Kyoto · TRAIN EXPERIENCES

The 5 Train Rides in Kyoto That Earn Their Price

5 tours  ·  from $66

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 5 train rides worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.

From Osaka: Sagano Train Ride and Kyoto Guided Day Tour - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Togetsukyo Bridge
Guided, Kyoto Tours, Osaka Day Trips, Sagano Romantic Train Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Train Experiences

From Osaka: Sagano Train Ride and Kyoto Guided Day Tour

1.Sagano Train Ride and Kyoto Guided Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 180 reviews · from $66Our pick

Meet an English-speaking guide in Osaka and visit Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Togetsukyo Bridge, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizudera, and the Sagano Romantic Train. Guides such as Masa, Haru, and Hiro have helped make the busy schedule easier to follow. Lunch is optional.

“Everyone was treated VIP. .the tour guide was very informative and helpful. the bus was cozy and comfortable. 101 limon bus”

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Full Day Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour by Bullet Train from Kyoto - Starting at Kyoto Station before 7:30am
Full-Day, Kyoto Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Train Experiences

Full Day Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour by Bullet Train from Kyoto

2.Full Day Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour by Bullet Train from Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 120 reviews · from $399

Travel from Kyoto to Hiroshima by reserved Shinkansen, cross by boat to Miyajima, visit Itsukushima Shrine, then explore the Peace Memorial Park, Museum, and Atomic Bomb Dome with an English-speaking guide. Lunch is on your own, and the day ends back in Kyoto around 9pm.

“This tour is worth the time and money. Very knowledgeable tour guide and very friendly staff. I’m glad I booked it as this was an add on tour.”

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Cruises & Boat Tours, Kyoto Bus Tours, Kyoto Tours, Sagano Romantic Train Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Train Experiences

Kyoto Bus Tour: Sagano Railway & Hozugawa River Boat Ride

3.Kyoto Bus Tour: Sagano Railway & Hozugawa River Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 21 reviews · from $127

Start at Kyoto Station, ride the Sagano Railway from Saga to Kameoka, then take a roughly 90-minute Hozugawa River boat ride to Arashiyama. A Japanese-speaking guide manages the schedule, while GPS audio guidance is available in English, Chinese, and Korean. Free time follows in the bamboo grove area.

“This tour was OCD-level organized! From meeting point at bus terminal at Kyoto Station to assigned seating on bus to railway and assignment of cars, to boat boarding to directions for free time in Arashiyama, our guide was on top of everyRead more”

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Kyoto: Arashiyama Tour with optional Sagano Romantic Train - Choosing the Sagano Romantic Train option
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Tours, Kyoto Tours, Sagano Romantic Train Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Train Experiences

Kyoto: Arashiyama Tour with optional Sagano Romantic Train

4.Arashiyama Tour with optional Sagano Romantic Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 18 reviews · 3 - 4 hours · from $105

Join a small English-language group of up to nine for a 3 to 4 hour walk through Arashiyama. Choose the Sagano Romantic Train, meet guides such as Shingo, Eloise, Leo, or Arsushi, visit Tenryu Temple and Mikami Shrine, sample local snacks, and finish near Arashiyama Station.

“The tour with Eloise was incredible. The historical commentary on the area was very interesting, as was the description of the iconic sites. It was also excellent that she guided me to the best locations to take good photos and try amazing local food.”

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Kyoto Hozugawa River Boat Sagano Romantic Train Tour - The 25-minute Sagano Romantic Train
Cruises & Boat Tours, Kyoto Tours, Sagano Romantic Train Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Train Experiences

Kyoto Hozugawa River Boat Sagano Romantic Train Tour

5.Kyoto Hozugawa River Boat Sagano Romantic Train Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 8 reviews · 5 hours · from $116

You’ll ride the 7.3-kilometer Sagano Romantic Train, then take a 1.5-hour guided boat trip through the Hozu River valley before finishing in Arashiyama. An English-speaking guide and bus handle the transfers, but lunch and your return to Kyoto are not included for the half-day tour.

“Badly organised with a ‘guide’ who was hardly visible or audible I was told expecting a guide who shared interesting facts about the whole outing but he said nothing and was not a natural-born organiser. The meeting point was a mess. The ‘romantic’ train boarding was less than efficient and worst of all not at all romantic. Seats very uncomfortable and in spite of lovely toute along the river which you can hardly see as one has to remain seated. The best part was the river rapids ride (simple boat and not RAFT!) and the boat crew were entertaining and a breath of fresh air. Fun! Then we had a…”

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