Tour Overview
When visiting Kyoto's Arashiyama area, you can't miss the area's most famous railway line, the Sagano Scenic Railway. The train boasts a vintage steam locomotive exterior, with the fifth carriage being a fully open-air carriage. Without glass windows, you can get even closer to every scene along the way.
Today, follow the lead of a fun-loving expert and embark on a relaxing Arashiyama journey!
Departing from Sagano Station, the train journeys along the scenic Hozugawa River valley to Tamba Kameoka. The train's conductor will slow down when encountering unique scenery, allowing passengers to capture the beautiful scenery. In spring, Sagano Arashiyama is blanketed in cherry blossoms; in summer, vibrant green buds blanket the landscape; in autumn, the vibrant colors of fall foliage draw crowds; and in winter, the sight of fine snow drifting down the valley. Each season offers its own unique charm, a scene that compels visitors to return time and again.
After enjoying the scenic views of the Hozu River along the mountain train, you'll return to Saga Arashiyama on a sightseeing bus, guided by a guide. For a closer boat ride, you'll sail down the river back to Saga Arashiyama, getting up close and personal with this picturesque 16-kilometer-long valley. Along the way, your guide will explain the unique characteristics of the Hozu River, each uniquely shaped rock with its own story. As you drift along, you'll experience the thrill of riding the current!
Once you arrive at Saga Arashiyama, you can embark on a free adventure. Discover traditional local delicacies in the alleyways, and with coupons sent by experts, visit the Arashiyama Music Box Museum, or experience rickshaw and yakatabune rides, creating unique memories for your trip.
Tour Details:
- Meetup: 8:40 AM at the JR Kyoto Karasuma Exit Sightseeing Bus Terminal / Please arrive 20 minutes prior to check in.
- Sagano Sightseeing Train Ride / Approximately 23 minutes
- Hozugawa River Cruise / 90 minutes
- Arashiyama Area Self-Guided Tour (Lunch at own expense) / 140 minutes
Passengers will be given coupons on board. Coupons can be used at tourist attractions and restaurants. Discounts include: admission to the Arashiyama Music Box Museum and other facilities, rickshaw and yakatabune rides, foot baths, dining, and shopping discounts.
- Dismissal: 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM Arrival at the Karasuma Exit of Kyoto Station
Travel Notes
- If the sightseeing train (Torokko) is temporarily suspended due to inclement weather, this tour may be canceled. The tour operator will contact you if a cancellation is decided. Please note: Sometimes cancellations are not announced until the day of the tour. If the Hozu River is affected by inclement weather, some itineraries may be changed due to the suspension of the cruise. Please understand this. In such cases, the remaining fare will be refunded at the location after the tour. Please confirm details directly at the location.
-In rainy weather, the Hozu River cruise will operate normally under a canopy. Please do not use umbrellas while on board. Waterproof plastic sheets will be laid out to protect against splashing, so please feel free to ride.
-Please wear a life jacket while on board. Please note that guests who refuse or are unable to wear a life jacket will not be allowed on board.
-Wheelchairs and strollers can be folded and brought on board.
-This package does not include meals. Please bring your own lunch in the Arashiyama area.
-Because there will be Japanese guests from other groups traveling on the same day, multilingual audio guides will not be provided. - Please arrive at the meeting point at least 20 minutes before departure and present your reservation confirmation to board the bus.
- Please note that if you arrive late for the bus departure, you will not be able to join the tour.
- The order of the itinerary and arrival times may be changed due to traffic congestion or crowded attractions on the day of the tour.
- Children under 5 years old who require a seat should book the child option (ages 6-11) and the child rate will apply. Children booked in the toddler option (ages 0-5) are required to sit on their parents' laps.
