Randen + Kyoto Subway 1 Day Pass

I highly recommend you get this for your trip. it covers 4 lines of trains and easy to redeem. its cheaper than ride solo trips. solo trip cost 250 yen. they will give you a map for guidance.

The Randen staff are incredibly friendly! They kindly told me where I could get a stamp. Arashiyama is also a lot of fun, with many interesting shops and food stalls along the main street. If you walk along the bamboo forest path, you can reach the Tokai Nature Trail, with a cluster of temples, and finally arrive at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple. I only spent half a day there, and I already felt it was worth it. You can take the B line towards Kinkaku-ji Temple, but I mainly used the A line. The trains weren't crowded, and the trams themselves are very appealing.

This is my fourth time visiting Arashiyama, and my first time experiencing it in the rain. The Togetsukyo Bridge, the Bamboo Grove, and Nonomiya Shrine all have a unique charm when it's raining. It was my first visit to Tenryu-ji Temple, and there were photo opportunities everywhere. Kurumazaki Shrine and Kitano Tenmangu Shrine are also distinctive and well worth a visit.

It’s an amazing way to go to Arashiyama. It’s a bit slow but it goes through the residential areas, giving you a glimpse of the local life in Kyoto. My son also liked the old train vibe and keeps referring to the train as “Thomas”.

The Randen Train is so cute! The scenery outside the window is like something out of a Ghibli movie, so charming, and the Japanese landscape is so beautiful. I made some cute and wonderful memories. You definitely have to ride it!!

The randen day pass is very useful if you have multiple journeys planned on randen line (both kitano and arashiyama) because otherwise there is flat fare system of ¥230 for taking any one journey one-side. Day pass is valid for full day on same day only (and not 24 hours basis. So if you buy at 5 pm, it expires 11:59:59 pm same day. Randen trains are also very beautiful and cozy with good views. There is also a sakura tunnel on randen line which runs between Kitano Hakubaicho and Arashiyama. Klook QR works and you can get assistance in getting a physical pass from train operator also if you want based on your klook booking.

The Randen tram was fine. Although the conductor didn't recognize it, they let us through after looking at the instructions on my phone, so the process was very smooth. But I was very unhappy with the JR West Bus. I know they were in a hurry, constantly asking us to pay without even looking at what was on my phone, just wanting us to show a card. I didn't have a card! I was nervous and unsure if I was on the wrong bus. In the end, of course, I paid with my IC card because it was too awkward.

 Entry with the digital ticket was smooth and fast. No need to wait in long lines—we just scanned the QR code and entered. Very efficient and tourist-friendly process.

 Using the QR code for entry was super convenient. We skipped the ticket counter and walked right in. It saved us time and hassle, making the experience even better.

 Having the tickets on our phone made things so easy. We avoided queues and got in without delays. Definitely a great way to save time and enjoy the attraction more.