Riding through Kyoto's valleys on the Sagano Romantic Train is one activity you'll want to put on your list!
You'll spend a luxurious time watching beautiful natural sights of Arashiyama and the outskirts of Kyoto City pass by, enjoying the gentle rock of the slow-moving train, and the feeling of the wind on your face.
Here we will introduce everything you need to know about riding the Sagano Romantic Train, including how to get tickets, timetables, and where to board.
What is the Sagano Romantic Train?
These kinds of “truck” trains were originally small freight cars used for transporting luggage. Today, most of them are operated as sightseeing trains. The Sagano Romantic Train (sometimes called the Sagano Torokko Train) is one such example.
One of the best features of the Sagano Romantic Train is that it runs along the Hozu River. Take in the year-round beauty of the gorge as you ride along the edge of the cliffs.
The train sports a charming classical color scheme, and the Art Deco Car No.5 is decorated with wooden chairs and bare light bulbs. Riding this train, you will surely feel as if you've stepped back in time! Car No. 5 is a windowless open vehicle, also known as the 'Rich Car'. This car is especially popular as you can directly take in the sunlight and climate, and enjoy the feeling of the breeze on your face.
The route is about 7.3km one-way from Torokko Saga Station to Torokko Kameoka Station and takes about 25 minutes to ride. Other stops along the way are Torokko Arashiyama Station and Torokko Hozukyo Station. You can get on or off at either station, however, the fare is the same to all stops. The area near Truck-Hozukyo Station is an especially beautiful scenic natural landmark, designated as Kyoto Prefectural Hozukyo Natural Park.
How to board the Sagano Romantic Train
Torokko Saga Station is both the starting and ending point of the Sagano Romantic Train ride. Because it is right next to the JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, it is easy to get to from JR Kyoto Station, so is also the most crowded of the stops.
Access:
・From JR Kyoto Station: Take JR Sagano Line to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, use South Exit. (240 yen one-way; approx. 17 min)
・From Shijo and Karasuyama: Take Kyoto Municipal Subway from Shijo Station to Kyoto Station; transfer to JR Sagano Line to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station; use South Exit. (460 yen one-way; approx 20 min)
・From JR Osaka Station: Take JR Tokaido Line/New Rapid to JR Kyoto Station; transfer to JR Sagano Line to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station; use South E…
