How To Plan a Sagano Train and Sightseeing Day Trip with Lunch in Kyoto

Kyoto is one of the most vibrant cities in Japan, with a deep and rich history, culture and stunning sites. For the tourist looking to experience everything that the city offers, here is how to plan a Sagano train and sightseeing day trip with lunch in the city.

1. Book Your Day Trip in Advance

The first step to planning your day trip to Kyoto is to book a ticket for a day tour. There are many tour companies which offer these kinds of things, so you should shop around for the best prices. Look for packages which include a guided tour and meal, such as the one offered by Getyourguide.com. This package includes a train ride along the scenic Sagano route, admission fees to attractions such as Fushimi Inari Shrine, as well as lunch.

2. Take Advantage of Kyoto’s Rail System

One of the best ways to get around Kyoto is by taking the rail system. This network of trains and subways makes it easy to visit different sites and attractions throughout the city. For a day trip, consider booking an All–Day Pass which allows you to use the trains and subways unlimited times within 24 hours of purchase. This can be purchased from any rail station or from the Icoca & Haruka Rail Card Website. Prices for an All–Day Pass vary depending on the type of train and cost ¥730 for subways and ¥ 1600 for fast trains such as Shinkansen or the Sagano train.

3. Explore Sagano’s Famous Sites

Sagano is one of the most popular places for tourists to visit in Kyoto. This area boasts stunning natural beauty and offers many different sites and attractions ideal for day trips.

The first stop is Arashiyama, famous for its bamboo groves, which give you a sense of being in paradise. There are plenty of walking and cycling trails here, so if you love nature, it’s well worth exploring the area. From Arashiyama, you can also take the Sagano Scenic Railway, which follows the Hozu River and travels through forests, fields, and small towns, giving you incredible views of Mount Atago.

The next stop is Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. This shrine pays homage to Inari, the god of rice and harvest, and consists of thousands of bright orange torii gates that line its pathways. It is also a popular place for tourists to visit at night, as the gates are lit up and look even more beautiful when illuminated.

Finally, take a break for lunch at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. Here you will find various eateries serving traditional Japanese cuisine such as sushi, tempura and ramen.

4. Make Time To Visit Sights Outside of Sagano

Kyoto has plenty of sights to see outside of Sagano so make sure to cram in as many attractions as you can into your day trip. Some top must–see sights include Kiyomizu–dera Temple (Kiyomizu Temple), Shosei–en Garden and Ninna–ji Temple (Ninna–ji Temple). These attractions are easy to access by taking the train or bus from Sagano, so make sure to add them to your itinerary if you have time.

5. Enjoy the Nightlife

Kyoto’s nightlife is something not to be missed while on your day trip! Ideally located near some of the city’s most beautiful sites, Gion district comes alive after dark with its numerous bars, restaurants and traditional tea houses which offer kabuki performances for entertainment. Another great spot for nightlife is Pontocho Alley, known as Kyoto’s oldest entertainment street which runs alongside the Kamogawa River. Here you’ll find plentiful quaint eateries, bars and music venues, making it ideal for a night out on the town.

Conclusion

When planning a day trip in Kyoto, there are plenty of activities to experience which will allow you to make the most of your time in the city. From taking a scenic railway ride through Sagano and admiring stunning ancient temples including Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kiyomizu–dera Temple and Ninna–ji Temple to exploring nightlife spots such as Gion District and Pontocho Alley – there is something for everyone to enjoy! For those looking for an all–in–one sightseeing experience with lunch included, GetYourGuide offers a Sagano Train and Sightseeing Day Trip perfect for first time visitors wanting to take in some of the must–see sights of the city. So if you’re looking to plan a memorable day trip in Kyoto, this package may be just what you need!