Sagano Romantic Train: A Scenic Journey Through Kyoto's Heart

The Sagano Romantic Train, or Sagano Scenic Railway, is a delightful sightseeing train that runs through the Saga-Arashiyama area in western Kyoto. The train, also called “Sagano Torokko Ressha” in Japanese, travels along a 19th-century narrow-gauge railway, offering breathtaking views of the Hozugawa River gorge, lush forests, and majestic mountains. The railway opened in 1899 as part of the main line of the Kyoto Railway, connecting Kyoto to Sonobe. In 1990, the Sagano Scenic Railway Co., Ltd. was established to utilize the rail tracks no longer in use due to the double-tracked JR San-in Line for sightseeing. The old-fashioned train is fitted with wooden benches and has a single open car and four enclosed cars, with windows that can be opened for photographs. The diesel locomotive winds its way through the mountains at a leisurely pace, making the 7.3-kilometer run along Hozukyo Gorge. The views change with the seasons, offering cherry blossoms in spring, verdant green landscapes in summer, and fiery autumn colors. During its limited winter season, the train rolls through a landscape lightly dusted with snow. At Saga Torokko Station, a museum displays historical locomotives, including an old steam engine. The large-scale railway diorama, including famous Kyoto sites, is worth exploring.