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Kyoto Hidden Gems to Arashiyama Private Tour Crafts and Stadium

Kyoto, Japanby MY Travel Consulting

  • 8 hours
  • Free cancellation
  • Private tour
  • Mobile or paper ticket accepted
  • Guide: English

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Overview

Step beyond central Kyoto and discover Kameoka, a lesser-known gateway where traditional craft culture and Kyoto’s modern future meet. Starting from Kyoto Station or your Kyoto-city hotel, you’ll travel by public transport to Kameoka, then enjoy a 3-hour craft-focused experience (one curated program per day—requests welcome, final selection depends on availability). Afterward, a visit to Sanga Stadium by KYOCERA, just a short walk from JR Kameoka Station. The day continues with one of several optional scenic experiences—such as the Hozugawa River Boat Ride or the Sagano Romantic Train—before finishing in Arashiyama, where you can continue exploring at your own pace. Sanga Stadium is about a 3-minute walk from JR Kameoka Station and Kameoka is about 20 minutes by train from Kyoto Station. When traveling from Kameoka to Arashiyama, you can choose between two routes: Option A, the Hozugawa River Boat Ride, or Option B, the Sagano Romantic Train.

What's included

  • Private Vehicle
  • Public Transportation fee
  • Admission Fee
  • Hotel Pickup
  • National Licensed English Speaking Guide. Please let us know if you prefer any other languages.
  • Personal Expenses
  • Souvenirs
  • Lunch

Itinerary

  1. 1

    JR Kameoka Station Tourist Information Center

    Pass by

    You will travel to JR Kameoka Station using public transportation with your guide. Public transportation costs are included in the tour price.

  2. 2

    Kameoka

    3 hours

    Craft Experience in Kameoka — 1 of 3 hands-on programs (availability-based) You will join one craft experience from the following three themes: Indigo Dyeing, Bamboo Craft, or Whetstone & Sharpening Culture. Because each workshop operates on different days with limited slots, the exact program is confirmed by availability. You can’t guarantee a specific option, but you can tell us your top preference at booking, and we will prioritize it whenever possible. ◆ Hozu Indigo Workshop (Indigo Dyeing) Make your own indigo-dyed item and learn basic dyeing methods and simple pattern techniques. Materials are provided. ◆ Nagaoka Meichiku (Bamboo Craft) Create a small bamboo item such as bamboo chopsticks (project varies by day). Learn the basics of shaping and finishing bamboo. ◆ Natural Whetstone & Hone Museum (Sharpening Culture) Explore Kyoto’s sharpening tradition with natural whetstones. Depending on the day, you may watch demonstrations and/or try a simple sharpening experience.

  3. 3

    Sanga Stadium by KYOCERA

    30 min

    After your craft experience, we’ll stop at Sanga Stadium by KYOCERA, a modern landmark that represents Kameoka’s “new future.” The stadium is located next to JR Kameoka Station, making it an easy and efficient stop. During this short visit, you can enjoy free time for lunch, snacks, or shopping depending on what is open that day. We will also guide you around the stadium exterior and surrounding area, sharing local context about how the stadium connects sports and the community. Stadium tours/inside access are not included, as they run infrequently. However, if you request it at booking, we can try to align the schedule only if a tour or open access happens to be available.

  4. 4

    Stop 4

    Pass by

    we will include one optional experience from the choices below. Because these options depend on season, weather, and operating conditions, the exact selection is confirmed on the day. You can share your preference at booking, and we’ll prioritize it whenever possible. Enjoy a scenic river journey through the Hozu Gorge. This is a classic way to reach Arashiyama while experiencing Kyoto’s natural side. The ride typically takes around 2 hours, but timing can change depending on river conditions. In severe weather or high water, it may be suspended.

  5. 5

    Sagano Romantic Train

    Pass by

    We will include one optional experience from the choices below. Because these options depend on season, weather, and operating conditions, the exact selection is confirmed on the day. You can share your preference at booking, and we’ll prioritize it whenever possible. Ride the famous sightseeing train through seasonal gorge scenery. The trolley is best known for spring greenery, summer views, autumn leaves, and winter atmosphere. Tickets may sell out, and operation can be affected by weather or seasonal schedules.

Meeting and pickup

The guide will be waiting for you with your name sign. Please inform about your pick up details in advance.

The guide will be waiting for you at your hotel lobby with your name sign. Please inform about your pick up details in advance.

End point

If you select two traditional craft experiences, the tour may conclude at Kameoka Station. Depending on conditions such as weather, the endpoint may be subject to change.

Depending on conditions such as weather, the endpoint may be subject to change.

There is a possibility when you choose Option A or Option B. Depending on conditions such as weather, the endpoint may be subject to change.

Good to know

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • The itinerary might be changed due to weather condition or other reasons.
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  • Some craft experiences may stain your clothing. Please wear clothing that can get dirty on the day of the tour.

Cancellation policy

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

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