5 Train Experiences Worth Flying For

1.Sagano Romantic Train & Arashiyama, Kiyomizudera, Fushimi Inari Taisha Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 171 reviews · from $82Our pick

Travel by air-conditioned bus from Osaka to Kyoto with an English-speaking guide, visiting Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, Kiyomizudera, and the Sagano Romantic Train. Expect a full nine-hour day, timed stops, plenty of walking, and optional Japanese lunch.

“Limon company (tour company) is very organized, big and comfortable bus with Lemon (yellow) color inside (chair) & outside (body). Our tour guide Maria is very organized and professional lady and speak good English. There are many people during the cherry blossom season, we enjoy the 3 places we visited this time.”

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2.Arashiyama Tour with optional Sagano Romantic Train

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

Spend 3 to 4 hours exploring Arashiyama in a small group of up to 9. Choose the 30-minute Sagano Romantic Train, then visit Mikami Shrine, the Bamboo Forest, Tenryu Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge, and local food stops with an English-speaking guide such as Eloise, Leo, or Shingo.

“We had the most amazing day in Kyoto with our guide, Leo! 🌸 He was incredibly friendly and passionate about sharing the history and culture of his country. Thanks to him, we discovered hidden gems we would have never found on our own. The entire day was perfectly organized, yet felt relaxed and enjoyable. It truly was an unforgettable experience that made our trip to Kyoto so special. We can’t recommend Leo enough – if you’re visiting Kyoto, make sure to book a tour with him!”

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3.Kyoto Hozugawa River Boat Sagano Romantic Train Tour

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

You’ll ride 7.3 km on Kyoto’s Sagano Romantic Train, then take a 1.5-hour Hozugawa River boat ride from Kameoka toward Arashiyama. An English-speaking H.I.S. guide and air-conditioned bus handle the transfers, but lunch, return transport to Kyoto, and some temple admissions may cost extra.

“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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4.Arashiyama Walking Tour with Optional Sagano Romantic Train Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $115Top rated

Spend about four hours with an English-speaking guide in Arashiyama, visiting the Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji, Mikami Shrine, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Kameyama Park. Guides such as Yuko, Kats, and Maru-san are praised for helpful local advice. Add the 25-minute Sagano Romantic Train ride if selected.

“Maru-san was amazing! He heard we are traveling to Osaka afterward, he sent us restaurant recommendations, provided sightseeing tips! He went above and beyond to help us!”

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5.Kyoto Sagano Romantic Train in Arashiyama Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 6 reviews · from $156

Spend about eight hours moving from Kyoto Station to the Sagano Romantic Train, Hozu River boat, Tenryuji, and Arashiyama’s bamboo forest. Your English-speaking guide handles the transport and timing. The boat ride is the highlight, but it can be replaced by Toei Kyoto Studio Park in bad weather.

“The tour guide was excellent. But the boat ride was canceled, there were no cherry blossoms so the train ride was cheesy, and then with the boat canceled, kind of pointless. There was too much time waiting for transportation and then Read more”

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