The Scenic train runs along a river to offer breathtaking landscapes.
The Sagano Romantic train is a scenic train in the Arashiyama area of western Kyoto. The train is also called “Torokko Ressha” in Japanese. It travels 25 minutes through picturesque countryside between Saga-Arashiyama station and Kameoka station. The old fashioned trains on a 19th century narrow gauge railway runs along the Hozugawa river to offer fantastic views of the forests and mountains.
Passengers can enjoy the scenic beauty of cherry blossoms in spring, lush green in summer, red maple trees in autumn, and perhaps snowy landscapes in winter. The most popular route is from Saga-Torokko station to Kameoka station. Saga-Torokko station is right next to JR Saga-Arashiyama station, which is accessible from JR Kyoto station.
When the train arrives Kameoka station you have some options. You could just take the train straight back to Arashiyama, but the most popular choice is to take river boats back down the Hozugawa river. Shuttle buses run from Kameoka station to the boat departure point. Then boatmen with long bamboo poles guide you down the river, through the spectacular valley and some mild rapids. It takes 2 hours along 16 kilometers.
Boat ticket is 4100 yen for adults, and 2700 yen for children between 4 and 12. You can buy tickets for the Hozugawa-kudari River Boat Ride in advance at Saga-Torokko station.
Train fare : 620 yen (Adult), 310 yen (Child). One-way fares are all the same price, regardless of distance traveled.
Time Table : Sagano Scenic Railway