The Sagano Romantic Train offers a relaxing rail journey through the beautiful Hozugawa Gorge in Kyoto. Traveling at a leisurely pace, the train takes approximately 25 minutes to pass through a scenic area designated as a natural park, offering passengers wonderful views of the river and surrounding mountains.
Each season brings a different landscape. In spring, wild cherry blossoms and azaleas brighten the hillsides, while fresh green foliage creates a vivid scene in early summer. Summer offers a refreshing escape into nature, autumn brings brilliant red and golden leaves, and winter transforms the gorge with occasional snowy scenery.
The Hozu River winds through the Hozugawa Gorge in a series of curves. Although the straight-line distance through this section is approximately 7.3 kilometers, the river’s winding course extends to about 11.5 kilometers.
The former Sanin Main Line of Japan Railways once followed the river closely. Later, a new route was built using tunnels to create a straighter railway alignment. The original line between Saga Station, now Saga-Arashiyama Station, and Umahori Station was abandoned.
Rather than leave the old railway unused, its spectacular views of the Hozugawa Gorge were developed into a tourist attraction. Cherry trees, pine trees, and other vegetation were planted along the route, and the railway reopened in 1991 as Japan’s first railway dedicated to sightseeing.
Because the tracks run along the gorge, passengers can enjoy the scenery in every season, from cherry blossoms and azaleas to fresh greenery, autumn foliage, and winter landscapes. The train has become one of the area’s most popular attractions.
The train travels between Torokko Saga Station and Torokko Kameoka Station along a 7.3-kilometer route, passing through several tunnels. Its maximum speed is approximately 35 kilometers per hour, allowing passengers to enjoy the surrounding scenery at a relaxed pace. Trains run back and forth along the same line.
There are four stations in total:
Next to the station building is the 19th Century Hall, which displays machinery, art, and technology associated with the 19th century. Exhibits include a large pipe organ and historic steam locomotives, including a C58-class locomotive.
The station complex also houses Diorama Kyoto Japan, one of Japan’s largest railway dioramas. It is an appealing stop for railway enthusiasts and families interested in miniature landscapes and trains.
All services operate under the name Sagano. The train traditionally consists of a diesel locomotive, DE10 class No. 1104, hauling five passenger cars converted from Toki 25000 freight wagons.
The carriages feature colors inspired by the Heian period, including vivid scarlet and golden yellow, evoking the elegance of Japan’s classical court culture. Black Art Deco-style patterns beneath the windows add a distinctive decorative touch.
Inside the carriages, wooden seats and exposed light bulbs create a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of an older railway era.
For passengers who want a closer connection with nature, there is an open-sided carriage known as The Rich. Its sides feature lattice-style railings instead of conventional window glass, providing unobstructed views of the gorge and allowing passengers to feel closer to the surrounding landscape.
All seats are reserved, and tickets generally go on sale one month before the travel date. Availability can vary, particularly during popular cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, so booking ahead is recommended.
The open-sided Rich carriage is especially exposed to the weather. Rain may leave the seats wet, so passengers should be prepared for the possibility of getting wet when traveling in rainy conditions. Check the current operating and ticketing arrangements before your visit.
Another famous attraction in the Hozugawa Gorge is the Hozugawa River Boat Ride, which offers a completely different perspective from the train.
Historically, the Hozu River, part of the Katsura River system, was used to transport timber from Kameoka to Kyoto. Today, visitors can travel approximately 16 kilometers downstream by boat, with the journey taking around two hours under typical conditions.
The route passes dramatic rock formations, enormous boulders, and striking natural scenery. Some stretches of the river are calm and peaceful, while others feature steep gradients and powerful rapids, where the boat surges through splashing water.
The changing pace of the river makes the experience exciting and varied. From the water, visitors can admire the gorge’s rugged cliffs and seasonal colors from a unique vantage point.
Whether you choose the leisurely railway journey or the more adventurous river trip, the Hozugawa Gorge offers an unforgettable way to experience Kyoto’s natural beauty.
Around 9:00 to 16:00
For details, see the reservation page.
One-way fare
Adult 800 yen
Children 4400 yen (6 years old and over, under 12 years old)
Trolley Saga Station: A short walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station
Trolley Kameoka Station: 10 min. walk from JR Umabori Station