Kyoto Arashiyama Day Tours

Off-the-Beaten-Path Kyoto: Arashiyama Scenic Train & Sanzen-in Temple One-Day Tour
(Encounter the subtle glow of moss and experience the Arashiyama Scenic Railway)

The following itinerary is for reference only. Attractions, order of visits, and timing may be adjusted depending on the day’s conditions.

• Discover the serene beauty of moss gardens and ride the Arashiyama Scenic Train. Tour operates with a minimum of 2 participants.
• Door-to-door pick-up and drop-off from hotels in Osaka city—no need to worry about route planning or complicated public transportation.
• Professional local driver-guide providing reliable and attentive service, with in-depth insights into Japanese culture and customs.
• Avoid the crowds and explore lesser-known Kyoto gems such as Sanzen-in. Early departure and late return allow for extended exploration time.

08:40 Osaka
Begin today’s wonderful journey

Meeting point package:
08:40 Nipponbashi Exit 2 (Namba Shinsaibashi area)
09:50 Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit – Sightseeing Bus Parking Lot

Hotel pick-up/drop-off package:
07:30–08:30 Hotels/B&Bs within the Osaka Loop Line area

Please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before departure. Late arrivals will not be accommodated.
Pick-up order and timing will be arranged by the driver-guide based on distance and traffic conditions. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

10:30 Kyoto

% Sanzen-in Temple (Approx. 120 minutes, free time including lunch; lunch at own expense)

Sanzen-in is located in Ohara, northern Kyoto, and is one of the three monzeki temples of the Tendai sect. The spacious temple grounds are filled with towering ancient trees, lush moss, and flowing streams. Seasonal highlights include cherry blossoms in April, azaleas in May, hydrangeas in July, and vibrant maple leaves in autumn.

The two pond-style gardens designed by Kanamori Sowa—“Shuheki-en” and “Yusei-en”—offer the best views of Sanzen-in’s seasonal beauty. The temple’s principal statue, a wooden Amitabha Tathagata flanked by attendant statues, is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

(Admission: Adults 700 yen; Junior & Senior High School Students 400 yen; Elementary School Students 150 yen)

Recommended dining near Sanzen-in:
• Kyo-mi Chaya – Soba noodles, tofu dishes, creative cuisine
• Ippuku Chaya – Udon, soba, rice bowls
• Rorikawa Chaya – Udon, yuba (tofu skin) dishes
• Shino Shomon – Kyoto cuisine, tofu dishes, yuba dishes

13:30 Kyoto

% Arashiyama (Approx. 3 hours, free time)

The Arashiyama area consists of Arashiyama and Sagano. It offers not only rich cultural landmarks but also seasonal natural scenery and a nostalgic scenic railway. The area is home to many ancient temples and shrines, including Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famous Bamboo Grove path stretches from Nonomiya Shrine to Okochi Sanso Villa.

A popular destination for cherry blossom viewing in spring and maple leaves in autumn, Arashiyama can be quite crowded during peak seasons, and tickets for the Sagano Scenic Train are often in high demand. In contrast, winter and summer are quieter, making it ideal for travelers seeking tranquility.

The area also features long-established restaurants, traditional confectionery shops, charming boutiques, kimono rentals, and rickshaw rides—perfect for slowing down and enjoying the atmosphere.

Recommended Activities (at own expense; choose one)

1. Sagano Scenic Railway (Recommended route: Saga-Arashiyama → Kameoka → Saga-Arashiyama)
   Operating period: March 1 – December 29
   (Closed in January and February for winter maintenance; also closed on Wednesdays.)
   Cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons are especially popular; advance reservations may be required.
   Each train has 30 seats. (Train ticket not included.)

2. Sagano Bamboo Grove
   The bamboo path is approximately 500 meters long. Walking through it, you can hear the soothing sound of wind rustling through the bamboo—recognized as one of Japan’s “100 Soundscapes to Preserve.” This was also a filming location for Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Nearby Tenryu-ji Temple features an exquisite Japanese garden. In December, during the Arashiyama Hanatouro illumination event, the bamboo grove and Togetsukyo Bridge are beautifully lit at night.

3. Arashiyama Station Foot Bath (Hannari-Hokkori Square)
   Located inside Randen Arashiyama Station, this Japanese-style foot bath was inspired by JR Kyushu’s Yufuin Station. After purchasing a seasonal dessert from a nearby shop, you can enjoy it while soaking your feet. Let the Arashiyama hot spring water soothe your fatigue after walking.

Address: 20-2 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichi-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Fee: 200 yen (includes towel)
Self-service: Purchase a ticket at the station information center. Wash your feet before entering; washing facilities are available at the entrance.

16:30 Return
Conclude the day’s sightseeing and begin the return journey. Return time is for reference only and may be earlier depending on traffic and the day’s schedule.

16:50 Kyoto
Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit – Sightseeing Bus Parking Lot

17:50 Osaka

Shinsaibashi & Dotonbori Area (Approx. 1 hour, free time)

Guests may choose to spend about one hour exploring Shinsaibashi.
Hotel pick-up/drop-off package guests who choose to stay in Shinsaibashi will be considered to have ended their tour (hotel return service will be forfeited without refund).
Meeting point package guests will be dismissed in the Shinsaibashi area.
Guests requiring hotel drop-off should wait for the shuttle for arranged transfer.

Shinsaibashi
Osaka’s most famous shopping street, featuring department stores, chain drugstores, long-established brands, and boutique shops. Hello Kitty and Disney specialty stores are also located here. Many shops provide Chinese-speaking staff and accept UnionPay cards.

Dotonbori
A symbol of Osaka cuisine, bustling day and night. Known as the birthplace of Osaka’s “eat till you drop” food culture, it offers popular foods such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, Kinryu Ramen, traditional izakayas, and famous restaurants like Kani Doraku.

The above schedule may be adjusted due to weather or traffic conditions. Thank you for your understanding.