The Sagano Scenic Railway
- Published on : 25/11/2025
- by : Joshua
- Youtube
Sagano Scenic Railway Train
@Takeshi Kuboki on Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0
The Sagano Scenic Railway offers one of Kyoto’s most charming and nostalgic journeys, winding through the lush Hozu River valley on a slow, open-air train. Running between Arashiyama and Kameoka, it treats riders to a peaceful, close-up view of forested hillsides, rugged cliffs, and seasonal colors—from spring’s fresh greens to autumn’s crimson maples. With its vintage cars and gentle pace, the ride is less about getting somewhere quickly and more about savoring the landscape that has inspired travelers for centuries.
The Sagano Torokko Train
Known also as the “Sagano Torokko” or “Sagano Romantic Train,” the retrofitted, old-fashioned steam train takes you beyond Kyoto's Arashiyama for a perfect escape from the busy cities and crowded attractions.
Originally part of the Japan Rail network linking Arashiyama (since 1899) with the old province of Tamba, the line was replaced in 1989 by a more modern railway. Since 1990, it’s operated as a tourist line, playing up its nostalgic charm. The diesel locomotive and its bright, vintage-style carriages evoke the early Showa era.
Sagano Scenic Railway Train
Name @Pang Yu Liu on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 2.0
Hozu River
@Kimon Berlin on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 2.0
Sagano Scenic Railway Train
@Takeshi Kuboki on Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0
These trains run along the Hozugawa River and provide incredible views of fall foliage in the autumn and of flowering trees, including cherry blossoms, in spring. The landscape is truly worth making your way out for: Hozu Gorge remains remarkably untouched, and you might spot cranes playing in the river below. In spring, cherry blossoms turn the view a soft white, while autumn brings especially vibrant foliage. Summer dazzles with lush greenery. (Note: the line is closed in winter from December 31st to February 28th.)
Riding the Sagano Torokko Train
The train runs once every hour from 9 am to 5 pm. The Sagano Torokko Station is a short walk from the JR Arashiyama Sagano Station. Although this railway is not covered by a JR Pass, it's a worthwhile and inexpensive complementary excursion for your perfect trip to Japan.
- Fare: 620 yen for a one-way trip between Torokko Saga and Torokko Kameoka.
- Departure Times: Trains run hourly from about 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Closures: The line is closed on Wednesdays and during winter (December 31 to February 28).
- Official Website: sagano-kanko.co.jp
Many people often buy a one-way ticket and return a different way: you can take a Hozugawa River Cruise back down to Arashiyama (a bus connects the station and the cruise's dock). You can also use your Japan Rail Pass for the return trip; the Kameoka Torokko terminus station is a short walk from Umahori JR Station, and trains from here run to Arashiyama, Nijo Station (a ten-minute walk from Nijo Castle), and Kyoto Station.
Sagano Scenic Railway Train
@Toshinori Baba on Wikimedia, CC BY 4.0
