Did you know that in Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most famous sightseeing areas, there are four stations with “Arashiyama” in their names? Hankyu, Randen, JR, and Sagano Romantic Train—each station has its own differences, as well as its own pros and cons. Compare them carefully and find the station that suits your destination and travel style best.

There are four stations in Arashiyama:

1.  Hankyu Arashiyama Station

2. Randen Arashiyama Station

3. JR Saga-Arashiyama Station

4. Torokko Arashiyama Station

Each station is located slightly apart from the others, and your sightseeing route will differ depending on which one you use. First, let’s compare their access from Osaka and their main features.

Access Comparison from Osaka (Umeda) to Arashiyama

*As of January 2026.

*The required time and fares are approximate when departing from Osaka (Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station or JR Osaka Station).

*Since Torokko Arashiyama Station is a station for a sightseeing train, travel time and number of transfers from Osaka are omitted.

When visiting one of Arashiyama’s most famous attractions, the Bamboo Grove Path, Hankyu Arashiyama Station is actually the best option. After crossing Togetsukyo Bridge, you can walk along the Katsura River, pass through Arashiyama Park, and reach Okochi Sanso Villa. This route allows you to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter side of Arashiyama.

Hankyu Arashiyama Station is the most convenient option when accessing Arashiyama from Osaka (Umeda) or Kyoto (Shijo Kawaramachi). The one-way fare from Osaka-Umeda Station is an affordable 410 yen. Since the station is located on the opposite side of the Katsura River from the busy main street, the area around the station is relatively quiet.

○ Lockers: Available (both inside and outside the ticket gates)

○ Nearby sightseeing spots:

・Togetsukyo Bridge: about a 5-minute walk

・Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama: about a 5-minute walk

・Horinji Temple: about a 5-minute walk

・Fu Fu no Yu (day-use hot spring): about a 3-minute walk

○ Other: The platform is lit with lantern-style lights, creating a charming atmosphere after dark.

If you want to enjoy a relaxed, sightseeing-style journey on a streetcar, Randen (Keifuku Railway) Arashiyama Station is a great choice. The tram arrives right in the middle of the main street, so you can start enjoying food and shopping as soon as you get off. The station itself is also a popular attraction, with highlights such as Kimono Forest, featuring rows of poles decorated with Kyoto Yuzen patterns, and a foot bath inside the station.

○ Lockers: Available (located within the station ※ there are no ticket gates)

○ Nearby sightseeing spots:

・Togetsukyo Bridge: about a 3-minute walk

・Tenryu-ji Temple: about a 5-minute walk

・Bamboo Grove Path: about a 10-minute walk

○ Other: The station building “Hannari Hokkori Square” offers a wide selection of souvenir shops and cafés.

When arriving at Kyoto Station by Shinkansen and heading straight to Arashiyama, JR Saga-Arashiyama Station is the most convenient option. From Kyoto Station, it takes about 17 minutes on the JR Sanin Main Line (Sagano Line) with no transfers. Located on the north side of the main street, the station provides easy access not only toward Togetsukyo Bridge but also toward the Bamboo Grove area. The popular sightseeing train’s starting station, Torokko Saga Station, is located right next door.

○ Lockers: Available (located outside the ticket gates)

○ Nearby sightseeing spots:

・Nonomiya Shrine: about a 10-minute walk

・Bamboo Grove Path: about a 13-minute walk

・Tenryu-ji Temple: about a 13-minute walk

・Togetsukyo Bridge: about a 13-minute walk

○ Other: The adjacent “Torokko Saga Station” also has a diorama museum and a café.

Many passengers board Sagano Romantic Train at Torokko Saga Station, which is adjacent to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, while Torokko Arashiyama Station is convenient for getting on or off during sightseeing in Arashiyama. As soon as you get off, you’ll find yourself right next to the Bamboo Grove Path and Okochi Sanso Garden, making it an excellent location. Surrounded by rich nature, you can fully enjoy the classic “Arashiyama” atmosphere. Since this train is very popular, be sure to make a reservation in advance.

○ Lockers: Not available

○ Nearby sightseeing spots:

・Bamboo Grove Path: about a 2-minute walk

・Okochi Sanso Garden: about a 2-minute walk

・Jojakko-ji Temple: about a 7-minute walk

○ Other: A recommended route is to take the train from Torokko Arashiyama Station toward Kameoka, then return to Arashiyama by Hozugawa River Boat Ride from Kameoka.

Now that you understand the differences between the four stations, let’s move on to planning a concrete sightseeing route. Highly recommended for first-time visitors to Arashiyama! Here is a model course that lets you explore Arashiyama’s main highlights in half a day (about 4–5 hours).

▶ Kyoto Arashiyama Sightseeing Half-day Model Course! Capture the bamboo forest, temples, nature, and major spots!

Arashiyama is also full of delicious food and sweets!

▶ 8 Best Gourmet Restaurants in Arashiyama, Kyoto!

▶ 8 Must-Eat Sweets and Cafe in Arashiyama, Kyoto

How was it? The four “Arashiyama stations” each differ in both location and characteristics. Choosing the right station according to your travel style is the key to fully enjoying Arashiyama! Pick the station that suits you best and have a wonderful trip.