Kyoto: Sagano Train, Bamboo Grove & Fushimi Inari Day Trip

Summary

Fushimi Inari gates to bamboo forests and hillside temples in Kyoto

You’ll walk beneath Fushimi Inari’s red gates, hear bamboo leaves whisper in Arashiyama Park’s grove, ride the Sagano train along mountain rivers, and stand above Kyoto from Kiyomizu-dera Temple’s wooden stage. With pickup and an English-speaking guide smoothing out logistics, you get more time for small moments — like catching your breath or sharing a laugh.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel small so early in the day — but standing under those endless red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, with morning light slipping through the gaps, it kind of hit me. Our guide, Emi, pointed out a fox statue tucked behind a lantern (I’d have missed it), and told us about the rice harvest traditions. There were school kids laughing nearby, their uniforms neat even though some had grass stains on their knees. The air smelled faintly of incense and wet stone. I tried to say “arigatou” properly when an old man nodded at me, but I’m pretty sure I got it wrong. He smiled anyway.

After that we headed for Arashiyama Park. The Sagano Bamboo Grove was quieter than I thought it would be — except for the wind rattling high above us, which sounded almost like rain but wasn’t. Emi let us take our time; she said you can feel the temperature drop as you step into the shade, and she was right. We crossed that famous moon bridge (Togetsukyo) over the Katsura River, which shimmered greenish-grey under a cloudy sky. It was one of those spots where everyone stops for photos but also just… stands there for a minute. You know?

The Sagano Romantic Train ride from Kameoka felt like something out of an old movie — open windows, wooden benches, locals waving from their gardens as we passed by. It’s only about 25 minutes but honestly I wish it was longer. The mountains rolled by in layers of green and mist. At one point someone behind me gasped at a cherry tree blooming out of season; Emi laughed and said Kyoto likes to surprise people.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple came last — perched up on its wooden stage (no nails, apparently), looking out over all of Kyoto. There’s this proverb about jumping off the stage meaning taking a risk; standing there made sense of that somehow. I drank from one of the Otowa Waterfall streams (picked “success” at random) and tried not to spill water down my shirt — failed, but nobody seemed to mind. Heading back on the bus with everyone quiet or dozing off, I realized how much ground we’d covered in just one day trip from Kyoto. Still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kyoto highlights: temples and nature

• Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Walk through vermillion torii gates
• See fox statues at shrine
• Stroll Sagano Bamboo Forest
• View Togetsukyo Bridge and Katsura River
• Ride Sagano Romantic Train
• Explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• Drink from Otowa Waterfall streams

Top questions

How long does the Sagano Romantic Train ride take?

The Sagano Romantic Train ride takes about 25 minutes between Arashiyama and Kameoka.

Is lunch included in this Kyoto day trip?

A Japanese-style lunch is included if you select that option during booking.

Are entry fees to temples included?

Yes, entry fees are included as part of your tour package.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

The tour includes pickup at designated meeting points in Kyoto.

Can strollers be used during the tour?

Strollers cannot be used while riding the Sagano Torokko train segment.

What languages does the guide speak?

The local guide speaks English during this tour.

How much walking is involved?

This tour requires walking at several sites including shrines and parks.

Are children allowed on this day trip from Kyoto?

Yes, children are welcome; ages 0-2 are free but must sit on an adult's lap.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at designated meeting points in Kyoto, all entry fees for Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, tickets for the Sagano Romantic Train between Arashiyama and Kameoka, round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus with free Wi-Fi onboard, an English-speaking guide throughout the journey, and a Japanese-style lunch if you choose that option before heading back into town together in the evening.