Nestled between lush green mountains in western Kyoto, the Sagano Romantic Train is a unique locomotive designed specifically for sightseeing. This charming five-car passenger train runs along tracks that follow the scenic Arashiyama area and the winding Hozukyō Gorge, offering passengers stunning views of Kyoto's breathtaking natural landscapes.

Take a Ride on the Heritage Railway Operated by Sagano Scenic Railway

The Sagano Romantic Train travels 7.3 kilometers in approximately 25 minutes, making stops at four stations: Torokko Saga Station, the closest to central Kyoto; Torokko Arashiyama Station, located next to the famous Arashiyama bamboo forest; Torokko Hozukyō Station, near a beautiful suspension bridge crossing the gorge; and Torokko Kameoka Station, where many passengers continue on to take a boat ride down the Hozugawa River back to the Arashiyama area.

If you are traveling from the city center, I recommend taking the JR San'in Main Line from Kyoto Station to Saga Arashiyama Station, as it is right next to Torokko Saga Station. The ride takes less than 20 minutes, and Torokko Saga Station has a SL ROMAN CAFE that exhibits impressive steam locomotives on display which are amazing to see up close.

A Scenic Train Travel that’s Perfect for Experiencing Kyoto’s Seasonal Beauty

Riding the Sagano Romantic Train feels like stepping into a scene from an old movie. The rhythmic clickety-clack of the train in motion, the sound of the engineer applying the brakes as you round a bend, the wooden benches, and the charming design of the windows—all evoke the atmosphere of a dreamy black-and-white film. Even the tunnels add to the sense of nostalgia, as you enter one side through a picturesque brick facade and emerge from the other, passing into a round, bright orb of natural beauty.

No matter which side you're seated on, you'll enjoy views of both the wooded mountainside and the rushing river below. With green forests on one side and a rocky riverbed on the other, the landscape creates a dreamy scene that practically begs for photos. The train travels at just the right speed to enjoy the scenery, chugging along at about 30 kilometers per hour—roughly the same speed as a bicycle. It's no wonder the train is such a popular tourist attraction for taking photos.

Because the mountains on both sides of the gorge are covered in trees, the rich natural landscape changes with the seasons. In spring, pink cherry blossoms bloom, especially in the area near Torokko Kameoka Station known as the Sakura Tunnel. In summer, the lush green leaves paint a vivid picture of the season, with the refreshing river flowing below.

In autumn, around a thousand maple trees lining the tracks turn to their fall hues, offering a stunning variety of colors as you travel along. Winter brings its own unique scenery, with the deciduous forest sometimes blanketed in snow, depending on the weather. If you’re a first-time visitor, the autumn and winter seasons are especially captivating in the mountains of Kyoto.

Tips for Purchasing Tickets for the Sagano Romantic Train

Sagano Romantic Train tickets can be purchased in advance through the official website, which is available in five languages including English. Tickets go on sale at midnight one month before the boarding date (Japan Standard Time, UTC +9).

Tickets are sold at a fixed price for each ride regardless of ride segments: ¥880 for adults, ¥440 for children (tax included). You can only use the ticket for the reserved time as all seats are assigned. A limited number of standing tickets will also become available after all reserved seat tickets are sold out. 

You may also buy tickets directly at three out of the four train stations, with the exception of Torokko Hozukyō Station, but they are only available for same-day purchase on a first-come, first-served basis. Same-day tickets often sell out quickly, so it’s highly recommended to purchase online in advance.

💡Pro tip: To enjoy your journey to the fullest, be sure to reserve a seat in the "The Rich" car (Car No. 5), which features open-window seating that allows for a more immersive experience of the scenery and sounds. However, Car No. 5 does not have glass windows, so you may risk getting wet on rainy days.

Trains usually operate in both directions eight times a day. However, there may be some schedule changes when the trains are not in operation, including Wednesdays, the months of January, February, and New Year holidays. Be sure to check the calendar and schedules on their official website before planning your trip. 
 

Sagano Romantic Train

Website: https://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/en/

Writer

Maisie McPherson
Originally from the United States, Maisie has called the Kansai region of Japan home for nearly two decades. She enjoys seeking out the charms of life in Japan and sharing that information with visitors from overseas. She also loves marveling at retro architecture and design from the Showa period, exploring Japanese gardens, and is always up for a night out in a lively izakaya.