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Product #138380
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Promotional image for Kyoto Arashiyama Classic Day Tour, showcasing the Sagano Scenic Railway, Hozugawa River Boat Ride, and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, highlighting a relaxing journey through Japan's seasonal beauty.
The famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto, with towering emerald green bamboo forming a natural tunnel, where visitors leisurely stroll, immersing themselves in the serene atmosphere.
A Hozugawa River boat filled with tourists, as boatmen paddle a traditional wooden boat through the clear river, with distant rolling mountains and a blue sky.
View from the Arashiyama Scenic Railway window, showing the red train winding along the lush green valley and the emerald Hozugawa River, offering a unique perspective of the scenery.
Several Hozugawa River boats floating on the water, with the riverbanks' leaves beginning to change color, hinting at the enchanting scenery of an autumn tour.

Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan Day Trip | Arashiyama Scenic Railway or Hozu River Cruise Available for Add-ons | Departs from Osaka/Kyoto


Booking confirmation: within 4 days before the departure
Duration:10 hour(s)
Guided language: 日本語 / 中文
Free cancellation 2 day(s) prior to experience date
Please present the e-voucher on-site

  • Take the bus to the popular spot "Kyoto Arashiyama"
  • The itinerary includes a ride on the Arashiyama train and a cruise on the Hozugawa River
  • You have free time to explore the streets of Arashiyama on your own
[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK

Package Options

Details
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Sightseeing Tours

Tour TypeShared tour
Transportation methodTransfer from meeting point
Departure TimeStandard Departure (8-9 am)
Luggage limit1 piece
Minimum participant requirement10 travelers
Meal arrangementArrange yourself
Additional service & facilityLuggage Storage
Sightseeing typeNatural sights, Temples & shrines
TransportSightseeing cruise, Bus tour
Cruise typeSightseeing boat

Product Info

The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.

- Attraction Introduction -

  • Hozugawa

Hozu River is one of Kyoto's most popular valleys, located between Kameoka City and Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama. It's a scenic tourist destination famous for the Arashiyama Railway (Sagano Scenic Railway). The Hozu Gorge is dotted with massive rocks, boulders, and rapids, and the river winds its way through the valley, forming several large bends resembling the Chinese character "几" (ji) when viewed from above. Visitors can choose to take a raft trip near JR Kameoka Station, passing by spectacular sights such as Eboshi Rock and Shishi Rock. As the river chugs, the waterway narrows, turns, and then calms, with rapids and small waterfalls constantly cascading down the slopes. You might even encounter the Arashiyama Railway passing by halfway up the mountain. The turbulent upstream may leave you too thrilled to appreciate the overall scenery, but once you reach the downstream, the view opens up dramatically. Looking up, you can see ancient buildings on the cliffs on both sides, cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in autumn, each with its own unique beauty. Sometimes, you can even witness a scene filled with mist and ethereal beauty.

  • Arashiyama Scenic Train

The Arashiyama Sagano Scenic Railway, originally named the Sagano Scenic Railway, is one of the best-running old-fashioned trains in Kyoto! A unique and unmissable slow-paced way to travel in Arashiyama, the train slowly travels along the scenic Hozu River valley, covering 7.3 kilometers in about 25 minutes one way and about an hour round trip. Arashiyama, famous for its pink cherry blossoms and red maple leaves, is a vibrant tapestry of pinkish-white in early spring and orange-red in late autumn; in the height of summer and deep winter, it transforms into a verdant green and snow-white landscape. The colors of the four seasons almost make one forget the true colors of the mountains.

  • Arashiyama

Arashiyama, located west of Kyoto, has been the site of many noble villas since the Heian period, and its name frequently appears in historical stories and classical literature. It has long been a popular tourist destination due to the vast expanse of wild cherry blossoms and maple forests along the Katsura River in spring and autumn. The entire Arashiyama area is centered around the Togetsukyo Bridge, which spans the Katsura River. The bridge's name originates from a poem by Emperor Kameyama describing it as "like a full moon crossing a bridge." Although Togetsukyo Bridge appears to be a wooden bridge, today it is a modern reinforced concrete structure that allows cars to travel on it, only with antique wooden railings to complement the surrounding scenery. The section of the Katsura River near Togetsukyo Bridge is also commonly known as the Oi-Kawa (大堰川).


- Only includes the Arashiyama Scenic Railway itinerary -

7:45 Gathering

Departure at 8:00 AM from Kani Doraku East Store in Dotonbori, Osaka.

09:15~09:30 Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit Kanko Bus Terminal

11:02~11:25 Take the miniature train

12:30~16:30 Free time in Arashiyama

17:30~18:00 Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit Kanko Bus Terminal

19:00 Osaka Dotonbori Kani Doraku East Store closes


- Only includes the Hozugawa River cruise itinerary -

Departure at 8:00 AM from Kani Doraku East Store in Dotonbori, Osaka.

09:30 Departure from Kyoto Station Hachijoguchi Tourist Bus Stop

11:02-11:25 Take a bus to Saga Station

Guests who booked the train tour package will disembark here; guests who did not book the train tour package will continue by bus to Kameoka Station and meet up with those who took the train.

Take a Hozu River cruise from 12:00 to 14:00.

14:00~16:30 Free time in Arashiyama

18:00 Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit Sightseeing Bus Terminal

19:30 Osaka Dotonbori Kani Doraku East Store closes

Purchase Notice

※Please be sure to read the " Japan Domestic Travel Terms and Conditions " and " Terms and Conditions " before purchasing.

※If the cruise cannot be cancelled due to high water level in the Hozugawa River, we may change some of the itinerary or provide a partial refund.
※The Hozugawa ship is equipped with 1 GPS and 1 wireless device. People under 80cm in height are not allowed to board (life jacket size restrictions).

※Each person can bring one large piece of luggage. Please inform us of the size in the remarks column when ordering.

【Travel conditions】

  • Travel origin and destination: Osaka and Kyoto
  • Travel days: Round trip
  • Transportation: Chartered bus
  • Bus company name: Meiko Trading Co., Ltd./Nissan Co., Ltd./Hakuba Transportation Co., Ltd./Essentials Co., Ltd./Japanese Travel Co., Ltd./Naniwa サロンバス Co., Ltd./レインボーウィング Co., Ltd. / サンスターライン Co., Ltd. 五大観光バス Co., Ltd. / Yongda International Co., Ltd. / Yoshizumi Co., Ltd. / Mitsuru Shoji Co., Ltd.
  • Meals included: Breakfast 0 times Lunch 0 times Dinner 0 times
  • Accommodation facilities: None
  • Minimum group size: 10 people
  • Team leader: 1
  • Tour guide: 0

【Travel planning/implementation】

  • Operating company name: (Co., Ltd.) Japan Teleport Co., Ltd.
  • Address: 2-123 Inoget Osaka 15th floor, Umeda 3-chome, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, 530-0001
  • License number: Osaka Prefecture Governor Registered Travel Business No. 2-2181
  • Travel industry association name: Japan Travel Industry Association (Osaka branch) Full member
  • Full member of the Osaka Prefecture Travel Agents Association
  • JATA is a cooperating member

Reminders

  • A minimum of 10 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date

  • In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 12:00). Notifications will then be sent via email

  • Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time

  • Please be sure to abide by the meeting time. The bus will not wait for you after the time. No refund will be given if you are late due to personal reasons. Please be aware of this.

  • Please wear a mask at all times on the bus, eating, drinking, and loud talking are prohibited.

  • Due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather or traffic conditions, the itinerary may be changed or the tour may be cancelled or the tour time may be shortened. Please understand.

  • If the return trip is delayed due to traffic conditions or other factors and you are unable to take public transportation, the taxi fees will be borne by the guest. Please understand.

  • The time to visit each attraction will be determined according to the traffic conditions on the road or the number of participants on the day.

  • If you are late for a trip due to traffic reasons and cannot join the trip, it will be deemed as an automatic cancellation by the guest. No refunds will be given.

  • No refund will be given if the passenger abandons the tour due to personal reasons.

  • The bus seats cannot be assigned, smoking is prohibited throughout the bus, and there are no toilets.

  • Age limit: 3 years old and above, height over 80cm. Children under 2 years old are not allowed to participate even if accompanied by an adult.

  • If the facility is cancelled due to force majeure after the tour has started, a partial refund will be made. Please note that we cannot refund the facility admission fee included in the tour price because it is different from the facility's published price.

  • Please note that the tour guide will not board the Hozugawa cruise with the passengers.

  • The tour leader will not give detailed and professional explanations during the trip, but will only give a simple introduction to the attractions according to the itinerary of the day. Please understand, thank you.

  • Guests who choose the plan that does not include the Hozugawa cruise experience can also purchase tickets on the day, but please be aware that you may not be able to board the boat due to weather or other factors (e.g., the number of people has reached the limit). Please be aware of this.

  • If you choose not to take the Hozugawa cruise, you will need to wait for the cruise passengers to board before the bus goes to Arashiyama. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Thank you for your understanding.

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations 2 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
  • For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
  • Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
NOTE
  • Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

FAQ

1. Do I need to book the Hozugawa River boat ride in advance?

When participating in a day tour that includes the Hozugawa River boat ride, your tour operator typically handles the advance booking for you as part of the package. This ensures your spot and a smooth experience, eliminating the need for individual booking arrangements. Booking through KKday, for instance, provides the convenience of having all components of your tour, including the boat ride, seamlessly pre-arranged, saving you time and effort.

2. How long does the Hozugawa River boat ride typically last?

The Hozugawa River boat ride typically lasts approximately 90 minutes. This duration allows passengers to fully immerse themselves in the scenic beauty of the gorge, from Kameoka to Arashiyama, and enjoy the experience of traditional river navigation guided by skilled boatmen.

3. What kind of scenery and experience can I expect on the Sagano Romantic Train?

The Sagano Romantic Train offers picturesque views of the Hozugawa Gorge as it winds through lush forests and alongside the river. You can expect to see vibrant autumn leaves, fresh greenery in spring and summer, and sometimes snow in winter, showcasing Kyoto's seasonal beauty. The slow pace allows for excellent photo opportunities, providing a charming and nostalgic journey.

4. What activities can be enjoyed during the free time in Arashiyama?

During your free time in Arashiyama, you can explore several popular attractions. These include strolling through the iconic Bamboo Grove, visiting Tenryu-ji Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage site), crossing the Togetsukyo Bridge for scenic river views, and browsing the many charming shops and cafes along the main street. You can also visit Okochi Sanso Villa for beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.

5. What natural landscapes are visible during the Hozugawa River boat ride?

The Hozugawa River boat ride offers stunning natural landscapes, including dramatic rock formations, dense forests that change color with the seasons, and the serene flow of the river itself. You'll pass by towering cliffs, tranquil ravines, and observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitat, making it a captivating journey through Kyoto's wilderness.

6. How is transportation typically arranged to and from Arashiyama for the tour activities?

For a tour that includes Arashiyama activities, transportation to and from the area is typically arranged via a comfortable bus. This allows for convenient travel directly from your departure point, such as Osaka or Kyoto, ensuring a hassle-free journey. The bus service handles logistics, letting you relax and enjoy the scenic route without worrying about navigating public transport or parking in a busy tourist area.

7. When is the Sagano Romantic Train usually in operation, and does it run year-round?

The Sagano Romantic Train generally operates from early March to late December each year. It does not run year-round; it typically closes for winter maintenance from late December through February. There may also be occasional unscheduled closures due to severe weather conditions or operational needs. It's advisable to check the current operating schedule when planning your visit.

8. What should I wear or prepare for the Hozugawa River boat ride, considering weather and activity?

For the Hozugawa River boat ride, it's recommended to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as you will be seated in an open boat. Depending on the season, bring a jacket or layers for cooler temperatures, especially on cloudy days or during spring/autumn. A hat and sunscreen are advisable for sunny days. While rain ponchos are often provided in wet weather, bringing your own small towel or a waterproof bag for valuables can also be helpful.

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