The Sagano Romantic Train, also known as the Arashiyama Romantic Train, is a scenic train connecting Arashiyama, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, and Kameoka City. You can leisurely enjoy the magnificent views of the Hozugawa River and the seasonal landscapes during the journey.
The charm extends beyond the beautiful scenery to the warm hospitality of the driver and staff. The starting station, Arashiyama Station, is also a highlight.
Let's delve into the entertaining and charming aspects of the Sagano Romantic Train.
What is the Sagano Romantic Train?
The Sagano Romantic Train is a 7.3 km scenic train journey from Saga Station to Kameoka Station. The train travels along the Hozugawa River at a speed similar to a bicycle, allowing passengers to leisurely appreciate the scenery of the four seasons through the windows.
All seats are designated. The basic 5-car train consists of 4 retro cars with wooden chairs and bulbs and 1 open-air car named "Rich-go." The "Rich-go" is particularly popular because it has no window glass, allowing passengers to feel the wind and sunlight on their skin. However, be cautious as you might get wet if it rains!
- Sagano Romantic Train Information
- Price: Adults 880 yen, Children 440 yen, IC cards such as Suica, Icoca, Kitaka, TOICA, SUGOCA, Kansai One Pass are accepted.
- Website: https://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/
- Operating Hours: Official timetable on the website
- Kyoto Hotel Booking: Booking.com | Agoda.com | Hotels.com
Sagano Romantic Train Ticketing Guide
①Official Online Booking
For the Sagano Scenic Railway, visit the Chinese official website for seat availability and booking instructions:
https://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/sc/
Alternatively, JR West Japan's official online ticketing platform can be accessed at: https://www.westjr.co.jp/
Regular one-way ticket prices remain uniform at ¥880 for adults and ¥440 for children. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance, and online booking is restricted to JR West Japan's operating hours (5:30 AM to 11:30 PM Japan time).
Ticket Collection Method:
Tickets can only be collected at the green ticket machines at JR West Japan ticket counters. Present the credit card used for online payment, reservation number, and authentication code during the ticket collection process.
②Buy E-Tickets Online
In contrast to the complexities of official booking and ticket retrieval, an alternative is acquiring tickets through the Klook platform. After purchase, simply display the electronic ticket on your mobile device to the staff for seamless entry.
Booking link: https://www.klook.com/en-US/activity/17066-sagano-romantic-train-ticket-kyoto/
③On-Site Ticket Purchase
Tickets for the Sagano Scenic Railway can be procured at ticket counters in various train stations (excluding the Sagano Kyo Station). Please be prepared to queue for on-site purchases, especially during peak seasons when queues are extensive, and ticket counters may become crowded, leading to swift sell-outs. Therefore, it is advisable to make advance reservations and secure seats.
Here are the operating hours for each station:
- Sagano Station: 8:35 AM
- Arashiyama Station: Around 8:40 AM
- Kameoka Station: Around 8:50 AM
Tickets can also be purchased on-site at the following JR stations and locations:
Kyoto Station, Kameoka Station, Nijo Station, Saga Arashiyama Station, Inari Station, Shin-Osaka Station, Osaka Station, Himeji Station, Kyobashi Station, Shin-Imamiya Station, JR Namba Station, Tennoji Station, Nara Station, Kansai Airport Station, Sannomiya Station.
Please note: Reservations for the open-air car (Car No.5) are only available on-site and cannot be made online.
Embark On a Sensory-rich Journey Aboard the Sagano Train!
Experience the charm of a tram ride as you alight at JR Saga Arashiyama Station. A mere 16-minute journey from JR Kyoto Station makes the tram easily accessible.
Exiting the ticket gate and reaching the platform, a classical-hued internal combustion locomotive awaits you.
Now, let's board our reserved Rich car. The left side offers a better view for the first half of the journey, while the right side excels in the latter portion. Bid farewell to the station staff with a wave, and off we go!
The station echoes with the sound of the diesel engine and the roar of the locomotive! It emanates a significant noise and vibration. The wooden seats amplify the sensation of vibration.
The founding idea was to "let you feel the wind, hear the sounds, and engage all your five senses." Despite the slight inconvenience, the soothing sound, gentle vibration, and the wind caressing your face create a unique experience.
En route, the train ventures into the historic brick-built "Kameyama Tunnel." Look up, and you'll witness a tunnel reminiscent of European castles.
Constructed during the Meiji era when the Kyoto Railway opened, this tunnel is part of the old San'in Main Line. Although the Sagano Romantic Train now utilizes this old track, its predecessor was a private railway known as the Kyoto Railway.
As there are no windows, you can sense the cool air inside the tunnel. The proximity to the old bricks makes this space irresistible for those who appreciate brickwork and tunnels.
Scenic Beauty of the Hozugawa River and Arashiyama
Exiting the tunnel, the panoramic views of the Hozugawa River valley and the Arashiyama unfold. The sights include the Hozugawa River visible through the trees, gently flowing yakata-bune boats, and the Arashiyama mountain range on the opposite bank, providing a profound sense of travel.
The driver and ticket attendant maintain and prune the trees. They contemplate which sights the scenic train should showcase and which trees to trim, ensuring the landscape appears even more picturesque.
In the seasons of spring and autumn, the regions along the railway are illuminated, creating a picturesque scene.
Nestled amidst this beauty is the first Hozugawa Bridge along the JR Sagano Line. The train passes beneath the bridge, continuing its journey along the Hozugawa.
The Rich-go's transparent ceiling reveals a stunning expanse of green maple leaves when you look up!
After passing through the "Kiyotani Tunnel," you arrive at the enchanting train station known as the Hozukyo Station. Departing from the station, crossing the Tsubosaka Bridge over the Hozugawa, the approximately 1-kilometer path to JR Hozukyo Station offers a leisurely walking route. If you continue further, you can reach the renowned Yuzu (citrus) orchards of Mizuo.
As you traverse the 500-meter-long "Asahi Tunnel" that emerges at the end, an unprecedented panoramic view awaits. This region is known as the "Tohno Fishing Grounds" due to the lord's fondness for fishing. While the photo was taken during the autumn foliage, the magnificent scenery unfolds before your eyes.
When the flow of the Hozugawa slows down, you reach the final attraction, the "Sakura Tunnel." During the cherry blossom season, the beauty is indescribable.
Even upon reaching the last station, Kameoka Station, the gentle breeze, the sound and vibration of the train, and the splendid scenery unfolding before you will make you reluctant to leave.
Embark on An Unconventional Journey Through Arashiyama without Retracing Your Steps!
Typically, there are two common routes for exploring Arashiyama:
- Take the train from Kameoka Station to Saga Station, then explore Arashiyama... (though tickets can be challenging to obtain!)
- Take the train from Saga Station to Kameoka Station, then return to Saga Station before exploring Arashiyama...
However, today, the JapanRAR Editor introduces an unusual route that allows you to thoroughly explore Arashiyama without retracing your steps!！
Take the train from Saga Station to Kameoka Station, then walk to the Hozugawa River for a scenic boat ride downstream, and finally, explore Arashiyama.
You can purchase boat tickets at the boarding point, with prices at 4,500 yen for adults and 3,000 yen for children aged 0 to elementary school. According to official regulations, reservations can only be made by phone for groups of 10 or more, and group discounts are available for parties of 24 or more.
You can also purchase electronic tickets on the Klook platform, offering advantages such as reservation options, guided tours, and English commentary. Click here to buy: https://www.klook.com/
During the spring cherry blossom season and autumn foliage season, there may be up to 100 boats sailing in a day. It requires physical effort, but there's plenty to see. The boat is manned by three dedicated staff members – one steering, one paddling, and one with a pole – working together to create a lively atmosphere so everyone on the boat can enjoy the outdoor experience and a sense of camaraderie.
Drifting along, you can admire the red leaves coloring the Hozu Gorge.
During winter, from mid-December to March 9th, you can experience a unique "tatami room heating boat." The snowy scenery is particularly beautiful.
The boat is equipped with six rows of benches, each accommodating 3 to 4 people.
The journey concludes at Arashiyama Station, and from there, you can easily explore the Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple, and Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama after disembarking!
