Sagano Scenic Railway Kyoto
A charming retro train journey through Kyoto's scenic Hozugawa River gorge, especially stunning during spring and autumn.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cherry blossoms bloom
Sagano Scenic Railway Kyoto
Best Time
Cherry blossoms bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming retro train journey through Kyoto's scenic Hozugawa River gorge, especially stunning during spring and autumn.
"The Sagano Romantic Train offers a picturesque ride through a beautiful gorge, best enjoyed with the Hozugawa River Boat Ride."
🎯 Sit on the Even-Numbered Side
For the best river views when heading towards Kameoka, aim for even-numbered seats (like Seat D).
🚢 Combine with Boat Ride
Pair your train journey with the Hozugawa River Boat Ride for a more complete scenic adventure.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hozugawa River Gorge Views
Along the 7.3 km route
Ride through a picturesque gorge with stunning seasonal scenery, especially vibrant in spring and autumn.
The 'Rich Car' Experience
Car 5
Opt for the premium Car 5 for a more comfortable and potentially better viewing experience, though it books up fast.
Tunnel Light Show
During specific sections
Experience a unique moment when the train's lights turn off to reveal the illuminated autumn foliage outside.
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Consider the Full Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Sit on the Even-Numbered Side
For the best river views when heading towards Kameoka, aim for even-numbered seats (like Seat D).
🚢 Combine with Boat Ride
Pair your train journey with the Hozugawa River Boat Ride for a more complete scenic adventure. +1
🎟️ Book Car 5 Early
The 'Rich Car' (Car 5) offers a premium experience but sells out fast. Book well in advance!
🚶♀️ Explore Hozukyo Station
Get off at Hozukyo Station to walk around the hills and see the train depart from Hozukyo Torokko Station.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Sit on the Even-Numbered Side
For the best river views when heading towards Kameoka, aim for even-numbered seats (like Seat D).
🚢 Combine with Boat Ride
Pair your train journey with the Hozugawa River Boat Ride for a more complete scenic adventure. +1
🎟️ Book Car 5 Early
The 'Rich Car' (Car 5) offers a premium experience but sells out fast. Book well in advance!
🚶♀️ Explore Hozukyo Station
Get off at Hozukyo Station to walk around the hills and see the train depart from Hozukyo Torokko Station.
📸 Capture the Momiji Lights
Don't miss the special moment when the train lights dim to showcase the illuminated autumn leaves.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Sagano Scenic Railway is praised for its beautiful seasonal scenery, particularly during spring and autumn, and the charming retro train experience. However, some visitors find it a bit overhyped and crowded, suggesting it's best enjoyed when combined with other activities like the Hozugawa River Boat Ride. +2
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main departure station is Saga Torokko Station in Arashiyama. You can reach it via the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station, which is a short walk away.
Yes, you can also board the train at Kameoka Torokko Station. This is often done in conjunction with the Hozugawa River Boat Ride, which ends near Kameoka.
Yes, Arashiyama is easily accessible from central Kyoto by train, typically via the JR Sagano Line or other local lines. The journey takes around 15-20 minutes.
The JR Sagano Line connects Saga-Arashiyama Station to Kyoto Station, making it convenient to combine with other city sights.
While trains are the most common way to access the station, local buses do serve the Arashiyama area, though they might be slower due to traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are approximately 880 yen one-way. The 'Rich Car' (Car 5) may have a slightly higher fare.
Tickets can be purchased at Saga Torokko Station, Kameoka Torokko Station, or online in advance. Booking ahead is highly recommended, especially for peak seasons. +1
It typically operates from March 1st to December 29th, with trains running hourly from around 9 AM to 4 PM. Check the official schedule for exact times.
While possible, it's risky as tickets, especially for popular cars, sell out quickly. It's best to book in advance to guarantee your spot. +1
Children typically have a reduced fare. Information on group discounts should be checked on the official website or at the ticket counter.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The ride itself is about 25 minutes long, covering a 7.3 km route along the Hozugawa River.
When traveling from Saga Torokko Station to Kameoka Torokko Station, the even-numbered side (e.g., Seat D) generally offers better views of the river. The scenery can switch sides, so open-air cars offer good views from both. +1
It can get very crowded, especially during spring cherry blossom season and autumn foliage. Traveling on weekdays or during off-peak hours can help mitigate crowds. +1
The 'Rich Car' is Car 5, offering a more comfortable and luxurious experience with plush seating and larger windows. It's highly sought after and books up quickly.
Yes, during autumn, special evening trains with illuminations are sometimes offered, providing a unique viewing experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Spring for cherry blossoms and autumn for vibrant foliage are ideal. The special evening illuminations in autumn also offer unique photo opportunities.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wider gorge views and details. Consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the water.
Yes, getting off at Hozukyo Station allows you to walk around and photograph the train as it passes through the gorge.
In the open-air cars, you can easily see and photograph from both sides. In regular carriages, the view is more focused on one side per seat, but the river does switch sides. +1
Crowds can make it challenging. Try to secure seats away from the edges of the carriage or consider the open-air cars for better maneuverability.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pairing the train ride with other family-friendly activities in Arashiyama, such as the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest or the Iwatayama Monkey Park, can create a full day of exploration.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The special evening trains during autumn, with their illuminated scenery, are particularly sought after for their photographic potential. To maximize your photographic opportunities, aim for seats on the even-numbered side when traveling from Arashiyama to Kameoka for consistent river views.
💑 Couples and Romantic Getaways
Booking the 'Rich Car' (Car 5) can offer a more intimate and comfortable setting for couples seeking a special experience. To truly enhance the romantic aspect, consider combining the train ride with the Hozugawa River Boat Ride for a more leisurely and picturesque adventure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sagano Scenic Railway Experience
It's renowned for its stunning seasonal scenery, with vibrant cherry blossoms in spring and fiery autumn foliage drawing large crowds. Some travelers note that the 'romantic' aspect might be more about the seating configuration and larger windows than an inherently romantic atmosphere, especially with the presence of many tourists. While the train itself is a charming, retro-style experience, its value is often debated. Many visitors find the ride enjoyable, particularly if they appreciate the natural beauty and the unique experience of traveling through the gorge.
Key considerations for planning your trip include booking tickets in advance, especially for the highly sought-after Car 5 (the 'Rich Car') or open-air carriages, as they tend to sell out quickly.
For the best views, sitting on the even-numbered side when traveling from Arashiyama to Kameoka is generally advised, as this side offers more consistent views of the river. Maximizing Your Views: Seat Selection and Scenery
However, some travelers suggest that the river does switch sides during the ride, and the open-air cars offer excellent visibility from both sides, allowing you to appreciate the scenery regardless of your seat.
It's also worth noting that the scenery's impact is highly seasonal. While the gorge is beautiful year-round, the vibrant colors of cherry blossoms in spring and the fiery hues of autumn leaves make these periods particularly spectacular for photography and the overall visual experience.
Some visitors have found the ride less impressive outside of these peak seasons, emphasizing that the 'scene' is a crucial element of its appeal. 
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit