The mountains from Arashiyama to Kameoka have some of the most spectacular scenery in Kyoto. To adore the scenery that changes each season, the best seats are provided by Sagano Scenic Railway (嵯峨野観光鉄道). The company’s Sagano Romantic Train runs along the Hozu River (保津川), which flows through the scenic Hozu Gorge (保津峡). Especially during the cherry blossom and the autumn foliage seasons, the train ride will be one of the most memorable parts of your trip!
Tip: Since the train conductor only speaks Japanese on the train, scan the train guide’s QR code to access Sagano Scenic Rail’s audio guide. You should find it at Sagano Scenic Railway’s stations. It is available in four languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.
Sagano Romantic Train stops at four stations along the Hozu River.
Torokko Saga Station (トロッコ嵯峨駅) is the easiest to get to from Kyoto Station, as it is next to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station (嵯峨嵐山駅).
Torokko Arashiyama Station (トロッコ嵐山駅) is close to the end of the famous bamboo grove path. We recommend getting to Arashiyama in the early morning and taking the Sagano Romantic Train from Torokko Saga Station. This approach allows you to explore Arashiyama with the least crowds around you.
Torokko Hozukyo Station (トロッコ保津峡駅) is built on the suspension bridge over the Hozu River. You can hop off the Sagano Romantic Train and enjoy nature and the fresh air. However, you will need another Sagano Scenic Railway ticket to get on the next Sagano Romantic Train because seats are reserved.
Torokko Kameoka Station (トロッコ亀岡駅) is close to JR Umahori Station (馬堀駅). You can take the JR train to JR Kameoka Station to take the Hozugawa River Boat back to Arashiyama.
Refer to HERE for the Sagano Romantic Train Map and more information about what is around each station.
You can find the Sagano Romantic Train Timetable HERE.
How to Get to the Stations on Sagano Scenic Railway
From Kyoto Station, the fastest way to get to the Sagano Scenic Railway’s train stations in Arashiyama is by taking JR’s rapid trains. It will only take you 11 minutes to get to JR Saga Arashiyama Station (嵯峨嵐山駅). You can also take the local trains. It will just take you a little bit longer, but less than 20 minutes.
After getting out of JR Saga Arashiyama Station’s ticket gates, head left and take the escalator down to the ground level. Sagano Scenic Railway’s Saga Torokko Station (トロッコ嵯峨駅) will be on your right as shown in the IG post. If you are unsure, the direction signs are hung from the ceiling (refer to the 2nd to 4th photos in the IG post). Or, just follow the crowd.
Tip: If you have extra belongings you don’t want to carry around, there are coin-operated lockers located near the 7-11 on the 2nd floor of JR Saga-Arashiyama Station.
On the other hand, if you are coming from the other side of the prefecture, boarding the train from Kameoka Torokko Station (トロッコ亀岡駅) is a better choice.
To get to Kameoka Torokko Station, you just need to get off at JR Umahori Station (馬堀駅) on the San-in Main Line. From there, it will just be a 5 to 10-minute walk.
Tip: If you plan to visit the area around Togetsukyo Bridge (渡月橋), get off at Torokko Saga Station (トロッコ嵐山駅). The station is at the end of Arashiyama’s bamboo grove.
All Sagano Scenic Train has five carriages. When the weather is good, the best carriage to be in during the scenic ride is carriage no. 5, called the Rich (ザ. リッチ). The only open-air carriage allows you to snap photos of the magnificent scenery in front of you without any unpleasant window glare.
A small extra benefit of boarding the Sagano Romantic Train Rich Car is the slight excitement you might get when the train is inside a tunnel. With the surroundings covered in darkness, it will feel like you are on an expedition (´▽｀*)
But, while you enjoy the refreshing breeze and natural light in carriage no. 5, it may not be a pleasant trip on a rainy day. Moreover, it is extra cold from mid-November to February on this carriage. Thus, consider your circumstances before purchasing or reserving your tickets.
Tip: If you plan to board the Rich from mid-autumn to early spring, warm clothing is recommended. Without the window, the cold wind blows directly on you.
Hozukyō Torokko Station (トロッコ保津峡駅)
As the train approaches Hozukyō Torokko Station, get your camera ready for the cute raccoon dog statues on the platform. These statues are Shigaraki ware (信楽焼), a famous specialty of Kōka City in Shiga Prefecture nearby.
The station is situated on a bridge because it is sandwiched between tunnels.
From Hozukyō Torokko Station to Kameoka Torokko Station, you might have many opportunities to spot the sightseeing boats going down the Hozu River. If the people on the boats notice you too, how about saying hi to them with a big wave (^_-)-☆?
The Cherry Blossom and Autumn Foliage Along Sagano Scenic Railway
The cherry blossoms along the Sagano Scenic Railway usually peak from early to mid-April.
The autumn foliage season along the Sagano Scenic Railway is usually from mid-November to early December.
As the day gets darker, the maple trees close to the rail track will be lit up.
In 2024, the nighttime Sagano Romantic Train operated from October 12 to December 29.
Are Reservations Required for the Sagano Romantic Train?
While reserving your seats to board the train isn’t essential, it is a very popular train line, especially during the cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons. The seats can be booked out quickly, so it is definitely recommended that you reserve your tickets if you visit during the peak seasons.
How to Reserve the Sagano Romantic Train
Reservations are open at 12 am one month before the boarding date via Sagano Romantic Train’s website HERE at 12 am Japan time a month in advance. The tickets for the first train of the day during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons can be gone within minutes.
On the day, simply show the QR code, which can be found in the member’s area of the official website where you registered.
You can pre-purchase your Sagano Romantic Train tickets through klook. Simply open the link on your voucher and present it to the station staff when you board the train.
Important: You can change your reserved seat up to three times by the day before the boarding date. If you need to change the date or the train you want to take, you need to cancel your booking and reserve again. Please note that free cancellation is only available until the day before departure.
If all the advanced tickets are booked out, you can try your luck on the day for a same-day ticket. The same-day ticket is on sale from around:
8:35 am at Torokko Saga Station
8:50 am at Torokko Arashiyama Station
9:10 am at Kameoka Station
Tip: You can also book a tour that includes the Sagano Scenic Railway. Book the tour with Viator or Klook!
Which Side of the Sagano Romantic Train Should I Choose?
This question is probably not so important if you plan to make a round trip on the Sagano Romantic Train. You can simply sit on one side of the train for one journey and the other on the way back.
However, if you are taking a one-way trip, here are the sorts of views that you can expect on each side of the train.
From Arashiyama to Kameoka:
The left-hand side has a better view during the first 1/4 of the journey, with the Hozugawa Valley on your left.
The right-hand side has a better view during the 3/4 of the remaining trip, with Hozugawa Valley on your right.
From Kameoka to Arashiyama: It is the other way around.
The photo on the right is the Sagano Romantic Train seat map (click the photo for a bigger seat map).
Important: Please note that all seats are box seats for 4 people. This means that half of the seats face in the opposite direction of travel.
Tip: If you want a seat with the best view and that faces the direction of travel, choose seat D with an even number if you plan to travel to Kameoka. If you plan to travel to Arashiyama/Sagano, choose seat A with an even number.
Can I Bring Large Suitcases Onto the Sagano Romantic Train
You can bring large suitcases onto the Sagano Scenic Train. But you need to pay to do so. On the day, please head to the ticket office and inform the staff that you have a large suitcase you would like to bring on board. The staff will issue you a separate ticket for the suitcase. You can refer to the IG post for an idea of what the ticket looks like. We paid 260 yen for ours.
Since it is rare for passengers to do so, the staff at the platform may not know how to proceed. All you need to do is get on the train early and put your luggage behind the first or the last row.
The end of one side of the carriage is designated for those without a reserved seat ticket. The area is marked in blue and has the words “立席” written and images of people standing drawn. You can refer to the 2nd photo in the IG post for an idea of what it looks like. Unreserved seat tickets are available for sale on the day at the station.
Please place your large belongings at the other end of the carriage, where the floor isn’t marked. You can refer to the last photo in the IG post.
Important: ☛ If you have large suitcases, get on the train as early as possible so you have enough time to settle in and organise your belongings. ☛ You can also bring a foldable pram. But bicycles are not allowed.
Explore the Sagano/Arashiyama Area With an Experienced Guide
If you prefer to be guided during your visit to the Sagano/Arashiyama Area, consider booking one of the tours below.
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1 thought on “The Best Guide to Sagano Scenic Railway”
Tiffany Naeole
I love the Sagano ride. I remember seeing a resort/hotel of some sort nestled in the mountain while on the ride. Can someone please tell me the name of this resort?
I love the Sagano ride. I remember seeing a resort/hotel of some sort nestled in the mountain while on the ride. Can someone please tell me the name of this resort?