The Sagano Scenic Railway (also known as the Sagano Romantic Train) is a quaint little sightseeing train that runs between Arashiyama and Kameoka. The journey only takes 25 minutes, winding along a scenic 7-kilometre route.

The train travels at an average speed of 25 km/hr, allowing you to slowly savour fantastic views of the countryside, mountains, and Hozugawa River along the way. It’s especially popular during the sakura and fall seasons too!

The train itself is rustic, complete with rustic wooden benches. It has five carriages — four enclosed ones, and one that’s open-air. 

The train stops at four stations: Kameoka, Hozukyo, Arashiyama, and Saga Torokko. Most travellers choose to alight at Arashiyama Torokko, which is within walking distance of the Arashiyama bamboo forest.

If you have the time, you can take the Sagano Scenic Railway from Saga Torokko station (which is right next to Saga-Arashiyama Station) to Kameoka station. Then, you can take a shuttle bus to the departure point for the Hozugawa River Boat Tour, which is an idyllic two-hour cruise in wooden boats along the river. The riverboat will drop you back at Arashiyama, which is where you boarded the train in the first place.

How do you buy tickets for the Sagano Scenic Railway?

The train costs JPY620 (~SGD6), and operates from 9am to 4pm. It usually operates every day (except Wednesdays) from 1st March to 29th December each year. Tickets can be purchased directly at the Saga-Arashiyama station, or at any Japan Rail ticket office in the Kansai region.

For the four enclosed carriages, seats can be purchased one month in advance. Tickets for the open-air one, however, are only sold on the day of the ride. There are also standing tickets available, which will be sold once the reserved seating tickets sell out. It’s best to buy your tickets in advance, as they sell out quickly during popular seasons and weekends. All aboard!