Kyoto Arashiyama Adventure: Complete Sagano Train & Sightseeing Guide 🚂

Arashiyama’s bamboo groves, Japanese gardens, retro sightseeing train, and vibrant fall maples perfectly capture the essence of Japanese beauty!

Seen that charming train all over social media but not sure how to catch it ❓

Here’s your step-by-step guide to Arashiyama—save it for your trip!

🚂 Arashiyama Sagano Scenic Train: The Complete Guide

How to Get There ❓

Recommended Route: Kameoka Station → Arashiyama Station (about 25 minutes)

❗ Important Notes:

- Use “Sagano Scenic Railway Kameoka Station,” not “JR Kameoka Station”!
- From Kyoto, take the JR San-in Main Line to Umahori Station, then walk ~10 minutes to the scenic train’s Kameoka Station.
- ⚠️ Avoid getting off at JR Kameoka Station—it’s farther away!

👉 Why This Route? No backtracking, and you can walk straight to top spots like the bamboo path or Tenryu-ji Temple after. Return to Kyoto via JR Sagano-Arashiyama Station on the JR San-in Main Line.

🎫 How to Buy Tickets ❓

1️⃣ Online Booking: Reserve up to a month in advance on the official website (English available).
2️⃣ On-Site: Risky—tickets often sell out.
3️⃣ Trip App: Search “Sagano Scenic Railway” for Kameoka-Sagano round-trip tickets (note: no stops at intermediate stations).

💰 Price: 880 JPY/adult (official rate).

❗ Pro Tip: During peak seasons (cherry blossoms 🌸 or fall maples), tickets sell out fast—especially for Car 5! Book early.

💺 Best Seats ❓

🌟 Car 5 (Open-Air Car): Designed with no windows for unobstructed views of the scenery, it’s more immersive than Cars 1-4.
🌟 Seats A or D: Window-side spots (or open edges in Car 5) for the best Hozugawa River Valley views.

Key Tips:

❗ Operating Schedule: The train pauses operations in winter (usually Dec 31–Mar 1) and most Wednesdays (except holidays). Check the official website to avoid issues.

❗ Weather Note: Car 5 is open-air, so you might get wet in rain ☔. Umbrellas aren’t allowed for safety reasons.

After enjoying the Hozugawa River’s natural beauty from the train, hop off to explore Arashiyama’s must-see spots:

1️⃣ Sagano Bamboo Path
A lush bamboo grove, perfect for stunning photos.

2️⃣ Tenryu-ji Temple
A UNESCO site with intricate buildings and a serene Japanese garden. Take your time to feel the calm.

3️⃣ Nonomiya Shrine
Surrounded by a unique black torii gate. A peaceful gem in any season.

4️⃣ Togetsukyo Bridge
Iconic and beautiful, ideal for a slow stroll under the trees.

For a taste of Kyoto’s laid-back charm, Arashiyama is a must-visit. Its quiet beauty shines year-round, calling you back again and again!

Search 🔍 Kyoto Local Guide for more insider tips.

#japantravel #kyotoadventures #arashiyama #saganoscenictrain