Arashiyama Half-Day Tour: Sagano Romantic Train, Hozugawa River Cruise & Horse Carriage Ride | Kyoto, Japan
Dinner and Show Tickets
Digital
Japanese
- Explore Arashiyama’s top sights with a scenic Kyobasha horse carriage ride and a tranquil Hozu River cruise
- Travel with ease alongside a Chinese and Japanese-speaking staff
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[Arashiyama Half-Day Tour] Arashiyama Train & Hozugawa River Cruise & Kyobasha Carriage (Small Train Tosuga Station/Meet at 9:50 am)
Additional Info
This package requires a minimum of 6 participants to proceed
Children under 3 years old who do not require a seat can join the tour for free. Each adult can accompany only one such child. If you are traveling with children, please provide their date of birth in the remarks column when making the reservation
The Arashiyama train has fixed departures: Sagano No. 3, departing from Saga Torokko Station at 10:02. The train will depart punctually. Please arrive on time as we will not wait for latecomers
The Sagano Romantic Train boarding time on September 4 & 10 will be 11:02 am, and the subsequent schedule will be pushed back 1 hour. The meeting time will be 10:50 am
On Aug 11, the Hozugawa River cruise will be closed for the day due to traffic control in the Hozugawa River area for a fireworks festival. Please take this into consideration when booking.
FromCAD $65.30Per Person
Available from 26th Jul 2025Search on Calendar
What's included in Arashiyama Half-Day Tour: Sagano Romantic Train, Hozugawa River Cruise & Horse Carriage Ride | Kyoto, Japan
(Subject to Option Inclusions)
— Tour Information —
Arashiyama Half-Day Tour: Sagano Romantic Train, Hozu River Cruise & Kyobasha Carriage
- Meeting Point: Inside the Sagano Romantic Train Torokko Saga Station
- Meeting Time: 9:50 am
- Departure Time: 9:55 am
[Itinerary]
- 9:50 am – Meet inside the Sagano Romantic Train Torokko Saga Station
- 9:55 am – Board the Sagano Romantic Train (Departs from Saga Station at 10:02 am – Arrives at Kameoka Station at 10:25 am)
- 10:25 am – Arrive at Torokko Kameoka Station and walk to the Kyobasha horse carriage boarding area
- 10:35 am – Ride the Kyobasha horse carriage to the Hozu River Boat Ride boarding area (Approx. 25 minutes)
- 11:00 am – Board the Hozu River Boat (Scheduled time: 11:00 am - 11:30 am, duration: approx. 90-110 minutes)
- 12:30 - 1:30 pm – End tour at Togetsukyo Bridge
Note:
- The Hozu River Boat ride duration depends on the river's water level (about 90 minutes on average, 60 minutes when the water level is high, and about 110 minutes when the water level is low)
- The Sagano Romantic Train boarding time on September 4 will be 11:02 am, and the subsequent schedule will be pushed back 1 hour. The meeting time will be 10:50 am
[Limited Time Autumn Foliage at Night] Arashiyama Half-Day Tour: Hozu River Cruise & Sagano Romantic Train]
- 2:10 pm – Meet at JR Kameoka Station
- 2:30 pm – Board the Hozu River Boat (Duration: approx. 90-110 minutes)
- 5:10 pm – Board the Sagano Romantic Train Autumn Foliage Night Train (Sagano 81: Saga Station at 5:10 pm – Arrives at Kameoka Station at 5:38 pm)
- 5:38 pm – Walk to JR Umahori Station and end the tour there
Note:
- The Hozu River Boat ride duration depends on the river's water level (about 90 minutes on average, 60 minutes when the water level is high, and about 110 minutes when the water level is low)
- This package only include the designated Sagano Romantic Train one-way tickets and Hozu River Cruise, not the horse carriage experience.
— Attraction Highlights —
- Sagano Romantic Train (Approx. 25 minutes)
This nostalgic sightseeing train takes passengers on a scenic 25-minute journey through the breathtaking Hozugawa Gorge. The route, once part of the Sanin Line, has been transformed into a heritage railway, offering stunning views of Arashiyama’s natural beauty in every season. The vintage-style carriages and retro seating enhance the old-fashioned charm, making it feel like stepping back in time. Before leaving, don’t miss a photo opportunity with the retired diesel locomotive at the station.
**Cherry Blossom Viewing Period: Late March to early April
**Autumn Foliage Viewing Period: Mid-November to early December
- Kyobasha: Sightseeing Horse Carriage (Approx. 25 minutes)
The horse carriage departs from the Sagano Romantic Railway's Kameoka Station and travels through countryside fields and riverbanks to the boarding point for the Hozugawa River Boat Ride. Relax onboard the carriage and take in Japan’s unique rural landscapes. Smell the the fresh scents of flowers and grasses carried through a gentle breeze, close your eyes and listen to the rhythmic “clip-clop” of the horses’ hooves, rustling leaves, and the sound of flowing water, nature’s symphony that soothes the soul from the fatigue of daily life.
- Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Approx. 90–110 minutes, depending on water flow)
Originating from the Tamba Highlands in central Kyoto, the Hozugawa River flows through the mountains to Kameoka, then winds through nine bends and thirteen gorges before merging with the Katsura River in Arashiyama, eventually joining the Kamo River and heading toward Osaka Bay. In the past, wooden rafts and cargo boats floated downstream for transport, but as time went on, they’ve been replaced by sightseeing boats that travelers have come to known and loved. The canyon scenery is stunning in every season. Bizarre rock formations, lush mountains, and splashing rapids create a picturesque and poetic landscape that leaves a lasting impression.
※ Expected cherry blossom season: Late March to early April
※ Expected autumn foliage season: Mid-November to early December
- Togetsukyo Bridge Scenic Area
The current Togetsukyo Bridge, which connects the Nakanoshima Area and the Katsura River, was built in 1934. According to legend, Emperor Kameyama once observed the moon appearing to "cross" the bridge as it floated above it, thus giving the bridge its name ("Moon Crossing Bridge"). The surrounding area is famous for cherry blossom and autumn leaf viewing, attracting visitors from across Japan to enjoy the natural beauty. Along Togetsukyo Street, you'll find a wide variety of shops, specialty stores with local Arashiyama products, and traditional Kyoto tofu restaurants—perfect for a stroll and shopping.
※ Expected cherry blossom season: Late March to early April
※ Expected autumn foliage season: Mid-November to early December
Inclusions
- Travel industry liability insurance
- Fee For The Tour Guide
- A One-Way Ticket For Sagano Romantic Train
- Kyobasha (horse-drawn carriage ride) fee * Only for "Arashiyama Half-Day Tour: Sagano Romantic Train, Hozu River Cruise & Kyobasha Carriage"
- Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari) fee
- Other expenses not mentioned above
- Personal expenses
- Lunch
- For the Hozugawa River Boat Ride, a boat fare is required for infants under the age of 3 who are taller than 80 cm
- 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 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
- Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
- Admission tickets will not be included for travelers under the age of 3 and are required to be purchased on-site
- Some packages offer guaranteed departure for solo travelers; however, under normal circumstances, the minimum number of participants is 6. If the number of participants does not meet the required minimum, the tour will be canceled, and a cancellation notice will be sent via e-mail 7 days prior to departure.
- Children under the age of 3 who do not occupy a seat can participate in the tour free of charge. However, for the Hozugawa River Boat Ride, children under the age of 3 must purchase a child ticket on-site. Please indicate the number of infants and toddlers, along with their date of birth in the Requests & Remarks column when you book your reservation
- Based on travel safety and itinerary, the company reserves the right and obligation to adjust the itinerary, modify activities or cancel the tour. If the tour is canceled, the full tour fee will be refunded
- If the tour is unable to take place due to weather conditions or insufficient number of people, the tour fee will be fully refunded. Travel expenses, transportation, accommodation facilities, etc. that the passengers should have incurred will not be compensated
- Please note that those who do not arrive on the day, drop out of the group, or voluntarily abandon the tour due to personal reasons are not allowed to request refunds or compensation
- To ensure the safety of all travelers and respect the rights of other group members, please inform us of any chronic diseases, mobility difficulties, etc., when registering
- The Arashiyama train is for group reservations, and carriages and seats cannot be designated. Since train tickets are only open for reservations one month in advance of the boarding date, the number of tickets is limited. If you are unable to catch the train on the day, take the JR train instead and ride the Kyoto horse carriage. The train fare will be refunded
- Please note that riding may not be possible if the Kyoto Horse Carriage is closed on a holiday, due to bad weather, or if the horse is unwell. If you cannot ride, the Kyoto Horse Carriage fee will be refunded, and you'll need to take a shuttle bus to the Hozugawa River ferry terminal instead
- If the weather is bad, boarding the Hozugawa River Cruise may not be possible. In such a case, the group ticket fee will be refunded, and you'll need to take the JR train back to JR Saga Arashiyama Station
- The flower/maple condition is subject to the weather conditions and will not affect tours that are already confirmed
- During the tour, bus and restaurant seating may be shared with fellow travelers from the same group. Seating arrangements will depend on the tour guide and the facility's setup on the day of the tour
- Minors or children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers over the age of 80 must be accompanied by family members or friends
- Due to safety considerations, the Hozugawa River Boat Ride will only allow children and adults who are 80 cm or taller to board the boat. Please keep this in mind before booking your order. Refunds will not be granted if a child cannot board the boat due to their height
- Children under the age of 3 who are taller than 80 cm must purchase a child ticket on-site to board the Hozugawa River Boat Ride
- Hozugawa River Cruise is an open air boat without heaters onboard. Please make sure to dress according ly to stay warm in winter
- The Sagano Romantic Train boarding time on September 4 & 10 will be 11:02 am, and the subsequent schedule will be pushed back 1 hour. The meeting time will be 10:50 am
- On Aug 11, the Hozugawa River cruise will be closed for the day due to traffic control in the Hozugawa River area for a fireworks festival. Please take this into consideration when booking.
- Due to the narrow aisles on the Sagano Romantic Train, guests using wheelchairs are advised to indicate this in the remarks section when booking.
Meet
Venues
- Sagano Romantic Train Saga Station 〒 616 8373 Kyoto Ukyo Ward Sagatenryuji Kurumamichicho This Is The Meeting Point For The Daytime Train Package[Precautions]
- The Sagano Romantic Train meeting time on September 4 & 10 is 10:50 am
- Please note that the meeting point is Saga Torokko Station of Sagano Romantic Train, not JR Sagano Line's Saga-Arashiyama Station (the two stations are adjacent). Please find the Over The Planet guide at Saga Torokko Station for check-in. The train will depart on time, and no refund will be given to latecomers. If travelers cancel on the day of departure or arrive late, it will be considered an automatic forfeiture of the tour, and no refund will be provided
- Please double check the meeting time and location in advance and keep your phone on to avoid delays travelers' unavailability
[How to get there]
From Kyoto:
- Take any local or rapid trains (toward Amaoka, Sonobe, Goma, Fukuchiyama) on the JR Sagano Line and get off at Saga-Arashiyama Station. After exiting the gate, go to the south exit and arrive at the Saga Torokko Station
- Take the Keifuku Electric Railway, get off at Randen Saga Station (not the terminal station, Arashiyama Station), and walk north (toward Kyoto Bank) for about 5 minutes to reach the Saga Torokko Station
From Osaka:
- Take the JR Kyoto Line's special rapid trains (toward Kyoto, Kusatsu, Maibara, Omi Maiko, Omi-Imazu, and Tsuruga) at Osaka Station or Shin-Osaka Station to reach JR Kyoto Station; then transfer to the JR Sagano Line and follow the above method
- Take the Hankyu Kyoto Line's limited express train (toward Kawaramachi) at Hankyu Umeda Station, transfer to the Hankyu-Arashiyama Line at Katsura Station, get off at the terminal Arashiyama Station, and walk along the street for about 20 minutes to reach the Saga Torokko StationBetween09:50 - 09:55View on Map - JR Kameoka StationFrom Kyoto: Take any local or rapid trains on JR Sagano Line (toward Kameoka) to reach JR Kameoka Station
From Osaka:
Take Special Rapid Service on JR Kyoto Line from Osaka or Shin-Osaka Station (toward Kyoto, Kusatsu, Maibara, Omi-Maiko, Omi-Imazu or Tsuruga) to reach JR Kyoto Station; then take JR Sagano Line as instructed aboveBetween14:10 - 14:20View on Map
Meeting / End Points
- Saga torokko Station
Policies
Purchase Summary
— Important Notice —
Group or individual package tours are subject to the standardized domestic travel contract issued by the Tourism Bureau, M.O.T.C. By completing your reservation, you agree to and accept the terms of the standardized overseas travel contract.
Redemption Period
The voucher must be redeemed on the selected date and within operating hours; Invalid after expiration
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Redeem your voucher at the meeting point
