The short answer
From Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama. The rapid train takes about 11 minutes and the fare is about JPY 240 one way. From Osaka, ride the Hankyu Kyoto Main Line to Katsura and change to the Arashiyama Line. The Randen tram runs to its terminus at Arashiyama, the closest station to the bamboo path.
Go early. The bamboo is best before 9 a.m., so the first trains matter more than the route you choose. If you would rather not plan transport at all, a guided Arashiyama walk from Kyoto Station is on the Arashiyama tours page. The meeting point is Kyoto Avanti at 8:30 a.m.
The three stations compared
Walking times to the bamboo path are 10, 13 and 21 minutes. Do not treat the stations as equal.
| Station | Line | To the bamboo path | To Tenryū-ji | To Ōkōchi Sansō |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randen Arashiyama | Randen tram | About 10 minutes | – | – |
| JR Saga-Arashiyama | JR Sagano Line | About 13 minutes | 13 minutes | About 15 minutes |
| Hankyu Arashiyama | Hankyu Arashiyama Line | About 21 minutes | 15 minutes | About 25 minutes |
For most visitors from central Kyoto, the Randen tram is the best choice if the route suits your hotel, because its station is the closest to the path. From Kyoto Station, the JR line is the direct option. From Osaka, Hankyu is the natural route.
Our pick: a day with hotel pickup
If you would rather skip the trains, this day trip collects you in Osaka or Kyoto.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Arashiyama tours with transport included
Guided walks and day trips from Kyoto Station, with live prices and availability.
Each route in detail
What to expect on the way.
JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station
Local and rapid trains both stop at Saga-Arashiyama. The rapid takes about 11 minutes, and slower trains take up to 20 minutes, so the time depends on the train. The Sagano platform at Kyoto Station is far from the main concourse, and the front cars are usually fuller. Allow extra minutes for the walk to the platform. These are not part of the ride time.
Randen tram
The Arashiyama main line ends at Arashiyama station. The fare is a flat JPY 250 for adults and JPY 120 for children (2025 operator fares). You pay when you get off, in cash or with a supported transport IC card. At Arashiyama there is a gate. The line to Kitano branches off at Katabiranotsuji.
Things to do →Hankyu from Osaka
Take the Kyoto Main Line to Katsura. Change there to the Arashiyama Line, which ends at Arashiyama. The hop from Katsura to Arashiyama takes about 7 minutes. Check the timetable and fare for your departure station in Osaka before you go.
City and Kyoto buses
City buses 11, 28 and 93 and Kyoto Bus 61, 72 and 83 serve the area. Buses from Kyoto Station are slow and full. Stop names can differ, so check the stop for your bus before you board, and expect temporary detours. City buses 11 and 28 are rerouted on weekdays from 2 to 27 November 2026 during the daytime, and several stops are skipped. In the autumn peak the train is the safer choice.
Driving and parking
Parking is limited and belongs to single sights.
| Place | Parking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tenryū-ji | JPY 1,000 per car | 100 spaces, no reservation, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Jōjakkō-ji | 5 spaces | No access for large buses |
| Giō-ji | 3 spaces | No visitor toilet |
| Iwatayama Monkey Park | – | No parking |
| Seiryō-ji | JPY 800 per car per day | Bus JPY 2,000 for 2 hours |
These are lots at single sights, not an area-wide tariff. For most visitors, the train is the better way in. A car helps only if you plan several temples in one day and arrive early enough to find a space.
Getting to the train and the boat
The Sagano Romantic Train and the river boat start in Kameoka.
Torokko Kameoka is about a 5-minute walk from JR Umahori. It is not the same as JR Kameoka station, so check the station name before you buy a ticket. A transfer bus from there to the Hozu boat dock takes about 15 minutes and costs about JPY 500.
The operator suggests booking the boat about an hour after the train leaves. With the 9:02 a.m. train from Saga, arriving at 9:25 a.m. in Kameoka, a 10 a.m. boat is the planning example. It is an example, not a guaranteed connection. Details are on the Sagano Romantic Train and Hozugawa river boat pages.
Plan the rest of your visit
Pages that pair with the journey.
Getting to Arashiyama: frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama?
About 11 minutes by rapid train on the JR Sagano Line, longer on slower trains. Add the walk to the platform at Kyoto Station and the walk from Saga-Arashiyama to the sights.
Which station is closest to the bamboo forest?
Randen Arashiyama, about 10 minutes on foot. JR Saga-Arashiyama is about 13 minutes and Hankyu Arashiyama about 21 minutes.
How do I get to Arashiyama from Osaka?
Take the Hankyu Kyoto Main Line to Katsura and change to the Arashiyama Line to Arashiyama. The ride from Katsura takes about 7 minutes.
Can I pay for the Randen with an IC card?
Yes, with a supported transport IC card or in cash. You pay when you get off, at the gate in Arashiyama.
Is it better to take the bus or the train?
The train. Buses from Kyoto Station are slow and full, and detours apply in autumn.