All Aboard the Sagano Romantic Train: 2023 Guide to Kyoto’s Famous Sightseeing Ride

What is the Sagano Romantic Train?

The Sagano Romantic Train (known as the Sagano Torokko in Japanese), is a sightseeing train that was originally designed as small freight cars for carrying luggage. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction that offers visitors a unique experience of the scenic beauty of Kyoto.

One of the most remarkable features of the Sagano Romantic Train is its route, which runs alongside the picturesque Hozugawa River.

Riding along the edge of the cliffs, passengers can enjoy the breathtaking views of the gorge, which boasts of year-round natural beauty.

With its classical color scheme and Art Deco design, the train exudes a charming ambiance that will transport you back in time. The wooden chairs and bare light bulbs inside Car No. 5 further enhance the vintage feel of the train. This windowless open car, also known as ‘The Rich,’ is particularly popular among passengers as it allows them to experience the sunlight, weather, and breeze firsthand.

Riding this car on the Sagano Romantic Train is a unique and immersive way to take in the beauty of Kyoto’s countryside.

The Sagano Romantic Train’s route spans 7.3km in distance, covering the stretch from Torokko Saga Station to Torokko Kameoka Station, and takes approximately 25 minutes to complete.

The train also makes stops at Torokko Arashiyama Station and Hozukyo Torokko Station, allowing passengers to embark or disembark at any of the stations along the way. The fare remains the same for all stops.

Hozukyo Torokko Station is situated in a breathtakingly scenic location that has been designated as Kyoto Prefectural Hozukyo Natural Park, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking natural beauty.

How to get to the stations on Sagano Scenic Railway

Saga Torokko Station serves as both the origin and destination of the Sagano Romantic Train ride. It is conveniently located adjacent to the JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, making it easily accessible from JR Kyoto Station. As a result, Saga Torokko Station is the busiest stop among all stations on the route, attracting a high volume of visitors.

What’s at Saga Torokko Station?

Not only can you buy tickets at Saga Torokko Station, but you can also shop for souvenirs and enjoy a meal while waiting for your train. Kyoto’s climate can be pretty hot in the summer and cold in the winter, so it’s a great place to take a break!

Behind the station, you’ll find several shops: one that sells matcha sweets, one with unique Kyoto souvenirs, and one with original Sagano Romantic Train goodies. Why not stop by for a little souvenir shopping?

Next to the shop is a cafe called SL ROMAN CAFE, where you can sip coffee, tea, soft drinks, and even alcohol while checking out the steam locomotive display. If you’re hungry, try some curry rice, a sandwich, or a parfait!

Further past the shop is Diorama Kyoto JAPAN, one of the largest railway dioramas in all of western Japan. There is also a souvenir shop and a food corner serving ramen and light meals. It’s a great spot for a break!

The station building is also equipped with English- and Chinese-speaking touch panels for tourist information and foreign currency exchange machines. Foreigners can use the station with peace of mind.

How to get tickets for the Sagano Romantic Train

Tang Yan Song / Shutterstock.com

All tickets for the Sagano Romantic Train are assigned to designated seats and cannot be used for alighting at other stops along the route.

Passengers can obtain tickets by either purchasing them in advance or on the same day of travel.

To purchase advance tickets, passengers can use the Green Ticket Counter or Green Ticket Vending Machine Plus located at any of the following stations: Kyoto Station, Kameoka Station, Nijo Station, Saga-Arashiyama Station, Inari Station, Shin-Osaka Station, Osaka Station, Tsuruhashi Station, Kyobashi Station, Shin-Imamiya Station, JR Namba Station, Tennoji Station, Nara Station, Kansai Airport Station, and Sannomiya Station.

In addition to these stations, tickets for the Sagano Romantic Train can also be obtained through major travel agencies throughout Japan or online via the link provided below. Passengers can purchase tickets in advance from as early as 10:00 AM, one month prior to their boarding date.

For same-day tickets, purchase them at the station window. Note, however, that in peak season (such as in spring for cherry blossoms and autumn for foliage), there can be long lines and tickets sell out quickly. The best way to ensure you have a seat is to book ahead.

You can also purchase advance tickets online on JR West Online Train Reservation and receive them from the JR West Internet reservation machines labeled ‘e5489.’

Also note that the Sagano Romantic Train is not covered under the Japan Rail Pass.

For same-day Sagano Romantic Train tickets, please pay in cash or IC card payment (such as ICOCA or Suica) only.

Sagano Romantic Train Timetable (as of February 2023)

Trains run hourly from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and occasionally until 5:00 PM (or 6 p.m. for special trains; see the Sagano Romantic Train website for details).

The fare for adults is 880 yen, while children can ride at a discounted rate of 440 yen. Don’t miss the chance to hop aboard and experience a picturesque journey through the stunning countryside of Kyoto.

Scenery you can enjoy aboard the Sagano Romantic Train

This 25-minute train journey runs along the Hozugawa River, immersing you in the beautiful surrounding nature.

Don’t forget to give a friendly wave as you pass the boats going down the Hozugawa River – the passengers will be waving at you, too!

There are eight tunnels along the way. The majestic, natural scenery beyond the dark tunnels invite you to lift your spirits!

Spring: Gorgeous cherry blossoms in full bloom

Summer: Rich, lush green forests

Autumn: Magnificent, vibrant foliage

Winter: when harsh cold and nature’s beauty coexist

The Sagano Romantic Train offers a unique opportunity to witness the changing expressions of nature throughout the seasons. Each season brings a distinct and stunningly beautiful landscape, making it worthwhile to experience the ride in every season.

Cherry blossoms typically bloom from late March to late April, while the autumn foliage is at its peak from mid-November to early December. Although recent winters have been relatively warm and snowfall is scarce, catching a few flurries during your ride can add to the winter scenery’s charm.

Enjoy a leisurely ride through nature’s beauty on the Sagano Romantic Train

Arashiyama was once the prized villa of the royal families living in Kyoto. What remains of that time are the beautiful, rich sceneries of nature, which you can now completely immerse yourself in with a scenic ride on the Sagano Romantic Train.

Written by:

WESTPLAN

Kiko Matsuda, Keiko Kimura, Risa Tsuji, and a team of female writers familiar with Kansai. We love eating, drinking and traveling! We share fun information based on our experiences.