• See More

    When visiting Kyoto's famous Arashiyama area, one classic experience you absolutely shouldn't miss is riding the Sagano Romantic Train. This time, I rode from Kameoka Station to Arashiyama Station. The trip took about half an hour, following closely alongside the clear, rushing waters of the Hozu River.

    Sitting inside the retro wooden train car, I felt a slightly cool breeze blowing toward me. Outside the window, there were not only magnificent river valley views and unusual rock formations, but also beautifully blooming cherry blossoms dotting the branches. Together, the scenery looked like a painting. Although there were quite a few passengers along the way and the train car was always filled with delighted exclamations, the perspective of traveling through the gorge and taking in nature's remarkable creations was still well worth experiencing in person. If I have the chance to come back during a quieter off-season with fewer tourists and enjoy the mountain scenery more peacefully, it would be even more perfect.

  • See More

    When visiting Arashiyama in Kyoto, I highly recommend riding the Sagano Romantic Train at least once! The train slowly travels along the Hozu River, with beautiful natural scenery all along the way. I was especially lucky this time because it was cherry blossom season. The soft pink blossoms, lush green mountains, and gently flowing streams came together so beautifully that I couldn't stop taking photos.

    I rode from Arashiyama to Kameoka without having to rush, just slowly taking in the scenery outside the window. A refreshing breeze blew through the lush green mountains, and I could also see rafting activities on the Hozu River. The whole scene was filled with the relaxed atmosphere of spring in Kyoto. The Sagano Romantic Train actually offers different scenery in every season: cherry blossoms in spring, lush green mountains in summer, fall foliage in autumn, and snowy landscapes in winter. Each season has its own beauty.

    However, even on weekdays, it is still very crowded. I recommend buying tickets in advance so you don't arrive only to find that they're sold out.

  • See More

    Riding the Sagano Romantic Train was a relaxing and unforgettable journey. The train slowly traveled through the Hozugawa River gorge, offering sweeping views of the mountains, forests, and river valley and a sense of Kyoto's natural beauty throughout the seasons. With the gentle breeze and ever-changing scenery outside the window, I felt especially happy. Although the ride wasn't long, it left a lasting impression. It's a train journey worth savoring and added a wonderful memory to my Kyoto trip.

  • See More

    The Sagano Kameoka romantic train has such a nostalgic feel.
    The cars themselves don’t have windows, so you can enjoy the breeze while taking in the ravine and forest outside. It’s totally relaxing, and I really recommend trying it!

  • See More

    You get to enjoy the outdoor scenery the whole way. The staff even sing and interact with passengers, which makes for a fantastic atmosphere. Totally worth checking out!

  • See More

    This is the golden train route for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall.

  • See More

    The sightseeing train has a simple design, nothing too fancy. It's really all about enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way.

  • See More

    The retro-style train has only four cars, and all seats are reserved. The scenery is different on each side of the train. During cherry blossom or autumn foliage season, it gets packed, so make sure to book tickets early.

  • See More

    The whole route is 7.3 km with four stations, and it takes about 30 minutes one way. You can enjoy different scenery in every season if you visit at different times of the year.

  • See More

    This train is super popular during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. You definitely need to book early, since reserved seats often sell out fast.

Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa