
Sagano Scenic Railway
Kyoto · Transit Experience
25–180 min
🚶 1 1 min walk from Saga-Torokko Station
¥¥
Insider Tip
Sit on the right side going from Saga to Kameoka for the best river views. Return by Hozugawa river boat (2 hours, ¥4,100) for a completely different perspective.
JEMS Tip
We book the open-air car (Car 5, "The Rich") which sells out weeks in advance, and pair the train ride with a Hozugawa river boat ride back for the complete gorge experience.
About
The Sagano Scenic Railway runs vintage open-air carriages along the Hozugawa river gorge between Saga and Kameoka. The 25-minute ride passes through tunnels, over bridges, and alongside dramatic cliff faces — spectacular during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
Crowd Avoidance
Book reserved seats in advance. Weekday departures are less crowded than weekends and holidays.
Getting There
Saga-Torokko Station — adjacent to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station. Combine with Arashiyama bamboo grove visit.
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