By rail · KYOTO TRAIN TOURS
The 11 best kyoto train tours you can book today, with the fare, the running time and who each one suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Travel from Osaka to Kyoto with an English-speaking guide such as Masa, Haru, or Hiro. Walk through Arashiyama’s bamboo, ride the Sagano Romantic Train, visit Kiyomizudera and Fushimi Inari, and return to the meeting point in the late afternoon. Lunch is optional.
“Good trip needed more time in the towns as the shops looked really nice”
Travel from Kyoto to Hiroshima by reserved Shinkansen, cross to Miyajima for Itsukushima Shrine and free time, then visit the Peace Memorial Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, and memorials with an English-speaking guide. Lunch is on your own, and you return to Kyoto around 9pm.
“Great day with our very informative guide Masako! She was knowledgeable, attentive, energetic and made sure the tour moved along and all of us were accounted for. She speaks excellent English and very easy to talk to. The museum was vRead more”
This small-group Arashiyama outing combines the Sagano Romantic Train, a 1.5 to 2 hour Hozugawa River boat ride, the Bamboo Grove, and an optional onsen. English and Japanese guides, often Itsuki, lead groups of up to nine and help with tickets, photos, directions, and local tips.
“Itsuki was a spectacular and knowledgeable guide. She was attentive and friendly. She is a great credit to the organisation and highly recommended. We have been to Japan many times and this was different for us. An unusual ride in an unusual train through virgin Japanese landscape. The boat trip was entertaining and informative. We felt safe and well catered for throughout the whole experience.”
Spend a full day at Kyoto Railway Museum exploring 53 real trains, from steam engines to Shinkansen. Step inside historic carriages, try hands-on driving simulators, watch the roundhouse turntable, ride a working steam locomotive, and take in Kyoto from the Sky Terrace. Admission is self-guided and wheelchair accessible.
“nice to see the history of the train in Japan and of course see the bullet train”
Spend 3 to 4 hours in Arashiyama with an English-speaking guide and a group of up to nine. Choose the 30-minute Sagano Romantic Train, then visit Mikami Shrine, the bamboo forest, Tenryu Temple, a local café, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Arashiyama Park. Guides including Eloise, Shingo, Leo, and Arsushi add history, food tips, and photo help.
“We had the most amazing day in Kyoto with our guide, Leo! 🌸 He was incredibly friendly and passionate about sharing the history and culture of his country. Thanks to him, we discovered hidden gems we would have never found on our own. The entire day was perfectly organized, yet felt relaxed and enjoyable. It truly was an unforgettable experience that made our trip to Kyoto so special. We can’t recommend Leo enough – if you’re visiting Kyoto, make sure to book a tour with him!”
Travel from Kyoto Station to the 7.3-kilometer Sagano Romantic Train, then take a 1.5-hour Hozugawa River boat from Kameoka to Arashiyama. An English-speaking guide and bus handle the main transfers. Lunch, entry fees beyond the listed tour inclusions, and a return ride to Kyoto are not included.
“Badly organised with a ‘guide’ who was hardly visible or audible I was told expecting a guide who shared interesting facts about the whole outing but he said nothing and was not a natural-born organiser. The meeting point was a mess. The ‘romantic’ train boarding was less than efficient and worst of all not at all romantic. Seats very uncomfortable and in spite of lovely toute along the river which you can hardly see as one has to remain seated. The best part was the river rapids ride (simple boat and not RAFT!) and the boat crew were entertaining and a breath of fresh air. Fun! Then we had a…”
Meet at Kyoto Station at 7:30 am for an eight-hour group tour combining the 25-minute Sagano Romantic Train, a 90-minute Hozugawa River boat ride, Tenryuji, Arashiyama’s bamboo forest, and a Kyoto-style buffet lunch. Guide quality can vary, and the river ride may be replaced if weather turns bad.
“The tour guide was excellent. But the boat ride was canceled, there were no cherry blossoms so the train ride was cheesy, and then with the boat canceled, kind of pointless. There was too much time waiting for transportation and then Read more”
Travel from Kyoto or Osaka to Hiroshima with a National Licensed English-speaking guide such as Mark, Akihiro, Jun, or Fumiyo. Ride the bullet train, visit Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima, then explore the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum before returning the same day.
“Great day out exploring the sites with our excellent guide Jun. all requests were looked after. Highly recommend the experience.”
Travel from Kyoto to Hiroshima by bullet train, cross to Miyajima by ferry, visit Itsukushima Shrine and its famous torii gate, then reflect at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. A bilingual English and Spanish guide leads the day, with a maximum group size of 30.
“The guide was great (Astrid) both English and Spanish were great! Completely understandable. She speaks Japanese as well. All instructions were clear the shrines were beautiful, the deer were docile. It was a good day”
At Yushinkan Kyoto, you’ll dress in dōgi, obi, and hakama, then train in iai and kenjutsu beside local students. The headmaster has over 20 years of experience, and you’ll watch students and the master cut rolled tatami mats before a two-katana performance. Group size is limited to three.
“I can highly recommend this for anyone who has previous experience with martial arts. I have experience with different styles of martial arts, but limited experience with a katana and I had a great time! Everything was professionally arranged, Read more”
Book advance admission to Kyoto Railway Museum and explore 53 historic rail cars, from steam engines to Shinkansen trains. See conductor training simulators, a detailed railway diorama, and hands-on displays. The museum is a two-minute walk from Umekoji-Kyoton Nishi Station. An SL steam train ticket costs extra onsite.
“I was surprised how long I spent here. The diorama and short train ride elevated this experience. I love trains and Japan does it well.”
Pick a gauge, a class or a country.
