Arashiyama Walking Tour With Optional Sagano Romantic Train Ride

Arashiyama, with its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is a must-visit destination for travelers to Kyoto. This guided walking tour takes you through the enchanting district, exploring the renowned Tenryu Temple and offering an optional Sagano Romantic Train ride for a unique perspective on the surrounding scenery. Led by an English-speaking guide, the tour provides insightful commentary and convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience. However, certain medical conditions may preclude participation.

This experience made our article of Visiting Kyoto Prefecture? We Rank The Top 8 Tours.

Key Points

• Private guided walking tour through the scenic Arashiyama district in Kyoto, Japan, with an optional ride on the Sagano Romantic Train.
• Tour includes an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and hotel pick-up/drop-off, providing a comprehensive cultural and natural experience.
• Explore the renowned Tenryū-ji temple complex, a National Treasure of Japan, with its ornate main hall and tranquil gardens.
• Tour is suitable for most travelers, but certain medical conditions may restrict participation due to the moderate level of physical activity required.
• Pricing starts from $115 per person, with a free cancellation policy and a lowest price guarantee.

Tour Overview

The Arashiyama Walking Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the scenic Arashiyama district in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.

This private tour takes participants on a guided journey through the captivating landscapes and cultural landmarks of the region. Guests can choose to include a ride on the renowned Sagano Romantic Train, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and hotel pick-up and drop-off, though meals and personal expenses aren’t covered.

This activity is suitable for most travelers, though certain medical conditions may preclude participation.

Inclusions

This walking tour includes an English-speaking guide who leads participants through the sights and provides insightful commentary.

The tour also covers entrance fees to Tenryu Temple. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are provided for convenience.

Travelers can opt for the Sagano Romantic Train Ride, which offers scenic views of the area.

While meals, drinks, and personal expenses aren’t included, the tour provides a comprehensive experience exploring Arashiyama’s natural and cultural attractions.

With flexible booking options and a lowest price guarantee, this tour offers an accessible and budget-friendly way to discover Kyoto’s renowned Arashiyama district.

Pricing and Booking

The Arashiyama Walking Tour is priced from $115.00 per person, with the final cost varying based on group size.

Customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows them to cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts. A reserve now and pay later option is also available.

Viator and Tripadvisor reviews indicate the tour provides excellent value, with a 5.0 overall rating based on 3 total reviews.

Customers can book their spot with confidence, knowing they’re getting the lowest price guaranteed for this private tour and activity in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.

Meeting and Accessibility

The meeting point for the Arashiyama Walking Tour is Arashiyama Station in Kyoto.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s near public transportation. It’s not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions, though most travelers can participate.

The walking tour covers temples, shrines, and gardens, so guests should be prepared for a moderate level of physical activity.

The guide provides an insightful overview of the Arashiyama area and helps participants see many sites in a short time.

Getting to Arashiyama

Arashiyama is readily accessible from central Kyoto, with several convenient transportation options available.

Visitors can take the JR Sagano Line train from Kyoto Station, which takes about 15 minutes. Alternatively, the Hankyu Arashiyama Line provides a scenic train ride from Kawaramachi or Umeda Station in Osaka.

For a more unique experience, the Sagano Romantic Train, a sightseeing train, offers a picturesque journey along the Hozugawa River.

Travelers can also reach Arashiyama by bus, with regular services from major stations.

No matter the mode of transport, getting to this charming district is easy and convenient.

Exploring Tenryu Temple

Tenryu Temple, a scenic Buddhist temple, anchors the walking tour of Arashiyama. The guided exploration of this iconic site includes:

• Admiring the ornate main hall, a National Treasure of Japan, with its striking white walls and upturned roof.

• Strolling the picturesque temple grounds, dotted with pagodas, stone lanterns, and a tranquil pond.

• Discovering Tenryū-ji, the temple’s sprawling Zen complex, home to meticulously maintained gardens and panoramic mountain views.

• Learning about the temple’s rich history, dating back to the 14th century and its association with influential Buddhist figures.

• Experiencing the serene ambiance that pervades this important spiritual site.

Riding the Sagano Romantic Train

After exploring the serenity of Tenryū-ji, the walking tour continues with an optional ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. This scenic railway winds through the lush bamboo forests and mountainous landscapes of Arashiyama. Passengers delight in panoramic views from the train’s open-air cars.

Car Type	Duration	Fare
Standard	25 minutes	¥620
Deluxe	25 minutes	¥1,030
First Class	25 minutes	¥1,340

The train’s leisurely pace and serene surroundings make for a truly romantic experience. Disembarking, visitors can further explore Arashiyama’s natural beauty and cultural sites on foot.

Top Highlights of the Tour

What makes the Arashiyama Walking Tour a must-do experience? The tour showcases Kyoto’s most beautiful natural scenery and cultural landmarks.

Highlights include:

• Exploring the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a serene forest of towering bamboo stalks
• Visiting the stunning Tenryū-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with impressive gardens and views of the Katsura River
• Strolling along the Togetsu-kyō Bridge, offering panoramic vistas of the Katsura River and surrounding mountains
• Discovering the charming Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street, with traditional machiya townhouses and craft workshops
• Experiencing the optional Sagano Romantic Train Ride, offering a picturesque journey through the scenic Arashiyama region.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Fit Do I Need to Be for This Walking Tour?

The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, though it’s not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions. As long as you can walk for extended periods, you should be able to participate comfortably.

Can I Customize the Tour to My Interests?

Yes, many tour operators allow travelers to customize tours to their interests. The guide may be able to adjust the tour’s pace, focus, and activities based on the group’s preferences and needs.

How Long Is the Sagano Romantic Train Ride?

The Sagano Romantic Train ride lasts approximately 25 minutes. The scenic journey takes passengers through the beautiful Arashiyama bamboo grove, offering stunning views of the surrounding Kyoto countryside. This optional add-on can be included in the Arashiyama walking tour.

Are There Restroom Facilities During the Tour?

The tour includes restroom facilities at various stops throughout the day. Travelers can use restrooms at the meeting point, temples, and other landmarks visited during the walking tour.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs Along the Tour Route?

Yes, there are opportunities to purchase souvenirs along the tour route. The walking tour passes through shopping areas and traditional craft shops where visitors can browse and buy local handicrafts and other mementos.

The Sum Up

The Arashiyama walking tour with the optional Sagano Romantic Train ride offers a delightful way to experience Kyoto’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. With an expert guide, travelers can explore the serene Tenryu Temple and enjoy the scenic train journey, providing a memorable adventure for those seeking to enjoy the enchanting Arashiyama district.