Kyoto Sagano Romantic Train in Arashiyama Bus Tour

If you’re dreaming of a day that combines breathtaking scenery, traditional temples, and a touch of Japan’s enchanting nature, the Kyoto Sagano Romantic Train and Arashiyama tour might just be worth considering. While it’s not a flawless experience, it offers several highlights that make it a memorable outing for travelers craving authentic sights and effortless logistics.

What we love about this tour is the chance to hop aboard the charming Sagano Romantic Train, enjoy the serene boat ride along the Hozugawa River, and explore iconic spots like Tenryuji Temple and the bamboo groves. Plus, a Kyoto-style lunch buffet adds a local flavor to your day. That said, some reviews point out that the organization and guide’s expertise could be improved, so it’s best suited for those who value scenic beauty over seamless logistics.

Ultimately, this tour is ideal for visitors wanting a guided, all-in-one experience of Arashiyama’s top sights, especially during seasonal foliage or cherry blossom times. Just be ready for some variability in the guide’s narration and a few logistical hiccups. Still, if you’re eager to see Kyoto from a train and boat perspective, it offers good value for a day packed with sightseeing.

Key Points

• Scenic Views: The train ride and boat cruise showcase Kyoto’s stunning seasonal colors and natural beauty.
• Guided Experience: A knowledgeable guide will lead you through major sights, providing insights (though reviews suggest some guides lack engagement).
• Cultural Highlights: Visits to Tenryuji Temple and the bamboo forest give an authentic taste of Kyoto’s spiritual and natural heritage.
• Convenience: The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, and a delicious Kyoto-style lunch, making it a hassle-free option.
• Weather Variability: The river cruise can be canceled due to high water or bad weather, but there’s a backup plan.
• Group Setting: This is a shared tour, so expect to mingle with other travelers and some variability in the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Meeting Point and Start

The tour kicks off at Kyoto Station, Hachijo Exit, where your guide will be waiting with a HIS sign. From here, the journey immediately feels organized, with an air-conditioned bus ready to ferry you through the scenic outskirts of Kyoto.

Morning in Arashiyama

Once in Arashiyama, you’ll have the chance to explore highlights like the bamboo forest and Tenryuji Temple. The visit to Tenryuji includes an entrance fee, giving you a glimpse of its famous Zen landscape garden, which is particularly enchanting during cherry blossom or autumn season, though weather can sometimes obscure these natural displays.

Sagano Romantic Train Experience

The 25-minute, 7.3 km train ride is the main event. You’ll sit in the traditional, somewhat cramped seats, but the views more than compensate. Expect to see the lush greenery or colorful leaves depending on the season. Some reviews note the seats are uncomfortable, but the scenery makes up for it. The train’s design is nostalgic and offers a relaxing way to enjoy the landscape without the crowds.

More Great Tours Nearby

Hozugawa River Boat Ride

The boat cruise along the Hozugawa River is often highlighted as a peaceful, scenic highlight, with gorgeous views of the river valley. However, it’s worth noting that this portion is weather-dependent. Several reviews mentioned that if the water levels are too high or the weather turns bad, the cruise gets canceled, and you’ll be taken instead to Toei Kyoto Studio Park—a switch that some find less appealing but still an interesting cultural site.

The boat ride is a simple, traditional flat-bottom vessel operated by lively crew members. The experience is more about the scenery than high adventure, but the boatings are often described as charming and relaxing. One reviewer noted that the boat crew was “entertaining,” making the ride a lively complement to the tranquil nature.

Lunch and Optional Visits

Following the cruise, you’ll enjoy a Kyoto-style lunch buffet in a large hall. The meal is described as standard, but the local cuisine adds a nice touch to the day. After lunch, there’s roughly two hours to explore Tenryuji more or the bamboo forest, though reviewers mention that entrance fees are separate, and some guests choose to stay in the area longer independently, which might add extra costs.

End of Tour

The tour concludes back at Kyoto Station, making it easy to continue your explorations or head elsewhere in the city. The entire experience lasts roughly half a day, making it a manageable but activity-packed excursion.

Practical Details and Value

Transportation & Group Size

The use of an air-conditioned bus ensures comfort during transfers, and the tour is set up for convenience rather than exclusivity. Since it’s not private, expect to share the experience with fellow travelers, which can be a bonus or a drawback depending on your preference.

Price & Included Features

At $148 per person, the tour offers a fair package—covering entrance fees, the train and boat rides, guidance in English, and the lunch buffet. This makes it an attractive option for those who want a curated day out without worrying about multiple bookings.

What about reviews?

Some travelers expressed frustration with the organisation and guide engagement. One participant mentioned the guide was “hardly visible or audible,” and the information was limited. Others pointed out logistical issues like the bus departing without counting passengers, or the guide being less knowledgeable than hoped. Conversely, the scenic views and the boat crew’s lively attitude were consistently praised.

Is it worth the price?

For many, the value lies in the combination of sights and ease of transportation. If you’re eager to see Arashiyama’s top spots with minimal hassle, it’s a solid choice. But be aware that the quality of guiding may vary and that some parts of the day could feel rushed or disorganized.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for first-time visitors to Kyoto wanting a rundown of Arashiyama without planning individual tickets or transport. It’s also ideal for those wanting a relaxed, guided experience that includes iconic sights and a scenic train and boat ride.

However, if you prefer more personalized guidance, or want to explore at your own pace, you might find this tour somewhat lacking. Likewise, travelers sensitive to discomfort in train seats or crowded dining halls should consider the review points around seating and dining ambiance.

Final Thoughts

In essence, the Kyoto Sagano Romantic Train and Arashiyama Bus Tour provides a good way to tick off many of Arashiyama’s top sights in a single day. The combination of train, river cruise, and temple visits offers a blend of scenic beauty and cultural exposure that’s hard to beat for a half-day trip.

While the organization and guide’s guidance may not always meet expectations, your experience will be enriched by stunning views and authentic locations. It’s especially recommended during seasonal foliage or cherry blossom times, when the landscape transforms into a living masterpiece.

For travelers seeking easy logistics and a scenic snapshot of Kyoto’s nature and temples, this tour is a solid, value-minded option. Just keep in mind the reviews highlighting some organizational flaws, and be prepared for variability in the guide’s engagement.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 80cm in height or ages 0-2 are not permitted to join due to safety regulations for the river cruise.

What happens if the river cruise is canceled?
If canceled due to weather or high water, you’ll receive a refund of 3000 yen and visit Toei Kyoto Studio Park instead.

Does the tour include transportation back to Kyoto Station?
Yes, the tour ends back at the meeting point at Kyoto Station, but note that some reviews mention the bus departs without counting passengers, so arrive on time.

Can I join if I don’t speak English?
No, the tour is conducted in English, and a guide will be available to assist.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking are recommended, especially as you’ll spend time exploring temples and walking in natural areas.

Is there free time during the tour?
Yes, after the main stops, you have about two hours for personal exploration, but additional entry fees apply if you visit temples or the bamboo forest.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long does the whole experience last?
The tour is roughly half a day, making it perfect for a morning or afternoon excursion.

Is the guide knowledgeable about Kyoto?
Reviews suggest that the guide’s knowledge and engagement can vary; some find the guidance lacking depth, but others appreciate the logistical support.

To sum it up, if scenic views, ease of logistics, and iconic sights top your list, this tour offers a practical way to explore Kyoto’s famed Arashiyama area. While it’s not perfect, the combination of the train ride, boat cruise, and temple visits makes for a memorable day out—especially during the seasons when the landscape bursts into color.

You can check availability for your dates here: