Sagano Scenic Railway

What to know

The Sagano Scenic Railway (also known as the Sagano Romantic Train or Sagano Torokko) is a sightseeing train line that runs along the Hozugawa River between Arashiyama and Kameoka. Its charming, old-fashioned trains wind slowly through the mountains, taking about 25 minutes to cover the seven-kilometer journey. Passengers enjoy pleasant views as they travel from Arashiyama through a forested ravine into rural Kameoka.

Originally part of the JR Sanin Line, it was replaced by a faster, straighter route in 1989. The scenic railway was preserved and outfitted with nostalgic trains featuring wooden benches. Views change with the seasons, and the train is especially popular during autumn color season from mid-November to early December when the leaves along the ravine turn vibrant. Trains do not operate in winter from late December through February.

Each train consists of four enclosed cars (with windows that can be opened) and one fully open car. All seats are reserved, and tickets can be purchased at Torokko Saga Station or online through their official website or platforms like Klook. It is recommended to buy tickets early during peak seasons. A small train museum and diorama are also located at Torokko Saga Station (separate entry fees apply).

Once you reach Torokko Kameoka Station, the terminal, you have several options: take the sightseeing train back to Arashiyama, or walk five minutes to Umahori Station to catch a JR train back to Arashiyama or Kyoto. Many travelers combine the sightseeing train with a Hozugawa River Cruise back to Arashiyama. A bus connects the train station to the cruise departure point.

Sightseeing trains depart from Torokko Saga Station, located next to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station (15 minutes, 240 yen one way from Kyoto Station), and can also be boarded at Torokko Arashiyama Station, one kilometer to the west.

Torokko Kameoka Station is a five-minute walk from Umahori Station on the JR Sagano Line, from where you can take a train back to Arashiyama (7 minutes, 200 yen) or Kyoto (25-30 minutes, 320 yen). Alternatively, buses connect the station to the Hozugawa River Cruise boat pier (15 minutes, 350 yen, departures timed to train arrivals).