Hidden-Gem Deep-Dive Tour: Kyoto Arashiyama Scenic Train & Sanzen-in One-Day Tour From Osaka & Kyoto –Kansai Line C

Itinerary 

The following itinerary is for reference only. The specific attractions, visiting order, and duration may be adjusted according to actual conditions on the day of travel.

08:40 Osaka – Start of the Journey

Meeting Point Option

• 08:40 Nihonbashi Exit 2 (Namba / Shinsaibashi area)

• 09:50 Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit – Tourist Bus Parking Area

Hotel Pickup & Drop-off Option

• 07:30–08:30 Pickup from hotels or accommodations within the Osaka Loop Line area

Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes in advance. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated.

Pickup order and timing will be arranged by the driver-guide based on distance and traffic conditions. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in following the guide’s arrangements.

10:30 Kyoto – Sanzen-in Temple

⏱️ Approx. 120 minutes (free exploration, includes lunch time; meals at own expense)

Sanzen-in Temple is located in Ohara, northern Kyoto, and is one of the most important monzeki temples of the Tendai sect. The temple grounds are spacious and serene, featuring ancient trees, moss-covered gardens, and flowing streams.

Each season offers unique scenery:

• Cherry blossoms in April

• Azaleas in May

• Hydrangeas in July

• Autumn foliage in fall

The two pond-style gardens, Shuheki-en and Yusei-en, designed by Kanamori Sowa, are the best spots to appreciate the seasonal beauty of Sanzen-in. The principal wooden statue of Amida Nyorai and its attendant figures are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

Admission fees (not included):

• Adults: JPY 700

• Junior & senior high school students: JPY 400

• Elementary school students: JPY 150

Recommended restaurants near Sanzen-in (at own expense):

• Kyobimi Chaya – Soba noodles, tofu dishes, creative Kyoto cuisine

• Ichifuku Chaya – Udon, soba, rice bowls

• Rogawa Chaya – Udon, yuba (tofu skin) dishes

• Shino Shomon – Traditional Kyoto cuisine, tofu & yuba dishes

13:30 Kyoto – Arashiyama Area

⏱️ Approx. 3 hours of free time

The Arashiyama area consists of Arashiyama and Sagano, combining rich cultural heritage with beautiful seasonal landscapes and the famous scenic train. The area is home to many temples and shrines, including Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The bamboo forest path between Nonomiya Shrine and Okochi Sanso Villa is one of Kyoto’s most iconic sights. Arashiyama is especially popular during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, when tickets for the Sagano Scenic Train are often sold out. In summer and winter, the area is quieter and ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful atmosphere.

You will also find traditional restaurants, wagashi (Japanese sweets) shops, souvenir stores, kimono rentals, and rickshaw experiences—perfect for a relaxed and leisurely visit.

Optional Activities in Arashiyama (at own expense – choose one)

1. Sagano Romantic Scenic Train

Recommended route: Sagano → Kameoka → Sagano

• Operating period: March 1 – December 29
  (Closed in January and February for winter maintenance)

• Closed on: Wednesdays

• Train tickets are not included and must be purchased separately

• During cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, availability is limited
  (Approx. 30 seats per train)

2. Sagano Bamboo Grove

The bamboo path is approximately 500 meters long, extending from Nonomiya Shrine toward Okochi Sanso Villa. As you walk through the grove, you can hear the sound of wind passing through the bamboo—recognized as one of Japan’s 100 Soundscapes Worth Preserving.

This area was also featured in the filming of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Nearby Tenryu-ji Temple offers a stunning Japanese garden.
In December, during the Arashiyama Hanatouro light-up event, the bamboo grove and Togetsukyo Bridge are beautifully illuminated.

3. Arashiyama Station Foot Bath (HANNARI-HOKKORI Square)

Located inside Randen Arashiyama Station, this Japanese-style foot bath is inspired by Yufuin Station in Kyushu. Enjoy seasonal sweets from nearby shops while soaking your feet in natural hot spring water to relieve walking fatigue.

• Address: 20-2 Sagatenryuji Tsukuramichicho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto

• Fee: JPY 200 (towel included)

• Self-service system: purchase a ticket at the station information center

• Please wash your feet before use (washing area available)

16:30 Return Journey Begins

Return times are for reference only and may vary depending on traffic and the day’s schedule.

• 16:50 Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit – Tourist Bus Parking Area

• 17:50 Osaka (approximate arrival time)

Drop-off at Nihonbashi Exit 2 or Osaka city hotels.

• Guests who choose the hotel pickup & drop-off plan and leave the tour early will be considered as voluntarily giving up the return service (no refund available).

• Guests using the meeting point plan will be dismissed upon arrival.

• Guests requiring hotel drop-off will be transferred by shuttle and returned to their accommodations accordingly.

About Shinsaibashi & Dotonbori (Drop-off Area)

Shinsaibashi
Osaka’s most famous shopping street, featuring department stores, drugstores, well-known brands, and small boutiques. Many shops offer Chinese-speaking staff and accept UnionPay, making shopping easy and enjoyable.

Dotonbori
The heart of Osaka’s food culture, lively day and night. Known as the birthplace of Osaka’s “eat-until-you-drop” culture, it offers local specialties such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, ramen, traditional izakayas, and popular restaurants like Kani Doraku.