Sagano Romantic Train

The Sagano Scenic Railway, also known as the Sagano Romantic Train, is Kyoto’s most famous train for viewing autumn leaves, and it is almost a must-do for visitors to Arashiyama in the fall. The train glides slowly through the Hozukyo Ravine, while layers of vibrant red and orange foliage unfold right outside the windows, creating a truly striking visual experience. The route runs for about 7 kilometers (4.4 miles), with both ends connecting to JR lines, making it easy to fit into your itinerary.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

The best time to ride is during the peak autumn foliage season, roughly from November 15 to December 1, followed by the cherry blossom season from March 28 to April 3.

During autumn, the Hozu River looks as if someone has spilled a paint palette into the landscape. The hillsides are layered in deep crimson and warm orange. As the train moves gently along, you’ll feel wrapped in cozy, glowing colors. A breeze drifts through the windows, carrying the faint, dry scent of maple leaves. Look down and the river below reflects the colors of the mountains, like a living oil painting.

Hozu River Autumn Scenery

Cherry blossom season brings a different kind of romance. The pale pink and white blossoms along the riverbank look like clusters of fluffy clouds. When the wind picks up, petals dance through the water in a soft pink trail. It feels as though you are floating down a gentle path made of flower petals, peaceful and utterly relaxing.

Cherry Blossoms Along Riverbank

Other seasons are less worth a special visit. Summer is the rainy season, with frequent downpours that can cause temporary service suspensions, and the ravine simply looks like ordinary greenery at that time. In winter, the surrounding plants lose their leaves, leaving the landscape bare and not particular scenic.

How to take the train?

Visitors Taking Photos on Train

The scenic railway connects to two JR stations at either end. If you want to board at Torokko Saga Station, exit JR Arashiyama Station on the JR Sagano Line and walk 3 to 5 minutes to reach the platform. If you prefer to start at Torokko Kameoka Station, get off at Umahori Station on the JR Sagano Line, then follow the signs for about a 10-minute walk to the boarding area.

The full ride takes 25 minutes, with one departure per hour during the daytime. A one-way ticket costs 880 yen (5.6 USD) for adults, and half price for children. The first train toward Torokko Kameoka departs around 9:02 AM, and the last around 17:10 PM. For the Saga direction, the first run is at about 9:30 AM and the final one at 17:43 PM. One important detail: the train operates only from March 21 to December 29 each year, and it is closed every Wednesday.

How to Buy the Train Tickets?

Tickets for the Sagano Romantic Train go on sale promptly at 0:00 Japan Time, exactly 30 days before your travel date. It is highly recommended to buy them in advance on the official website. This is especially true during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, when tickets sell out within minutes of release, and you may even need to be ready the moment tickets become available. Only reserved seats are sold online. Once reserved seats are sold out, the station releases a small number of standing tickets on the morning of departure, but these are nearly impossible to get during peak season, so don’t count on buying them in person.

Choosing your seat online also takes some thought. When traveling toward Saga, opt for even-numbered seats A and D on the right side, as these face the Hozu River and offer the fullest river views. The odd-numbered side on the left faces a rock wall, with little to see. Conversely, when heading toward Torokko Kameoka, choose the left-side window seats A and D. Additionally, Car 5 is the most popular open car, featuring a fully transparent glass roof with no side windows or walls, allowing for unobstructed panoramic views in every direction. Keep in mind that it can get hotter than regular cars on sunny summer days, and rain may blow in from the sides during wet weather, so passengers who mind these conditions should choose carefully.

Plan a Day Trip with the Sagano Romantic Train

Combining the scenic train with Arashiyama’s Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple, and Togetsukyo Bridge makes for a very smooth one-day trip.

Leave Kyoto Station at 9:00 AM and take the JR Sagano Line, which reaches the Arashiyama area in about 15 minutes. It is recommended to get off at JR Umahori Station, then walk to Torokko Kameoka Station to catch the scenic train toward Saga after 10:00 AM, enjoying the Hozu River and rock walls along the way. You’ll arrive at Torokko Saga around 11:00 AM, stepping right into the heart of Arashiyama. Explore the Bamboo Grove Path and Tenryu-ji Temple first, then try yudofu, a local specialty of tofu simmered in broth, at a nearby restaurant for lunch. Spend the afternoon strolling across Togetsukyo Bridge. Finally, walk to JR Saga Arashiyama Station and head straight back to the city.

You can also include the Hozu-gawa River Boat Ride in the plan. If you do, get off at JR Arashiyama Station first. Take the scenic train to the final stop at Torokko Kameoka Station, then walk 5 minutes to the boat dock. The river cruise takes about 2 hours, and you’ll disembark right at Arashiyama Pier. From there, you can continue directly to attractions like the Bamboo Grove. This way, you can enjoy both the train and the boat ride without backtracking.

Tenryu-ji Temple Garden

Maple-Carpeted Mountain Path

Other Tips

1. The ravine is cooler than the city, so remember to bring an extra layer with you.

2. Please note that there is no space for large luggage on the train. While JR stations have coin lockers, the typical route enters at one end and exits at the other without backtracking, making it inconvenient to retrieve stored luggage later. For this reason, it is not recommended to bring large luggage along. It is best to leave your belongings at your accommodation and travel light.

3. The train cars are fairly old, with hard wooden bench seats that may become uncomfortable after a while, so it helps to be prepared. The train also creaks and rattles as it moves. If you are sensitive to noise, consider bringing a pair of earplugs.