Kyoto Day Trip: Sanzen-in Temple & Arashiyama from Kyoto or Osaka

Duration9h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesChinese, Japanese, English

Group sizeUp to 45 travelers

Overview

Discover the serene beauty of Kyoto on this day trip, featuring the tranquil Sanzen-in Temple and the picturesque Arashiyama district. Explore the lush gardens and ancient trees of Sanzen-in, where seasonal blooms create a stunning backdrop for reflection. Then, roam the iconic Bamboo Grove and visit the famous Tenryu-ji Temple in Arashiyama, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy free time to savor local cuisine, shop for unique souvenirs, or relax in the peaceful surroundings.

Visit Sanzen-in Temple, known for its stunning pond gardens and cultural significance. Explore Arashiyama’s Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple at your own pace.

Options

Kyoto station departure 9:50AM

Starting point:
Kyoto Sta.-Hachijoguchi, Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003, Japan

Osaka station departure 8:40AM

Starting point:
1-chōme-3-6 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan

What's included

Expressway tolls,Vehicle fuel cost，parking fees
Round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus
Multilingual tour guide
Professional driver

Meals and personal expenses
Admission fee to attractions

What to expect

Sanzen-in Temple
2h · Admission ticket not included

08:40 1st meeting point: Nipponbashi Exit 2 (Namba/Shinsaibashi Area)
09:50 2th meeting point: Kyoto Station Hachijō Exit – Sightseeing Bus Parking Area

※ Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure. The tour will depart on time and will not wait for latecomers.

10:30 Kyoto – Sanzen-in Temple

Sanzen-in Temple, located in Ohara in northern Kyoto, is one of the three monzeki temples of the Tendai sect. The spacious grounds are filled with ancient trees, lush moss, and flowing streams. Seasonal scenery includes cherry blossoms in April, azaleas in May, hydrangeas in July, and vibrant autumn foliage.
The temple's two pond-style gardens—Shūheki-en and Yūsei-en, designed by Kanamori Sōwa—are the best places to admire Sanzen-in’s beauty throughout the year.
The principal image, a wooden statue of Amida Nyorai flanked by two attendants, is designated a National Important Cultural Property.
Arashiyama
2h 30m · Admission ticket not included

13:30 Kyoto – Arashiyama

The Arashiyama area consists of the Arashiyama and Sagano districts. It offers rich cultural landmarks, seasonal natural scenery, and the nostalgic Sagano Scenic Railway. The area is home to many temples and shrines, including the UNESCO World Heritage site Tenryu-ji Temple.
Between Nonomiya Shrine and Okochi Sanso Villa lies the famous Bamboo Grove Path.
Arashiyama is one of Japan’s top cherry blossom and autumn foliage destinations, attracting large crowds in spring and fall, while remaining peaceful in summer and winter—perfect for travelers seeking tranquility.
You can also find traditional eateries, wagashi shops, charming boutiques, kimono rentals, and rickshaw services, making it an ideal place to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere.
Bamboo Forest Street
30m

Sagano Bamboo Forest Path
The Sagano Bamboo Forest, about 500 meters long, can be reached on foot from Nonomiya Shrine toward Okochi Sanso Villa.
Walking through the bamboo grove, you can hear the natural sound of wind rustling through the bamboo leaves—selected as one of the “100 Soundscapes of Japan.”

16:30 Return

Happily conclude the day’s itinerary and begin the return journey. The return time is for reference only and may be earlier depending on traffic and tour progress.

16:50 Kyoto – Kyoto Station Hachijō Exit – Sightseeing Bus Parking Area
17:50 Osaka

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Pick-up time and location:
9:50am Kyoto-Hachijoguchi Bus Loading Area,
Address: Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003 Japan
The tour guide will hold a yellow flag with the Gogoday logo at the meeting point

Meeting point

Pick-up time and location:
8：40am Nipponbashi Station Exit 2 (Namba Shinsaibashi area).
Address：1-chome-3-6 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073.
The tour guide will hold a yellow flag with the Gogoday logo at the meeting point.

End point

Pick-up time and location:
9:50am Kyoto-Hachijoguchi Bus Loading Area,
Address: Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003 Japan
The tour guide will hold a yellow flag with the Gogoday logo at the meeting point

End point

Pick-up time and location:
8：40am Nipponbashi Station Exit 2 (Namba Shinsaibashi area).
Address：1-chome-3-6 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073.
The tour guide will hold a yellow flag with the Gogoday logo at the meeting point.

Additional information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The departure time from the first meeting point is 8：40 AM, and the drop-off time is around 17:40 PM, making the total duration of the trip approximately 9 hours
Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure.There are many tour groups at the location, Late arrivals or no shows will not be refunded.
You will receive an email the evening before the tour with important details, including the guide，driver
This is a shared group tour with guests from various countries. The guide will provide explanations in multiple languages.
Bring some cash, as credit cards may not be accepted at certain Locations.
Please note: Bad weather, traffic conditions, or crowding during Japanese holidays and peak seasons may cause delays in return time. As a result, some attractions may be shortened, rescheduled, or canceled. We recommend not scheduling other activities or transportation after the tour.
With fewer than 13 people, the guide will also drive and give only simple commentary.
There will be more walking than usual during the tour, so please wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.