The Sagano Romantic Train follows a river through the mountains west of Kyoto’s Arashiyama district.
Sagano Romantic Train in Autumn – image © Rail Man Photo Office
The Sagano Romantic Train runs through the mountains between Kyoto’s Arashiyama district and the small city of Kameoka. It’s a great way to enjoy some mountain and river scenery in western Kyoto. Many people take the train west from Saga Arashiyama to Kameoka and then take the Hozu-gawa Riverboats down the Hozu-gawa River back to Kyoto.
Sagano Romantic Train Route Map
This map summarises the route taken by the Sagano Romantic Train. You can also find an interactive Google map further down the page.

Visit the Sagano Romantic Train official website for timetables, images of the seats and compartments, information about destinations, and more.
Enjoying the colors from the train – image © Rail Man Photo Office
Schedules
You can get timetables from the official Sagano Romantic Train website.
Sagano Romantic Train Google Map
You can zoom into this Google map of the Sagano Romantic Train route, as well as using it to get directions to different points along the route.
Reservations
- Buy same-day tickets at any Torokko station.
- Buy tickets from any JR West Station in Japan.
- Buy tickets online from Klook.
Fares
¥880/¥440 adults/children.
Japan’s Special Trains
Here are the other special luxury, sleeper, cuisine and sightseeing trains:
- Gran Class Shinkansen (JR East)
- Saphir Odoriko (JR East)
- 36+3 (JR Kyushu)
- Aru Ressha (JR Kyushu)
- Fuji Excursion (JR East)
- Kyo Train Garaku (Hankyu Line)
- Resort Shirakami (JR East)
- Shimakaze (Kintetsu Line)
- Shikoku Cuisine Trains (JR Shikoku)
- Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumi (JR Central and West)
- Kurobe Gorge Railway (Kurobekeikoku Tetsudo)
- Sagano Romantic Train (Sagano Scenic)
- Train Suite Shiki-Shima (JR East)
- Twilight Express Mizukaze (JR West)
- West Express Ginga (JR West)
- Seven Stars in Kyushu (JR Kyushu)
- Japan Special Trains home page
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help