Sagano Romantic Train
Sagano Romantic Train
3.9
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Saga Torokko Station - Kameoka Torokko Station
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Western Kyoto
Western Kyoto is home to some of the city's best eccentricities. Kyoto's Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street takes visitors back in time to the Meiji Period, where old homes have been transformed into tea houses and eateries. Pleasure boats drift down the riverbank, under wooden bridges that beckon nature lovers to hiking trails and botanical walks. The area's famously tall bamboo groves, monkey park, and impressive vistas during the Hanami cherry blossom viewing season mean that it is busiest in warmer months, though also gorgeous in the fall, when the mountains and hills along the banks turn multi-colored. Historic and engaging, even the rail cars in Western Kyoto seek to exemplify its traditional nature and scenic beauty. Many people, including natives, come to visit the 1,200 rakan statues at the Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, which is still in use as a religious site.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.9
936 reviews
Excellent
284
Very good
395
Average
175
Poor
37
Terrible
45
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orirune
Fukuoka, Japan1,026 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
On the afternoon of Sunday, November 24, I boarded a round trip from Saga to Kameoka
I knew autumn foliage viewing in Kyoto was very crowded, so I chose this trolley with seats to reserve in advance
This year in Kyoto, the colors of the autumn leaves were not good, but the contrast between the gentle river flow of the Hozu River and the colors of the trees was very beautiful and soothing
It costs about 30 minutes one way and costs 880 yen, so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery sitting in your seat so you can enjoy the autumn colors cost-effectively
It's just the wind is cold and pretty cold, so we recommend riding well to protect against the cold
I knew autumn foliage viewing in Kyoto was very crowded, so I chose this trolley with seats to reserve in advance
This year in Kyoto, the colors of the autumn leaves were not good, but the contrast between the gentle river flow of the Hozu River and the colors of the trees was very beautiful and soothing
It costs about 30 minutes one way and costs 880 yen, so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery sitting in your seat so you can enjoy the autumn colors cost-effectively
It's just the wind is cold and pretty cold, so we recommend riding well to protect against the cold
Automatically translated
Written December 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
龍雄 中塚
Chuo, Japan1,452 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
To be honest, I didn't expect there to be such a large number of reservations. Two days before the website showed it was empty, but on the day of the trip it was almost fully booked.
The JR trains up to that point were also fully booked. The cherry blossom season was coming to an end, but it was still amazing.
The conductor also performed on the microphone, and it seemed like a well-run trolley that made money with a small number of people.
It was an enjoyable 20 minutes.
The JR trains up to that point were also fully booked. The cherry blossom season was coming to an end, but it was still amazing.
The conductor also performed on the microphone, and it seemed like a well-run trolley that made money with a small number of people.
It was an enjoyable 20 minutes.
Written April 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elsa C. L.
New York City, NY5,263 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
Sagano Train
Take bus 28
from Kyoto Station. It takes an hour to get to the Nonomiya bus stop.
Cross the road and keep walking straight until you have to turn right along a black fence towards the Saga Torokko station.
The staff don’t take a printed voucher of tickets purchased online. A ticket counter staff told us to go to access the email. This required entry of my hubby’s email to which a code was sent that I needed to enter on my phone in order to get the QR code.
The train travels through a scenic valley with mountains on both sides and the Hozugawa River below.
Seats D & C face forward. Seats A& B face the back and may be a challenge for those with motion sickness.
Take bus 28
from Kyoto Station. It takes an hour to get to the Nonomiya bus stop.
Cross the road and keep walking straight until you have to turn right along a black fence towards the Saga Torokko station.
The staff don’t take a printed voucher of tickets purchased online. A ticket counter staff told us to go to access the email. This required entry of my hubby’s email to which a code was sent that I needed to enter on my phone in order to get the QR code.
The train travels through a scenic valley with mountains on both sides and the Hozugawa River below.
Seats D & C face forward. Seats A& B face the back and may be a challenge for those with motion sickness.
Written October 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JiJi
Tokyo, Japan116 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We made a reservation five days in advance, but were surprised that the train was almost full even though it was a weekday. Although we ended up sitting apart from our companions, we were able to sit in Rich Car No. 5. About 80% of the passengers were foreign tourists, but since the train was an old one, the seats were narrow. Some passengers had to stand. The conductor guided us and even sang for us, which was fun. We didn't have time, so we just got back on the train, but it seems that many people take the trolley on the way there and go down the Hozu River on the way back.
Written May 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dungmiakem
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam577 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
better save this train for fall or winter. it is beautiful, the train itself to staff manner and the scenic view along the way. recommend that you should buy the ticket in advance due to this sight 's popularity
Written June 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
houndy11
Singapore, Singapore237 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
So, if you want a seat do book in advance. For us, we did it last minute so we only got standing. From kyoto to kameoka, do take the seat on the right hand side. Summer views are hmm green, as someone use to green leaves is not a wow factor but it would be nicer in other seasons. Coming back you can take a Jr train from a station further down the road. It is also an onward to the boat ride back too.
Written August 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vtravel
Bologna, Italy314 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
We took this train in April, so during the cherry blossom, the route is very pretty, although it was a rainy day and it was nice to see the route surrounded by forest and cherry blossoms. We took the train from Arashiyama station, then we killed two birds with one stone, arrived at Kameoka station, not having the return ticket because it was sold out, we found clear directions to take the train back. An experience that we loved, I had the opportunity to go during the foliage definitely would return hoping to take it there and back. Sit on the right side direction of travel to get the best direction
Automatically translated
Written September 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FlyAtNight
Brooklin, Canada3,628 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
This 30 minute train ride above the Hozugawa River could have been much better if the conductor didn't talk the entire time, and only in Japanese. If you do decide to take this trip, book seats on the right side for better views. We took the Hozugawa River Boat Ride back, which was much better.
Written September 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zhuoyue
China19 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Tour Arashiyama on an old-fashioned train (open air without air conditioning) and the conductors are enthusiastic, driving everyone's emotions and interacting and singing. You can also wave hello to tourists rafting in the mountain streams next to you. It's a great experience. 👌🏻
Automatically translated
Written August 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pejalan Kaki Biasa
24 contributions
Oct 2024 • Solo
Tend to enjoy nature while in Kansai? Then you can experience by riding this enjoyable train. This journey will take around 25 minutes and it offers spectacular views of the wonderful scenery of Hozu River.
Written October 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a website or travel company to buy Sagano Romantic Train ticker in Advance? We will be traveling during Cherry Blossom so I definitely want to reserve my seats.
Written January 8, 2023
Hi, i bought the tickets online. May i check can i collect the ticket from the station few days before the actual date? Or i can only collect on actual day of my scheduled ticket?
Written December 1, 2019
I do not know if you bought the ticket from the same website or company as I did or not. For me it states clearly that you can pick up your ticket any day convenient to you BUT YOU HAVE TO PICK THE TICKET AT JR KYOTO STATION NOT AT SAGA TRAIN STATION NOR ANY JR STATION. I recommend you to check if what I said is true for your case so you have enough time to get to JR Kyoto station to pick up your ticket. And at JR Kyoto station there is specific wicket to pick up ticket made from online reservation. It is the most left line. Just ask staff there. You do not have to wait in line.
Written December 2, 2019
嵐山から亀岡へ乗るとして、座席ボックス番号は偶数、座席はA(窓側)とB(通路)が進行方向に向かってのお席になります。
Written November 21, 2019
Is it possible to prepurchase tickets online? Or only in Kyoto?
Written October 20, 2018
I had reservation tourist train ticket on oct 26 at pm 2:00 on internet, but I got it wrong for origin-destination, could I change the ticket information to get right station?
Written October 10, 2018
I think that change fee will be taken.
Please consult at the Ticket counter of JR-west.
Written October 18, 2018
Hi, i'm planning to ride the train from Torokko Kameoka Station and stop at Torokko Arashiyama Station because i want to visit Bamboo Forest nearby. But the problem is, can i resume my journey after that to Torokka Saga Station so that i can catch the train back to Osaka?
Thankyou for your reply in advanced!
Written October 4, 2018
We walked down through the Bamboo forest which was fascinating and simply boarded the train again at the lower station.
Written October 5, 2018
Can i buy the tickets online in advance?
I will be landing in Tokyo and go to Kyoto straight via shinkansen in early December (so it’s mimiji). And will go to Arashiyama the next day.
I saw articles that purchasing advanced tickets can only be done in JR stations in Kansai area. However, where can i buy it online and get it delivered to our hotel?? Please help
Thanks!!
Written September 12, 2018
Their website says you are able to buy tickets in advance, but not online:
Tickets can be bought from Midori-no-Madoguchi counters at major JR West stations, or at major domestic travel agencies, beginning at 10 a.m. on the day 1 month prior to your ride date.
You can also purchase tickets at the following locations:
Central Japan Travel Center, Chubu Centrair International Airport
Kansai Tourist Information Center, Daimaru Shinsaibashi
Kansai Tourist Information Center, Kyoto
But if you're going to buy them on the day, they can sell out pretty quickly and you'll be left with standing only tickets. My advice for on the day sales would be to get there early, buy your ticket, then go check out the bamboo forest which is just around the corner.
Written September 22, 2018
There are many conflicting views from great to "not worth" type. so quite confusing. Also need to book a 20 mins joy train journey in advance is little not-understandable? I planning to be in Qyoto for 3 days in April/ May. Any thoughts?
Written December 2, 2017
On the right seat in fall (changing leaves season)is one of the best time for this romantic train with light up at night along the way. It's really enjoyable but need advaced booking. But spring time is also ok gor blooming flowers along the way.
Written December 2, 2017
I intend to take the 10:01am train from Saga. For the return train from Kameoka, do I book 10:29am slot? Do you know if passengers have to alight and board from another platform? Do I have to book 11:29am in order to have sufficient time to queue for the return train back to Saga? Thank you.
Written November 29, 2017
Yes, book the 10:29 am return! Do not book the 11:29 am train. I went one-way, but this is what I saw and heard as I was getting off the train: people who were returning to Saga-Arashiyama stayed on the same train and apparently already had tickets to do so. I think it loads quickly (as all trains appear to do in Japan) and just goes back the same way it came. I'm pretty sure there's only one track. Kameoka is a very small station. No worries even if you do have to get off the train for some reason. Definitely buy both legs of your trip in advance. It's popular and crowded, particularly this time of year (i.e., fall foliage viewing).
Written November 29, 2017
Planning to take the the Sagano Romantic Train after the Bamboo forest walk this December.
Is it possible to start from Torokko Arashiyama (instead of Torokko Saga-Arashiyama) to Kameoka Station? Is it recommended to purchase tickets in advance? Thanks.
Written October 21, 2017
The trains did not stop at the station, but I think you can request it to stop. I am unsure about tickets.
Written November 11, 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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