Kyoto Sagano Romantic Train in Arashiyama Bus Tour

Experience the Charm of Kyoto with the Sagano Romantic Train and River Cruise

Traveling through Japan’s revered city of Kyoto, this tour offers a scenic journey that combines iconic sights with peaceful nature experiences. For $148 per person, you’ll visit Tenryuji Temple, wander the Arashiyama bamboo forest, enjoy a traditional Kyoto-style lunch buffet, and take in the spectacular Sagano Romantic Train views. The tour also includes a Hozugawa River Boat Ride — a favorite among nature lovers and photo enthusiasts alike. Led by an English-speaking guide and transported by a comfortable air-conditioned bus, this experience aims to blend history, scenery, and local flavors into one memorable day.

Two elements truly shine. First, the scenery—the train and river cruise offer unrivaled views of Japan’s seasonal colors, especially during cherry blossom or autumn foliage seasons. Second, the guide’s local knowledge makes navigating the area more insightful, helping you appreciate the significance of each stop. That said, some travelers might find the organization a bit lacking, with issues like uncomfortable train seats or less-than-enthusiastic guides. This tour is best suited for travelers who love scenic landscapes and cultural highlights but are flexible about minor organizational hiccups.

If you’re after a smooth, perfectly polished experience, this might not be your ideal choice. However, if you enjoy authentic sightseeing with some scenic surprises, you’ll find plenty to appreciate here. It’s perfect for those who want an accessible way to see Kyoto’s highlights with a taste of Japan’s natural beauty, even if the tour doesn’t quite hit the mark in all areas.

Key Points

• Scenic Transportation: The Sagano Romantic Train offers a 25-minute, 7.3 km ride through beautiful seasonal landscapes.
• Cultural Highlights: Visit Tenryuji Temple, wander the Arashiyama bamboo forest, and enjoy a Kyoto-style lunch buffet.
• Nature Experience: The Hozugawa River Boat Ride provides a tranquil view of Japan’s lush river valley—though it’s weather dependent.
• Guided Tour: Led by an English-speaking guide with deep local knowledge, enhancing your understanding of the sights.
• Practical Details: The tour starts at Kyoto Station, uses an air-conditioned bus, and costs $148, making it a reasonable option for a day trip.
• Possible Drawbacks: Some reviews mention disorganized guides and uncomfortable train seats, and the river cruise can be canceled due to weather.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour

Setting Out from Kyoto Station

Starting from the Hachijo Exit, the tour begins with a short walk to the bus, where a guide will be waiting with an HIS signboard. The bus ride takes you through the scenic outskirts of Kyoto, setting the tone for a day filled with natural beauty and cultural stops.

Exploring Arashiyama

The tour’s core is the Arashiyama area, one of the city’s most photographed spots. You’ll visit the bamboo forest, a peaceful path that’s perfect for photos and quiet reflection. While the bamboo grove is a highlight, some travelers point out that entry fees are paid separately, and crowds can make it a less tranquil experience during peak times.

The visit to Tenryuji Temple is a major plus. Known for its stunning gardens and historic architecture, it offers a glimpse into Japan’s spiritual side. The ticket cost is included in the tour, so you can focus on soaking in the scenery rather than worrying about extra charges.

The Scenic Sagano Romantic Train

The highlight for many is the train ride, which lasts about 25 minutes, covering 7.3 km. The train’s large windows showcase the changing seasons—whether it’s cherry blossoms, colorful leaves, or lush greenery. We loved the way this train captures the essence of Japan’s fleeting natural beauty, especially during peak seasons. The experience isn’t just about transportation but about appreciating the landscape in a relaxed, unhurried way.

However, some reviews highlight discomfort—particularly the seats. “Seats very uncomfortable and in spite of lovely tour along the river which you can hardly see as one has to remain seated,” one traveler noted. If you’re prone to discomfort, consider this when planning.

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The Hozugawa River Boat Ride

Next, the river cruise offers a gentle float down the Hozu River, revealing lush riverbanks and serene water scenes. This part of the tour is celebrated for its gorgeous views and peaceful atmosphere. The boat ride is a key highlight for lovers of nature and photography.

But be aware—weather conditions can affect this part. The ride may be canceled due to high water or bad weather. In such cases, the tour substitutes a visit to Toei Kyoto Studio Park and refunds 3,000 yen, which some found fair, but others felt it disrupted the flow of their day.

Lunch and Cultural Stops

The Kyoto-style lunch buffet is a decent, if somewhat generic, meal in a large hall. Some reviews mention that the large groups can make the experience feel rushed or noisy. Entry to Tenryuji costs extra, which adds up if you’re not prepared for additional expenses. After lunch, some guests had two hours to explore independently—if you’re a fast walker, you’ll appreciate the free time; if not, you might find it tight.

Organizing and Overall Experience

The reviews reveal some organizational issues. One traveler commented, “the guide was nowhere to be seen, and he arrived just before 10,” leading to a bit of chaos and uncertainty. Others noted that seating arrangements could be better planned, especially given reservations and large groups.

Despite this, the scenery and stops are undeniably rewarding. Travelers loved the view of the seasons’ changing colors and the informative guidance that helped them appreciate each site’s significance. The overall experience balances beautiful sights with some rough edges in execution.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour appeals most to nature lovers and culture seekers comfortable with some organizational quirks. It’s excellent for those wanting an authentic glimpse of Kyoto’s landscapes—especially during cherry blossom or autumn seasons—and who enjoy scenic train rides and river cruises. If you’re open to a bit of unpredictability and don’t mind less-than-perfect seating or guide energy, this could be a memorable day.

However, if seating comfort or guide professionalism is a priority, or if you prefer a highly polished experience, you might want to consider alternative options. It’s also worth noting that weather can impact some parts of the day, especially the river cruise.

Final Thoughts

For travelers seeking a balanced blend of scenic beauty, cultural highlights, and relaxed transport, this tour offers a compelling option. The Sagano Romantic Train and Hozugawa River Boat Ride are genuine highlights, showcasing Japan’s natural charm. The inclusion of a traditional Kyoto-style lunch and visits to Tenryuji and Arashiyama round out the experience well.

While some reviews point out organizational flaws and discomfort, many still appreciated the stunning vistas and knowledgeable guides that helped bring the sights to life. It’s a good choice for those who prioritize authentic scenery and local atmosphere over perfection. The tour strikes a reasonable balance between value and experience, offering a memorable day in Kyoto—if you’re flexible and love landscapes, this could be just the trip you’re after.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 80cm or 0-2 years old are not permitted to join, mainly due to safety regulations on the river cruise.

What happens if the river cruise is canceled?
If canceled due to high water or bad weather, you’ll receive a refund of 3,000 yen and visit Toei Kyoto Studio Park instead. This can be a nice alternative for film buffs.

How long does the train ride last?
The Sagano Romantic Train lasts about 25 minutes, providing ample time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, you’ll travel via an air-conditioned bus from Kyoto Station and between various sites, ensuring comfort in transit.

Can I customize the experience?
Since it’s not a private tour, it’s designed for groups, and the itinerary is fixed. You’ll be with other guests and follow the scheduled stops.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Reviews suggest the guides can vary. Some are very knowledgeable and engaging, while others might seem less organized or enthusiastic.

In essence, this tour offers a well-rounded way to see Kyoto’s scenic and cultural highlights while enjoying some of Japan’s iconic landscapes. With a bit of patience and an appreciation for the views, you’re likely to come away with beautiful memories—and plenty of photos.

You can check availability for your dates here: