The Sagano Romantic Train is truly one of Kyoto’s most scenic rides, and it’s a must-do for anyone visiting the city. This charming, old railway ride is loved for its wonderful nostalgic atmosphere and the beautiful panoramic views it offers of the mountains. It’s one of the top Kyoto Prefecture Tourist Attractions you should plan for!

You might also hear this special line called the Sagano Scenic Railway or the Saga Torokko Train. To ensure a smooth trip, securing your Kyoto Hotels early is a smart move. The Sagano railway takes you on a stunning route right through the breathtaking Hozugawa River Valley, running between the famous tourist spot of Arashiyama and the quieter town of Kameoka. 

Getting your ticket for this Sagano scenic train is your pass to a truly memorable experience with nature, and it’s the best way to see the beautiful landscape that surrounds Arashiyama.

This journey is a pure delight for the eyes! The ride covers about 7 kilometres and usually takes 25 minutes.

The Sagano Romantic Train ride is organised around four specific stations, each playing a crucial role in your sightseeing day. Knowing what each station offers helps you decide where to get on and off the Sagano Railway.

The journey often begins here, at Torokko Saga Station. This stop is the main departure point and is very easy to find because it is located right next to the major JR Saga-Arashiyama Station. This excellent connection means travellers can easily arrive from Kyoto Station to the Saga Torokko Station area using the regular JR Sagano Line train.

Before you hop onto the Sagano Scenic Railway, the station itself has some interesting things to explore! Because it is the start, you can fully prepare here for your ride along the Sagano Scenic Railway. Make sure to allow extra time to take photos of the unique Saga Torokko Station sign!

This is usually the most popular stop along the line for sightseers. Torokko Arashiyama Sta is strategically located very close to Arashiyama’s most famous sights. If you plan to visit the iconic bamboo grove, this is where you need to get off the Arashiyama Romantic Train.

From the platform, you are just a short walk away from the towering bamboo stalks and the quiet, atmospheric streets that lead to temples like Tenryu-ji. It is an ideal mid-point stop for those who want to jump straight into the heart of the Arashiyama tourism action. Keep your camera ready, as the area right around Torokko Arashiyama Sta is breathtakingly beautiful

Torokko Hozukyo Station is the most remote and scenic mid-point stop. This station is absolutely surrounded by mountains, dense forests, and the beautiful Hozugawa River.

There are often picturesque bridges nearby, which makes it a fantastic stop for travellers who want a short walk and some truly spectacular photo opportunities of the gorge. The station itself is small, rustic, and peaceful, offering a quiet place to listen to the sounds of the running river and the wind in the trees. It captures the essence of the Sagano scenic line, pure nature.

Torokko Kameoka Station is the final destination of the Sagano railway. This station is situated in a much more rural area outside the main city hustle.

For many visitors, this stop marks the end of the train ride and the start of the next adventure: the Hozugawa River Boat Ride. Visitors can transfer here to take the scenic boat ride back down the Hozugawa River gorge towards Arashiyama. This popular combination offers a complete and memorable round-trip itinerary, letting you see the gorge from both the mountain railway and the river water level. The area around Torokko Kameoka Station often features buses or taxis waiting to take you to the river cruise departure point.

The ride on the Sagano Romantic Train is not just about getting from one place to another; it is a carefully created experience designed to take you back in time and connect you with nature. Everything about the Saga Romantic Train is designed for enjoyment.

The train has a wonderful retro-style look that adds hugely to the charm of the journey. The carriages are painted in rich colours, often featuring black and gold accents, giving them an art-deco elegance. Inside,you will find classic wooden benches and vintage lights, which create a warm, nostalgic atmosphere for the Sagano Scenic Railway. This style feels completely different from the modern bullet trains you might take elsewhere in Japan.

The most exciting part of the train is the open-air section (Car No. 5). This unique carriage has large, open windows or is completely open-sided, meaning there is nothing between you and the trees, rivers, and sky! This is where you get the most intense feeling of freedom, fresh air, and the best photo opportunities.

One of the great things about the Sagano Scenic Train is that it moves slowly. This is intentional! The train deliberately runs at a gentle pace, which is a fantastic perk for travellers. The slow speed allows everyone plenty of time to truly enjoy the Sagano Scenic view, look closely at the stunning gorge scenery, and take photos without the images blurring.

The staff on the train also make the experience fun. The friendly attendants often share interesting information about the scenery, the history of the landmarks you pass, and the best things to look out for. Sometimes they even point out animals or seasonal sights! This commentary adds a lot to the ride, especially if you want to understand the area better. The atmosphere is generally cheerful and friendly, with everyone looking out the windows and sharing the beautiful views.

The Sagano Romantic Train is truly family-friendly and suitable for all ages. The slow speed and clear, exciting views make it wonderful for children, who love seeing the mountains and rivers pass by. It is also suitable for seniors, as the journey is low-intensity and very smooth. It provides a visual experience that is fun for the entire family, and it is a comfortable way to see the gorgeous Kyoto countryside without difficulty walking or hiking. This simple joy and accessibility is a big reason why the Arashiyama romantic train is one of the top places to visit in Kyoto Prefecture.

Getting your tickets sorted early is a smart move, especially during the busiest seasons! This train is very popular, so planning ahead is key.

Choosing the right time to ride the Sagano Scenic Railway can completely change the landscape you see! Each season offers a different, memorable view.

Spring (March–April): The Season of Blossoms. The scenery is fresh and soft, making it a wonderful choice for your Arashiyama Train trip.

Summer (June–August): The Lush Green Forest. Riding along the river gorge provides a cooling breeze.

Autumn (November): The Most Popular Season. The entire Hozugawa Valley is transformed into a fiery show of vibrant red and yellow foliage. Because of this demand, securing your Sagano Romantic Train ticket during November can be very difficult.

Winter (December–February): Peace and Quiet. The Sagano Train usually closes down for maintenance in January and February.

Your Arashiyama romantic train trip is only part of a full day out! The entire Arashiyama area is packed with beautiful sights right next to the railway stations.

1. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: This is the most famous spot! It's just a short walk from Torokko Arashiyama Station. You must walk through these towering bamboo stalks that block out the sun and create a truly peaceful atmosphere.

2. Tenryu-ji Temple: This is a major attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple features beautiful, traditional Zen gardens that you can walk around and enjoy.

3. Togetsukyo Bridge: You can walk across this scenic bridge. It offers stunning river views with the beautiful Arashiyama mountains as a backdrop, making it perfect for photos.

4. Monkey Park Iwatayama: For a bit of adventure, climb up this mountain park. At the top, you can see Japanese macaques (monkeys) in their natural habitat and get a fantastic view of Kyoto city.

Your journey on the Sagano Scenic Railway is best enjoyed when you combine it with other activities for a full day of sightseeing!

The most popular option is to combine the Arashiyama Sagano train with the Hozugawa River Boat Ride. You ride the train one way (from Saga to Kameoka), and then you take the traditional boat ride back down the river gorge towards Arashiyama. This gives you a complete sightseeing route, allowing you to see the scenery from both the mountainside and the water level.

Visitors can easily rent bicycles near Arashiyama Station. This is a lovely way to explore the quiet side streets, visit temples, and quickly travel along the famous bamboo paths, giving you more freedom than walking.

Using both the Arashiyama Sagano train and a boat or a bike turns a short train trip into a full, memorable day exploring the beautiful nature of Western Kyoto.

Read Also: Tokyo to Kyoto: Transportation Options, Costs, and Travel Tips

Getting to the Sagano Romantic Train is simple, especially since it connects easily with Kyoto’s main train lines.

The primary starting point is Torokko Saga Station. This station is very convenient because it is right next to the JR Saga-Arashiyama Station. This is where you will get your ticket scanned and board the scenic train.

The railway is highly accessible from Kyoto Station. You simply take the local JR Sagano Line train, which gets you to the Saga-Arashiyama area in about 15 minutes. This makes the trip easy to fit into your sightseeing schedule.

The scenic ride finishes at Torokko Kameoka Station. This endpoint is strategically connected to the Hozugawa River Boat Ride departure area, and is also near Torokko Hozukyo Station.

The best way to plan your day is by creating an easy round-trip itinerary: take the Sagano Romantic Train one way (Saga to Kameoka) and then take the traditional boat ride down the river the other way (Kameoka back towards Arashiyama). This allows you to see the magnificent scenery from two completely different perspectives.

If you prefer, you can simply take the JR train back to Kyoto from nearby JR Kameoka Station after your Torokko ride.

Planning your trip around the train’s schedule is vital, as it does not run all year!

The trains run approximately every hour, generally operating from 9 AM to 4 PM during its open season. However, you must always check the precise seasonal variations! During the popular autumn viewing season, the schedule is often extended, with extra trains running later in the day to accommodate the huge demand for seeing the red leaves.

You should note that the train is usually closed on Wednesdays during the off-peak season, so avoid planning your ride for the middle of the week unless you check the official site (https://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/en/about/) first. Also, the train will close completely during bad weather like strong winds or heavy rain, as safety is the priority, especially for the open-air carriages.

Most importantly, the train operates from March to December. It is entirely closed in January and February for maintenance. If you are planning a winter trip to Kyoto, you will have to find other Kyoto Prefecture Tourist Attractions to visit during that time.

To have a perfect experience on the Sagano Romantic Train, follow these simple rules:

If you want the absolute best view, you need to ride in the open-air car (Car No. 5). Tickets for this car usually cannot be reserved in advance, so arrive early at the station to secure your open-air car seats. This car provides the best experience because there are no windows blocking your photos or view.

Even during the daytime in cooler seasons (Spring and Autumn), the air can be quite cool, especially when the open cars are moving quickly through the gorge. Bring a light jacket or a cardigan to stay comfortable.

Photography is definitely encouraged! The best seats for photos are generally on the river side of the train, that is the right side when you travel from Torokko Saga Station to Torokko Kameoka Station. This side gives you the clearest view down to the Hozugawa River.

Always check the schedule before visiting, as the exact times and which days the train operates can change seasonally, or if there is maintenance planned. Don't rely on old information!

Choosing the right Kyoto Hotels will make accessing the early morning train easy and enjoyable.

Staying directly in the Arashiyama area is wonderful because it allows you to catch an early morning ride from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station. It also means you can explore the Bamboo Grove before the main tourist crowds arrive.

Recommended Hotels near Sagano Scenic Railway Torokko Arashiyama Station:

For travellers who want easy access to all Kyoto Prefecture Tourist Attractions and night dining, staying in central Kyoto (like around Kyoto Station or Shijo) is the best base. The JR line makes the 15-minute trip to Torokko Saga Station very fast.

Popular Hotels in Kyoto:

For a unique and scenic stay, look for traditional ryokan options in Arashiyama or nearby suburbs. Many of these offer the famous onsen hotels (hot spring baths), which are a wonderful way to relax and recover after a long day of sightseeing.

Read Also: The Ultimate Guide to Ryokans in Kyoto

The Sagano Romantic Train offers one of Kyoto’s most unforgettable experiences. It is ideal for travellers seeking nature, a moment of peace, and nostalgic railway charm. Combine it with the Hozugawa River Cruise or Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for a full-day itinerary.

This is a journey you will never forget! Start planning your trip now. Book your Japan cheap flight and best hotel deals in Kyoto with Traveloka today to secure your perfect Kyoto base for this scenic railway adventure!