2026 Autumn Limited – Kyoto Kinkaku-ji & Night Maple Illumination with Arashiyama Scenic Train One-Day Tour

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.

11:00 Osaka – Start of Your Wonderful Journey

Meeting Points (Pick-up & Drop-off Package):
11:00 Nipponbashi Exit 2 (Namba/Shinsaibashi area)
12:10 Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit – Sightseeing Bus Parking Area
Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes in advance. The tour will depart on time and late arrivals will not be accommodated.

12:40 Kyoto
▼ Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) (approx. 60 mins, admission included)

Kinkaku-ji, officially known as Rokuon-ji, is famous for its Golden Pavilion, whose exterior is covered in gold leaf. Originally built in 1397 as the villa of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it was later converted into a Zen temple.

In autumn, beyond the iconic reflection of the Golden Pavilion on Kyoko-chi Pond, the temple offers many hidden spots for maple viewing. Walking from the Kuromon Gate to the reception area, you’ll find vibrant autumn foliage lining both sides. From elevated viewpoints near Sekkatei Teahouse, you can enjoy stunning views of the pavilion surrounded by colorful leaves.

The pavilion itself is a three-story structure showcasing different architectural styles: aristocratic (first floor), samurai (second floor), and Zen Buddhist (third floor). The gold-leaf-covered upper floors shine brilliantly against the backdrop of autumn foliage and sunset light.

Other scenic spots such as Kuromon Gate, the Bell Tower, Anmintaku Pond, and Sekkatei also offer beautiful seasonal views. Take your time to explore and fully appreciate the tranquil autumn scenery.

14:10 Kyoto
▼ Free Time in Arashiyama Area (approx. 4 hours)
After arriving at Togetsukyo Bridge, enjoy free time. Please gather at Sagano Station at the designated time to board the scenic train.

Suggested Walking Route:
Togetsukyo Bridge → Tenryu-ji Temple → Arashiyama Bamboo Grove → Jojakko-ji Temple → Saga Station
(Approx. 1 hour walking time, excluding sightseeing stops)

• Togetsukyo Bridge
  A symbolic landmark of Arashiyama spanning the Katsura River, offering stunning seasonal views year-round.
• Tenryu-ji Temple (approx. 1.5 hrs)
  A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples. Famous for the Sogenchi Garden (strolling pond garden).
  Admission: JPY 500 (garden), JPY 500 (Cloud Dragon painting – seasonal special exhibition, at your own expense)
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (pass through, approx. 40 mins)
  A 500-meter path through towering bamboo. The sound of wind through the leaves is listed among Japan’s “100 Soundscapes.”
• Jojakko-ji Temple (approx. 1 hr)
  Located on Mt. Ogura, this शांत temple is known for its stunning autumn foliage and peaceful atmosphere, offering a quieter alternative to crowded spots.
  Admission: approx. JPY 500 (at your own expense)
• Saga Station (Meeting Point)

18:26 Kyoto
▼ Arashiyama Night Maple Scenic Train Experience (approx. 30 mins, ticket included)

Enjoy a limited-time night illumination experience aboard the Sagano Scenic Railway. Arashiyama is renowned for its seasonal beauty, historic temples, and charming atmosphere. During autumn, the illuminated maple leaves create a magical दृश्य along the railway.

Train Details:
Sagano Scenic Train No. 91
Route: Saga Station → Kameoka Station
Time: 18:26 – 18:54

After arriving at Kameoka Station, you will take a bus back (approx. 10 minutes after exiting the station).

19:10 Return Journey
Departure time is for reference only and may vary depending on traffic and tour conditions.

20:00 Kyoto
Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit – Sightseeing Bus Parking Area

21:00 Osaka
Drop-off at Nipponbashi Exit 2 area

Travel Information

【This tour allows free luggage. Please inform us of the number of luggage items in advance when booking.】

1. Once the booking is confirmed, the travel date cannot be changed. Any losses incurred due to changes must be borne by the guest.

2. Please provide complete and accurate information at the time of booking (full name, number of participants, phone number, email address, and pick-up location) to avoid errors that may affect the itinerary.

3. Please carry your passport and valuables with you at all times. Any loss, theft, or damage shall be borne by the guest.

4. Elderly guests, guests with cardiovascular conditions (such as high blood pressure or heart disease), and pregnant women are advised to travel with a companion.

5. Guests under 18 years old are not permitted to book this tour alone. A legal guardian must book and participate together.

6. This is a shared fixed-route tour. Guests are required to follow the scheduled stop times at each attraction and comply with the driver-guide’s arrangements.

   • If you prefer a more flexible itinerary, please refer to our private charter services.

   • Please arrive at the designated pick-up point on time. Late arrivals will not be waited for.

   • This product cannot be refunded, rescheduled, transferred to another departure, or joined midway. If you fail to participate due to personal reasons, the loss shall be borne by yourself.

7. If a guest fails to participate or leaves the tour early due to personal reasons or lateness, no refund will be provided.

8. Guests who leave the group during the tour will be deemed to have voluntarily terminated the service, and no refund will be issued. Any resulting personal injury or property loss shall be the guest’s own responsibility.

9. Arrival times may vary due to traffic conditions, weather, holidays, or crowd levels. Delays or cancellations caused by these or other force majeure factors are non-refundable.

10. Please wear comfortable clothing and suitable walking shoes.

11. Please comply with Japanese laws and regulations. Do not carry prohibited items to avoid legal issues.

12. During free time, guests are responsible for their personal safety and belongings. Any accidents or losses caused by failure to follow advice shall be borne by the guest.

Important Tour Notes

Due to the unpredictability of traffic conditions, weather, holidays, or crowd levels, arrival times at attractions may change.
According to Japanese law, a driver’s maximum working time is 10 hours per day. To ensure safety and stable operations, the itinerary may be adjusted as necessary, including shortening visit times or canceling certain attractions.

We sincerely ask for your understanding and support regarding any such adjustments made in the interest of safety. In cases involving the above or other force majeure factors, we regret any inconvenience caused. Refunds will not be provided under these circumstances, as this policy is implemented to protect both drivers and passengers and ensure smooth tour operations.

Force Majeure Includes but Is Not Limited To

• Natural disasters: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, typhoons, etc.

• Traffic incidents: road accidents, severe congestion, etc.

• Weather conditions: heavy snow, rainstorms, dense fog, etc.

• Government regulations: emergency orders, traffic controls, etc.

• Medical emergencies: sudden illness or injury of a guest or group member

• Social events: strikes, protests, social unrest

• Mechanical failures: vehicle breakdowns or malfunctions

Cancellation & Refund Policy

• More than 3 days before departure (excluding the departure date): 100% refund

• 2–3 days before departure (including those days): 50% refund

• 1 day before departure or on the departure date: No refund