The Sagano Romantic Train at a glance
The Sagano Romantic Train is the small sightseeing train that runs through the Hozu gorge. It is not the normal JR Sagano Line. It stops at four stations: Torokko Saga, Torokko Arashiyama, Torokko Hozukyō and Torokko Kameoka. The ride covers about 7 km and takes roughly 25 minutes.
Most people ride it one way to Kameoka and then either come back on the same train line or continue down the river by boat. The train follows the Hozu closely, so the views change on both sides of the carriage.
Our picks: tours with the Romantic Train
Our take: if you cannot get train seats yourself, a tour with the ticket is the reliable way. The tour with train, boat and bamboo walk is the most complete, the one from Kyoto Station adds the bus.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Romantic Train, Hozu river boat and bamboo forest
- Sagano Romantic Train ticket
- Hozugawa boat ticket
- Bamboo forest walk
Both rides with the tickets sorted, which saves you booking them yourself. The onsen is optional and paid extra.
Check availability →
Romantic Train and Hozu boat from Kyoto Station
- Bus ride
- One-way Romantic Train ticket
- Hozugawa boat ride
A bus takes you from Kyoto Station to the train, and you return by boat. The train ticket is one-way.
Check availability →Hozu valley tours with the train and the river
Sightseeing combinations around Arashiyama and the Hozu valley, with current prices and availability. Check what each tour includes before you book.
Fares, children and seats
Fares in JPY, as last announced by the railway. Check the current fare when you book, as the booking page is the final word.
| Passenger | Single fare | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Adults, age 12 and over | JPY 880 | Last announced September 2025 |
| Children, 6 to under 12 | JPY 440 | A 12-year-old in elementary school still counts as a child |
| Toddlers with their own seat | Child fare | Pays the child fare |
| Toddlers without a seat | Free | One per paying companion |
| Rich car No. 5 | – | Selected online; check the booking page for any supplement |
Seat tickets are reserved seats. A limited number of standing places are sold only after all seats are gone. At the stations there is no advance sale, only day-of tickets, and none at Torokko Hozukyō.
Which car to pick
Cars 1 to 4 have windows. Car No. 5 is the open car, sometimes called the Rich car, and it is the one most visitors want. You can choose it online when you book. It is open to the weather, so seats can get wet in the rain, and umbrellas are not allowed in the car.
If the forecast looks wet, a windowed car is the more comfortable choice. If the day is clear, the open car gives the clearest view of the gorge and the river below.
Booking, season and timetable
The train runs on a yearly calendar with special trains on some dates.
Book at 00:00, one month ahead
Online sales open one month before the ride at 00:00 Japan time. Popular days in spring and autumn are the first to go, so book on the first day if you have a fixed date.
Timetable example
A sample timetable: Saga 09:02 to Kameoka 09:25, and Kameoka 09:30 to Saga 09:56. Check the direction and the exact train you book, as the ride time varies slightly.
Season 2026
The 2026 season started on 1 March. Most Wednesdays are rest days, and winter is usually a break from 30 December to the end of February. Check the yearly calendar for exceptions.
New trains from 2027
The railway has announced new cars for spring 2027. The current cars retire after the 2026 season, so details like the open car may change.
Train and river boat in one morning
The train goes from Saga to Kameoka, and the Hozugawa river boat ride goes from Kameoka back to Arashiyama. They are separate tickets and separate operators, with a short transfer between them. The boat operator suggests booking the boat about one hour after your train leaves.
As a planning example: train from Saga at 09:02, arrival in Kameoka at 09:25, boat at 10:00. This is an example, not a guaranteed connection, so leave time between the two. The transfer bus from Kameoka to the boat landing takes about 15 minutes and costs about JPY 500. The Torokko Kameoka station is about a 5-minute walk from JR Umahori station.
Once you are back in Arashiyama, the Tenryū-ji garden and the bamboo path make a natural next stop.
Plan the rest of your visit
Sagano Romantic Train: frequently asked questions
How long is the Sagano Romantic Train ride?
The route is about 7 km and takes roughly 25 minutes between Torokko Saga and Torokko Kameoka. The exact time depends on the train and the direction.
How much does the ticket cost?
The last announced single fare is JPY 880 for adults and JPY 440 for children. Check the current fare when you book, as the booking page is the final word.
Can I buy tickets at the station?
There is no advance sale at the stations. Online sales open one month ahead at 00:00 Japan time. Day-of tickets are sold at the stations, except at Torokko Hozukyō.
Is the open car worth choosing?
Car No. 5 is open and gives the clearest view, but seats can get wet in the rain and umbrellas are not allowed. Select it online when you book. Cars 1 to 4 have windows.
When does the train run?
The 2026 season started on 1 March. Most Wednesdays are rest days and there is usually a winter break from 30 December to the end of February. The yearly calendar lists special trains and exceptions.
Can I combine the train with the river boat?
Yes. Take the train to Kameoka and the boat back to Arashiyama. Book the boat about one hour after the train leaves, and allow time for the transfer.