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Read the English + Japanese version｜英語＋日本語版はこちら
- Introduction｜はじめに
- From Old Tracks to a Scenic Railway｜古い線路が観光鉄道へ
- The Train That Became a Symbol｜親しまれてきた赤い機関車
- Along the Hozu River｜川に沿って続く景色
- Crossing the Railway Bridge｜鉄橋から見下ろす保津川
- Changing Seasons｜季節が変える渓谷の色
- From the Train to Arashiyama｜列車を降りて嵐山散策へ
- Torokko Saga Station｜出発前も楽しいトロッコ嵯峨駅
- Travel Tips｜旅のヒント
- 🗺 Google Map
- 🗺 Explore More Kyoto Areas
Introduction｜はじめに
A red locomotive.
A railway beside a winding river.
Mountains rising above the gorge.
The Sagano Romantic Train
travels through Hozugawa Gorge,
between Saga and Kameoka in Kyoto.
The journey takes about 25 minutes.
But this scenic railway
was not originally built for sightseeing.
Why does a former railway line
now carry visitors through the valley?
From Old Tracks to a Scenic Railway｜古い線路が観光鉄道へ
The Sagano Romantic Train
began operating in 1991.
Its route follows a former section
of the JR San-in Main Line.
When trains moved to a newer route,
this section was no longer needed
for regular passenger services.
Instead of disappearing,
it found a new purpose.
■ Memo｜A Second Life for the Tracks
The winding old route
is especially suited to slow sightseeing,
with views of the river and mountains.
The Train That Became a Symbol｜親しまれてきた赤い機関車
For decades, a red diesel locomotive
pulled colorful carriages
through the gorge.
Its nostalgic appearance
became part of the journey’s charm.
Inside the original train,
the retro-style carriages
made the short ride feel special.
Through the windows,
the gorge became the main attraction.
■ Memo｜A New Train in 2027
The original train is scheduled
to retire after its 2026 service.
A new train is scheduled
to debut on March 1, 2027.
Check the official website
for the latest details.
The trains may change,
but the old railway’s new purpose remains:
helping visitors discover
the beauty of Hozugawa Gorge.
along this old railway?
Along the Hozu River｜川に沿って続く景色
As the train follows the gorge,
the river appears between the trees.
Sometimes it feels close.
At other moments,
it flows far below the tracks.
Crossing the Railway Bridge｜鉄橋から見下ろす保津川
One memorable moment
comes as the train crosses a bridge.
The view opens up,
revealing the river and steep valley below.
■ Photo Tip｜A View from the Bridge
The view changes quickly.
Keep your camera ready,
but enjoy the moment safely
from your seat.
Changing Seasons｜季節が変える渓谷の色
Spring brings cherry blossoms.
Fresh green leaves fill the gorge
from late spring into summer.
In autumn, the mountains
turn shades of red and gold.
The same railway
can feel like a different journey
with every change of season.
From the Train to Arashiyama｜列車を降りて嵐山散策へ
Torokko Arashiyama Station
offers access to the Bamboo Grove.
From there, visitors can continue
toward Nonomiya Shrine,
Tenryu-ji Temple and Togetsukyo Bridge.
■ Memo｜Plan Your Direction
If you travel from Saga to Kameoka,
Arashiyama Station comes early in the ride.
To explore Arashiyama after the train,
consider traveling in the opposite direction.
Torokko Saga Station｜出発前も楽しいトロッコ嵯峨駅
Before boarding the train,
take a little time to explore
Torokko Saga Station.
Close to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station,
this is the starting point
of the Sagano Romantic Train.
At the 19th Century Hall,
visitors can discover
historic steam locomotives.
AI-edited image
The nostalgic SL ROMAN CAFE
offers a place to take a break,
while the souvenir shop
is worth a look for railway gifts.
■ Memo｜Enjoy the Station
If you have time before departure,
explore the station at your own pace.
Check current facility hours
before your visit.
Travel Tips｜旅のヒント
🎫 Tickets
All seats on the Sagano Romantic Train are reserved.
Tickets may sell out quickly during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
Booking in advance is recommended.
🌿 Weather
Dress appropriately for the season.
Window designs vary between carriages,
so the wind and temperature may feel different.
🚂 Operating Days
Please check the official website
for the latest operating days and train schedules.
📷 A Little Travel Tip
When taking photos from the train,
watch out for window reflections and train movement,
and enjoy the scenery along the way.
Please check the official website for the latest ticket availability and operating information before your visit.
🟫 CAT MEMO 🐾
“Can I play with these?”🐾
🗺 Google Map
Official Website｜嵯峨野観光鉄道 公式ホームページ
Before your visit, please check
the official website for the latest information.
A railway once used
for everyday journeys
has become a place
to enjoy the scenery itself.
Beyond the windows,
the river, mountains and seasons
tell a different story on every ride.
Thank you
for visiting
the Sagano Romantic Train.
May your time here
bring you peace
and beautiful memories.
And may your journey
through Kyoto
be a wonderful one. 🐾
🗺 Explore More Kyoto Areas
Kyoto is divided into several unique areas, each offering different attractions and experiences.
