About Sagano Scenic Railway

This railway began operation in April 1991 and is a railway connecting Saga and Kameoka. It goes through Arashiyama from Sagano, along the Hozu Valley, and goes up the Tamba Kameoka over a distance of 7.3km.  The view from the train is fantastic and you can enjoy cherry blossoms, summer greenery, autumn leaves, and silver snow throughout the four seasons.

Photo opportunities

The train is a 5-car diesel locomotive. On some of the trains the five cars have no windows and an open "The Rich" design. The scenery is beautiful to look at from these cars and there are various short stops where you can snap a photograph from the train while it is holding still. At various stops along the way you can enjoy strolling on Arashiyama. At Hozu Station there is a suspension bridge you can walk on and enjoy a beautiful view from here. The hiking trail at the JR Kameoka station is also recommended. At Kameoka Station also you’ll find the Kameyama Castle, an ancient castle ruins from the warlord era, as well as the Yunohana Onsen. Another popular attraction is to go down through Kameoka and Arashiyama by boat, about 16km.

Stations also sell original goods for railway fans. The starting station contains Japan’s largest railway diorama, preserved in the "19^th Century Hall".

Access

The starting point at Saga Station is adjacent to the JR Saga Arashiyama Station (亀岡駅). There is parking, so you can come by car.

The railway runs 8 -10 times per day from 9:00 to 15:00, about one per hour. You can buy advance tickets at the JR West’s "Green Window" or travel companies, tickets can be bought about a month in advance. Day tickets sold at Saga, Arashiyama, and Kameoka stations are on a first-come-first-serve basis. "The Rich" lines are only sold on the day those trains run.