Sagano Romantic Train

Kyoto’s Arashiyama district is a breathtaking oasis that transports visitors to a serene world of natural beauty. The optional Sagano Romantic Train ride offers a unique opportunity to experience the area’s stunning landscapes. This guided tour promises an immersive exploration of the iconic Bamboo Forest, historic Mikami Shrine, and the UNESCO-listed Tenryuji Temple. With knowledgeable English-speaking guides and a limited group size, travelers can savor local flavors and capture unforgettable memories. What makes this tour a must-do for those seeking to uncover Kyoto’s charm?

Key Points

• This 3-4 hour tour offers a scenic ride on the Sagano Romantic Train and a guided exploration of the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto.
• The tour includes visits to Mikami Shrine and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tenryuji Temple, providing a comprehensive experience of the Arashiyama district.
• Group size is limited to 9 participants, ensuring a personalized and immersive tour experience with an English-speaking guide.
• Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for customers.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the significant amount of walking involved, and the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility or health concerns.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Kyoto: Arashiyama Tour with optional Sagano Romantic Train is priced from $107.24 per person and lasts 3-4 hours.

The group size is limited to 9 participants, and an English-speaking guide leads the tour.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and visitors can reserve their spot now and pay later.

The tour starts at Umahori Station or Torokko Arashiyama Station and includes highlights like the Sagano Romantic Train, Mikami Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Tenryuji Temple, a local café, and Arashiyama Park with the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at either Umahori Station or Torokko Arashiyama Station, where participants embark on a 30-minute scenic ride aboard the Sagano Romantic Train, seeing Kyoto’s breathtaking landscapes.

Next, the group visits the serene Mikami Shrine for a 15-minute guided exploration.

The highlight of the tour is the 45-minute walk through the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where towering bamboo stalks create a tranquil atmosphere.

Participants then tour the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tenryuji Temple for 20 minutes, before experiencing a 30-minute street food tasting and visiting Arashiyama Park and the famous Togetsukyo Bridge.

Tour Experience and Highlights

Breathtaking views on the Sagano Romantic Train transport participants into Kyoto’s serene landscapes, setting the tone for the cultural exploration that follows.

The tour showcases the region’s top highlights:

• Immersive experience in the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
• Guided tour of the Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Street food tasting featuring local Kyoto flavors
• Photo opportunities at the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge
• Serene ambiance throughout the Arashiyama district

These diverse experiences provide an enriching glimpse into Kyoto’s renowned natural beauty, historical significance, and vibrant culinary scene.

Important Information

Although comfortable shoes are recommended due to the walking involved in the tour, participants should also bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, heart problems, or respiratory issues. Visitors should bring cash for any incidental expenses.

It’s important to note that the experience may vary depending on the season, with maple season offering vibrant red leaf scenery.

Participants are advised to review the tour details and their personal health conditions to ensure the Arashiyama tour is a suitable fit.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

Reviewers have offered a mixed assessment of the Arashiyama tour, with an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars based on 4 reviews.

The positive feedback highlights the knowledgeable and experienced tour guides, such as Elisabetta and Carlos. However, some customers have reported issues with booking and train ticket access.

To enhance the experience, the tour operator recommends:

• Wearing comfortable walking shoes due to the significant amount of walking involved
• Bringing cash for any optional purchases or activities
• Noting the tour’s unsuitability for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, heart problems, or respiratory conditions
• Being mindful of seasonal changes, such as vibrant red leaf scenery during maple season
• Allowing ample time for the tour to fully enjoy the sights and activities.

Getting to the Starting Locations

The tour starts at either Umahori Station or Torokko Arashiyama Station in Kyoto. Guests have several options to reach the starting locations:

Transportation	Umahori Station	Torokko Arashiyama Station
Train	Take the Hankyu Arashiyama Line	Take the JR Sagano Line
Bus	Take the Kyoto City Bus	Take the Kyoto City Bus
Taxi	Approximately 10-15 minutes from central Kyoto	Approximately 10-15 minutes from central Kyoto

Regardless of the starting location, guests will embark on a captivating journey through the serene landscapes of Arashiyama during this guided tour.

Exploring the Sagano Romantic Train

After boarding the Sagano Romantic Train, guests embark on a 30-minute scenic ride through Kyoto’s breathtaking landscapes.

The train winds its way along the Hozu River, offering spectacular views of the lush, forested hills and valleys. Passengers can take in the serene atmosphere and appreciate the region’s natural beauty.

The Sagano Romantic Train experience is a highlight of the Arashiyama tour, providing:

• Panoramic vistas of Kyoto’s picturesque countryside
• A leisurely, relaxing journey through the heart of Arashiyama
• An opportunity to witness the changing seasons in the region
• A chance to disconnect from the bustling city and immerse in nature
• Photogenic backdrops for capturing memorable moments.

Discovering the Highlights of Arashiyama

What awaits visitors as they explore the highlights of Arashiyama? The tour guide leads the group on a 45-minute immersive journey through the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Towering green stalks sway gently, creating a serene, otherworldly atmosphere.

Next, the group visits the UNESCO-listed Tenryuji Temple, admiring its elegant architecture and learning about its history during a 20-minute guided tour.

After the temple, participants enjoy a 30-minute street food experience, sampling local flavors.

The tour concludes with a visit to Arashiyama Park and the famous Togetsukyo Bridge, providing ample photo opportunities of this picturesque landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be suitable for children, as it’s not recommended for individuals with mobility impairments. The long walking and uneven terrain could be challenging for younger participants. Parents should carefully consider their child’s abilities before booking.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Individual Needs?

The tour can be customized to individual needs, though it may not be suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, heart problems, or respiratory conditions. Guests should inform the tour operator of any special requirements.

What Are the Accessibility Options for the Tour?

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, heart problems, or respiratory conditions. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the amount of walking involved. Customization options for individual needs are not mentioned.

Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available?

There don’t appear to be any discounts or package deals listed for this tour. The pricing starts at $107.24 per person with the option to add the Sagano Romantic Train. Reserving in advance is recommended to secure availability.

Can the Tour Be Booked in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour is available in English only. However, it may be possible to arrange private tours with other language options, such as Japanese or Chinese, by contacting the tour operator directly and inquiring about their availability.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the serene beauty of Arashiyama on this guided tour. Explore the iconic bamboo forest, visit historic temples, and savor local delicacies. With the optional Sagano Romantic Train, you’ll witness breathtaking landscapes during a 30-minute scenic ride. This tour offers a comprehensive experience to discover the enchanting Kyoto.

You can check if your dates are available here: