Arashiyama Day Trip from Kyoto (2026): What to Book, the Sagano Train and a Day Plan
Arashiyama is a short train ride west of central Kyoto, and almost everything there is walk-in: the bamboo grove, the river and the temples. The one thing worth booking is the Sagano Romantic Train, and only from its official site, which opens one month ahead.
Going this winter? The current train makes its last run on December 29, 2026 and the new one starts on March 1, 2027, so there is no scenic train in January and February. Arashiyama is still worth a morning without it.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. The Sagano train is cheapest on its official site, and we link that first.
What do you need to book for Arashiyama?
Very little. Arashiyama is a district, not a ticketed site, and you can turn up without a plan. Two things take bookings.
Sagano Romantic Train
A slow open-sided train along the Hozu gorge between Saga and Kameoka. Stations sell same-day seats only, first come first served, and standing tickets only once the seats are gone.
Affiliate link. The official site is cheaper.Kimono rental
You can walk Arashiyama in a rented kimono. Shops take bookings for a time slot; check each shop's page for walk-ins.
Bamboo grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji
No reservations. Tenryu-ji opens at 8:30 (garden from 7:30 on Nov 14–30, 2026).
How do you get to Arashiyama from Kyoto Station?
When can you book the Sagano train, and is it running?
The JR Pass does not cover it. A free refund is possible until 23:59 the day before; there are no same-day refunds or changes. Full steps are on our Sagano Romantic Train guide.
A day in Arashiyama that works
- 8:00JR from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama. Walk to the bamboo grove first.
- 8:30Tenryu-ji opens. Walk the garden (¥500); the north gate leads back to the bamboo path.
- 10:02Sagano train from Torokko Saga (if booked). About 25 min to Kameoka.
- 11:00Back by JR from Umahori, about 10 min walk from Torokko Kameoka, or take the river boat down to Arashiyama (a separate ticket from the boat company).
- 13:00Lunch near Togetsukyo Bridge. Then the riverside, or the walk up to the quieter temples north of the bamboo grove.
- 16:00Randen tram back towards central Kyoto.
The 10:02 time is from the 2027 timetable for the new train. Check the train you booked.
What we checked on Nov 7, 2026
Sagano Scenic Railway ticket page and FAQ: ¥880 adult / ¥440 child for any section; online sales from 0:00 on the same date one month before; stations sell same-day only; JR Pass not valid.
Sagano Scenic Railway press release of Oct 23, 2026: last run of the current train on Dec 29, 2026; new train from Mar 1, 2027 with a ¥620 seat fee.
Tenryu-ji admission page: 8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:50), garden from 7:30 on Nov 14–30, 2026, garden ¥500, buildings +¥300, Hatto (Cloud Dragon painting) ¥500 on weekends, holidays and special periods.
JR West's Kansai Area Pass page: paper pass sales ended on Sep 30, 2026. Its WEST QR page still sells a QR version through overseas agencies.
JR and Randen fares and journey times, and the Hozugawa boat fare and duration, are not on the pages above; check them on the day in a route planner or on the boat company's site.
What if…?
…the Sagano train is sold out online?
Stations sell same-day seats from about 8:35 at Saga, and a few standing tickets after the seats go. Arrive at opening on busy days. Some agencies also sell seats or tours with the train included.
Sagano train options on Klook ↗…I'm visiting in January or February?
No Sagano train then. Do the bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji and the riverside in a morning, then go on to Fushimi Inari or Uji in the afternoon.
…it rains?
The bamboo grove and Tenryu-ji's garden are outdoors, so bring an umbrella. Car No. 5 of the current train has no windows and umbrellas are not allowed in it.
…I have luggage?
Leave it at Kyoto Station. Coin lockers and bag storage →
Is Arashiyama worth it?
Yes. Without any booking you get the bamboo grove, the river at Togetsukyo Bridge and Tenryu-ji, a World Heritage temple whose garden costs ¥500.
If your time in Kyoto is one or two days, Arashiyama is a half-day. If you have no Sagano train seat booked, you can still try for same-day seats at the station, or leave the train out; the rest of Arashiyama needs no ticket.
Also worth booking in Kyoto
Kimono rental
Walk the bamboo grove in kimono. Book a morning slot.
Affiliate linkJapan eSIM
Maps and timetables all day without hunting for Wi-Fi.
Affiliate linkStill deciding on the Sagano train?
Book it on the official site the moment your date opens, one month ahead at 0:00 Japan time. If you miss it, Arashiyama is still a good morning on foot.
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