A Foolproof Guide to the Sagano Romantic Train, Kyoto

The famous Sagano Romantic Train is a terrific way to explore rural Kyoto, this is a video to guide you through the necessary steps to book the tickets, take the ride and enjoy activities in the area.
Official online reservation page: www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/en/reserve.php
0:00 Intro
1:58 Sagano Scenic Line Overview and Route Recommendation
3:32 Ticket Options Comparison
5:04 Online Reservation Guide and Seat Preferences
7:47 Ticket Pickup Guide
9:13 Transport and Trip Planning
13:33 Summary

[@Will_Zhao]

Changes have been made to the ticketing system as of March 2024, you no longer make reservations through the JR website and pick up the paper ticket at a JR station, instead: 【1】Reserve tickets through their new online ticketing system at: ars-saganokanko.triplabo.jp/activity/en/LINKTIVITY-YRBTL (which can still be accessed through the Sagano Romantic Train website), you will get an e-ticket with a QR code. Show your QR code at a Torokko station to gain access. 【2】Day-of tickets are sold on a first come first serve basis at Saga Torokko (starting 8:35 am), Arashiyama Torokko (starting 8:50 am) and Kameoka Torokko(starting 9:10 am). Everything else presented in the video, including seat recommendations, access route etc. is unaffected and still relevant.

[@bonnietse378]

This video is SO WELL DONE! Now I know exactly how to get to the station (with ticket in hand) and how to get back. (That video clip of the cat on a Roomba was hilarious.) This video was so informative and easy to follow. I tried it and got my seats too, in the Rich Car Train! Your directions were spot on and will guarantee that we make it to and from our destination. Thank you!!!!!

[@Will_Zhao]

Glad it helped! 😘

[@ElainaLam]

You are doing gods work with this video. Hands down most helpful video I have watched in a long time! Thank you so much for putting so much time and effort into this!

[@nyatella]

why is the process more complicated than applying for the military... anyway thanks for all the information i searched online for over an hour for the most optimal itinerary and your info is gold thanks so much

[@jem1848]

Hands down the most helpful travel video I came across. You did a good job explaining everything and made my Kyoto itinerary much easier. Pls continue to help other travellers with your videos.

[@Will_Zhao]

Thanks, I will!

[@jambob169]

Oh man, just watched your Kyoto public transport video and was immediately recommended this. I'm in Kyoto this November and my main concerns were getting around, and getting on this train since tickets can't be booked very far in advance. Hoping to ride this train and then do the Hozugawa river boats on the way back if they're running again by then. Thanks for putting these together, they are SUPER helpful!

[@Sam_Leo1]

How was your trip?I'm going there soon also.I have a lot of time, how many days should I stay in Kyoto?

[@jambob169]

@@Sam_Leo1 It was amazing! We spent 5 days in Kyoto and managed to do most of the things we wanted - Fushimi Inari, went with a guide around Nanzenji, Ginkakuji and Philosopher's path area, went to Kinkakuji, around the Yasaka pagoda area, and checked out Kyomizudera. We spent an entire day heading to Arashiyama, catching the scenic train to Kameoka, catching the Hozugawa boat ride back, then walked over to Adashino Nenbutsuji. It was a busy itinerary but perfectly doable. There's still more I'd like to see, so could easily have filled 10 days, but 5 was enough to enjoy the main stuff.

[@HungryumProductions]

Fantastic, thanks for taking the confusion out of ordering these tickets. Can't wait to try this!

[@user-ug8rj9uq7c]

thank you for posting this! I am booking a trip for dec 2024 and always wanted to try the train! Your video was very helpful 😊

[@fpplim]

Great video. Will help in my planning. Your other videos too was an eye opener. Gonna get the day passes and hopefully be able to book this train ride.

[@jjbsnak95096]

This is really helpful and I am going to bookmark this video for our upcoming trip to Kyoto! Thank you so much!

[@chesuha]

thank you so so so much for this video!, we're leaving for our trip next week and quickly wanted to put this into our schedule but had no idea how to, ur a life saver tysm

[@ClippyTactical]

Thank you for making this, it's an excellent resource!

[@thelow5604]

I love this kind of info or useful tips! Thank you 😊

[@ngrace23]

the most helpful video im ever going to see my entire life

[@yyy___9279]

This is so helpful. Thank you for making the video!

[@daniellelbdv]

thank you so much for this detailed and incredibly helpful video! You answered every single question I could possibly have and soothed any bit of anxiety I had

[@seasaltlemon8237]

Fantastic. Thank you so much for the little details in the video. This is extremely helpful for my upcoming trip. Cheers

[@renaldorf]

I just came across one of your videos and watched them all in succession (apart from the Lutton town one). I felt like someone LIKE ME was giving me the tips, until you self-described as anxious holidays organiser and, at that point, I just I knew I could just follow every single tip. Thanks so much man, I'm going to the Kansai area this week and will still manage to score the Kyoto day pass

[@JA-fp2po]

Wow this guide is 🔥🔥🔥!!! Thank you for the amazing details and the effort to make such an awesome video!!

[@mimosa9638]

Dear Will, all I need is You and Google maps to travel the world until I drop. 🍁🌷🍁🌷 I will memorize all your transcripts to prevent Alzheimer as well. Gratitude from California 🙏

[@aryaiyagi]

This is one of the most helpful videos online. I will be visiting Japan soon ^^ Thanksss

[@mollyjohn1781]

Thank you for the perfect step by step details!!🙌

[@Curzon1999vie]

Wow! Thanks again!

[@YaShah13]

One of the best youtuber Hands down

[@fufu5068]

Thank you for this. Am returning to Kyoto in autumn, this time boarding the romantic train. I'm starting from Saga Torokko station and return to Togetsukyo by boarding the 2 hour Hozugawa river boat.

[@JeffYi]

We just purchased our tickets with the help of your guide! One thing that we were unaware of is that when you purchase your tickets online, they automatically assign a seat to you. Luckily we got seat 2C and 2D, so we sit along the south side.

[@Will_Zhao]

Yes that can be a bit confusing. Like mentioned in the video(briefly) that you are unable to pick a specific seat when booking online, you only choose from aisle/window.

[@JeffYi]

@@Will_Zhao We did not have the option to select aisle/window unfortunately, it only asked us if we wanted to sit together or if we wanted to sit separately. I think this is due to the fact that we bought 2 tickets instead of just 1. Luckily everything worked out and we really looking forward on exploring Japan! 😄

[@peterchua6540]

Great video! Used this for reference for a trip with my gf and I and everything went off without a hitch thanks to your advice! Thank you!

[@Will_Zhao]

It makes me so happy seeing people that watched the guide enjoyed their trips, thank you for the feedback!

[@ohlookitsalex]

this was very helpful and the memes made it even better, ty

[@myatsu5901]

First, I would like to appreciate your time and effort for making this video. I was struggling to buy tickets as all tickets had been sold out in most travel agents websites. Your video helps me a lot and finally I've bought our group tickets on this famous Sagano Train. Thanks again!

[@Will_Zhao]

Glad to be of help, enjoy your trip!😀

[@kuokimhong6590]

Thank you !! This video is so helpful .

[@cocoarecords]

Most helpful and practical vid🎉

[@KENNETHFRANCISRODRIGUES]

Thank you for your excellent guidance ❤

[@Bagellatte]

awesome video! Thanks for your tips! i was about to buy tickets for sagano but very confuse on where and which station.. 😅much thanks to your great video. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@chriswmao268]

Thank you souch for the video! Explained very well

[@fano1th]

New subscriber here! Will be going to Kyoto in November (as will several other people who posted - {{waves hi}}) and your videos are perfect! Lots of detail, fun (42!) and tight (I've discovered I don't have the time or patience to watch videos that ramble on and on). Thanks!

[@markaidan3020]

Thanka! Good job.

[@cassoroxwasmy11yearoldself]

Thanks for the information about it being closed in Feb. Disappointed it doesn't run, but at least I know now!

[@germainegoh313]

Thanks so much for the video

[@jeneelynsoriano9023]

Thank you for this informative video🎉

[@kuokimhong6590]

Thanks!

[@chiragganguly]

Very informative thanks

[@Lucario6804]

Just did this today, highly recommended! I made the mistake of going to Kameoka Station instead of Kameoka Torroko station, which made me miss a train unfortunately. Thankfully I got a standing ticket for the next train at Kameoka Torroko so it's worth pursuing a ticket at the station. Also, the views between Umahori and Kameoka is spectacular, even more so than the ride itself in my opinion.

[@Will_Zhao]

Yeah I knew people could get confused with JR Kameoka and Kameoka Torroko so I had to clarify that in the video 😅 Good to hear your trip went well!

[@Lucario6804]

@@Will_Zhao Yea it was entirely my fault, I woke up later than I should've and had to resort to a taxi and I in the moment, typed in Kameoka Station instead of Kameoka Torroko Station. Thankfully it all worked out in the end

[@pimpol3618]

i really like your clip. i got it.

[@piccadollie]

Thanks for providing a very detailed insights of the Sagano Romantic Train. I will definitely rewatch so I can follow your route. Just wondering if this route can apply to drivers who park at a location?

[@Will_Zhao]

It'll depend on where you plan to park the car, also a car parked would probably mean you'll take the train for a round trip. I'd imagine if you park at the Saga Torokko station and take the sagano romantic train to Kameoka torokko, then from Kameoka torokko to Arashiyama torokko, you can pretty much follow the route in the video on foot, just remember to visit the togetsukyo bridge before you get back to Saga Torokko station.

[@cecilia2737]

When we hop off at arashimaya torokko, can we hop back on with the same ticket in the same direction?

[@toxickingchristian2645]

whats the song you used for the video? its so catchy

[@MrGeralt53]

Thank you for this great video! When we claim the tickets we purchased online from one of the JR-West counters, is it also possible to make seat reservations at the ticket counter?

[@Will_Zhao]

I don't think you can unfortunately

[@sunnysun7064]

Hi thank for ur information i enjoy ur video. If i wanna go from saga torokko station to omeoka station then better i choose sit number 1,3 or 2,4? Thank u

[@Will_Zhao]

You should still go for even numbered seats as the train's orientation never changes.

[@isahiroishikawagaming7204]

I took the Sagano romantic train before when I was a kid.

[@Will_Zhao]

Cool, was it any different back then?

[@im6976]

How to use the Randen Trem

[@MrGeralt53]

Thank you for this great video! Can we use directly an ICOCA card for the fare of the train in the JR San-in Line? Or, do we have to purchase a ticket at the ticket machine or ticket counter?

[@Will_Zhao]

Yes you can use ic cards for the JR train, but not the sagano romantic train.

[@aleksandrak.4794]

Hi, thanks so much for making such a detailed video. I tried to make a reservation today, but it seems already fully booked. Any tips on when to try and book, like at what time, etc? Thanks

[@Will_Zhao]

Reservation becomes available one month prior to the departure date, if you can't reserve the tickets for the day of your choosing, you can try your luck at third party sites like klook, or you could get to the station early that day to get a day-of ticket, but that can be risky.

[@YaShah13]

Should I visit during day or evening

[@97blueberries]

Hey! Really informative and useful video that helped me purchase the Sagano Romantic Train tickets, especially the even number seat choice. However, I just want to clarify something you have mentioned in the video. You have mentioned to take the JR line to Umahori station and walk to Torokko Kameoka Station. Is this solely for the purpose of the scenic views along Umahori JR station -> Torokko Kameoka JR station? Because Torokko Kameoka is accessible directly from Kyoto JR station. Thanks in advance!

[@Will_Zhao]

It's not for the purpose of scenic views. As far as I know (at least up until my last visit in October), it was the fastest, and probably the only way to get to Torokko Kameoka without a car. There's even a sign in Kyoto Staion saying that to get to Torokko Kameoka you should get off at JR Umahori(check out the picture I posted in my community post). Also I'm pretty sure the Sagano Romantic Train operates on a standalone rail track that no other JR trains operate on. I did see a poster about a dedicated train from Kyoto for the Sagano-Arashiyama area in Kyoto Station. I didn't check the details, but I doubt it goes directly to Torokko Kameoka. Where did you get that info tho?

[@user-hu9eg7ck9b]

I recommend going to Kameoka by train, and coming back using the boats. (The boats are sent back to Kameoka by truck, so they're only one way.) (保津峡下り)

[@Yumilicious]

Whats the best way to book when trying to get seats next to your travel buddy? Aisle + Window?

[@valinedeleon]

Hi!! stumbled upon this vlog and it's super helpful, thank you!! ☺️ btw, are you allowed to pickup your online purchased ticket at the ticket counter any day prior to your scheduled trip? It doesn't have to be on the exact same day you ride the train right? Planning to claim it 2 days before our ride.

[@Will_Zhao]

Thank you! I believe you can pick up your ticket any time after you've booked it, so it should be fine

[@valinedeleon]

thank you!! 🙂@@Will_Zhao

[@marcuslew523]

Very detailed thank you very much! Question: if I arrive late ( missed my train) with my pre booked online tickets can I take the next / later train?

[@Will_Zhao]

It's very unlikely you'll be allowed directly onto the next train, I would suggest to change the dates of the tickets that you have on the JR website, which you can do as many times as you want before the intended departure time. Beware though, you have only 1 free chance to change dates after you've collected your tickets, chages after that will incur a 'handling fee' of ￥220. Check out this page for more details: www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/en/reserve.php

[@marcuslew523]

Very informative thank you!😊

[@yudhajitmukherjee1440]

How about doing it in reverse? Explore Arashiyama in the morning, when there are less crowds and then take the Sagano Romantic train in the afternoon?

[@StephanieFung]

Does the 1-day bus and subway pass cover the Randen Tram? I haven't been able to find this information anywhere so far. I guess probably easiest to use ICOCA?

[@Will_Zhao]

No, it does not, since randen is neither bus nor subway, so you'll have to go with icoca

[@Panda_Roll]

Thank you for the great guide. I booked a ticket for my March trip and I think they changed the process. Now you book your exact seat off the website and they set up an account for you that contains your E-ticket. The ticket becomes valid only on the same day with a QR-code generated on the date. You only have to show that to the attended, nothing else. Trouble is if your net is spotty that day you're in trouble because screenshots won't be accepted.

[@Will_Zhao]

Yeah they've decided to detach from the JR system. If you can now book your exact seat I'd say it's a win for all of us.

[@Panda_Roll]

@@Will_Zhao Yeah the exact seat and so long as there are empty seats you can switch it out for another in the same train (can't change trains or time though). I decided to take your recommendation and do the route in reverse to end up in arashiyama station.

[@jaja_ss4266]

Hi! Thanks for your guide. We are 4 in the party and I didn't get seats that are together unfortunately 😢 now, why did you not get the tickets in the machine? I'm scared to receive our tickets for our november trip.

[@Will_Zhao]

I have no idea why, it just won't let me and I had to go to a counter. Don't worry tho, going a counter always works.

[@pompomgurlll]

Hi, ideally what time should i start the whole trip? And by the time i leave from the bridge by bus/ train, what time would it be approx? Would there be enough time to go to Kinkakuji?

[@Will_Zhao]

We took the 9:30 Sagano train and left at around 15:30, but we really took our time there. Kinkakuji Temple closes at 5PM so if you want to go there on the same day you can't stay for too long at Arashiyama.

[@YunusHasan]

Wonderful video. I checked my days 3 weeks in advance and they are sold out online, will there be same day tickets availability?

[@Will_Zhao]

Have you tried different times on the same day? There will be same-day tickets but that's risky.

[@lexilivgrowingupvideos1191]

Hi, what if there's no more available seats on the website? Is there always an available ticket for standing room on the day? Thank you

[@Will_Zhao]

I heard there are day-of tickets sold at ticket counter/machines so you could also get up early and try your luck.

[@angelchong]

thank you for such a informative video. i have a separate question, i was planning to go to kinkakuji on the same day as the sagano romantic train. do you think it'd be enough time. it seems kinkaju ji is around 1 hr away by train

[@Will_Zhao]

We took the 9:30 Sagano train and left at around 15:30, but we really took our time there. Kinkakuji Temple closes at 5PM so if you want to go there on the same day you can't stay for too long at Arashiyama.

[@angelchong]

@Will_Zhao i didn't know it closes at 5 😮 thanks for the reply. look forward to more vids from you 🤗

[@ivanyufenstefanus8272]

hi, but if i follow your guide and take the first sagano romantic train at 10.30 AM.. that means once i arrived at arashiyama bamboo grove, it will already packed because the time isn't so early?

[@Will_Zhao]

Well, I think if you don't rent a car and drive, that's pretty much the best you can get.

[@ashlee0505]

Hi. If we are taking from Torokko Arashiyama station towards Torokko Kameoka station, is the recommended seats also the even numbered?

[@Will_Zhao]

Yup, the train does not turn around, it just go back and forth.

[@ashlee0505]

Thank you for your prompt reply! 😊

[@randymarsh2468]

Hi, very great video, thanks! Is the same train also riding backwards on the same tracks? Meaning if you go from Arashiyama to Kameoka even number seats would also have a better view? Cheers!

[@Will_Zhao]

I'm quite sure that to be the case. The official seating guide(shown at 06:49) points the locomotive towards east regardless of the trip. However, do be aware that going from Arashiyama to Kameoka heading west, those sit facing south would have better views of the ravine for the first ~1/3 of the ride, then switch.

[@vivilam4842]

So just confirming - then from A to K - better to take odd numbers? Or still stick to even number seats? Also the earliest train is 10.05am from K?

[@Will_Zhao]

@@vivilam4842 always go for even if you can. Earliest train from K is 9:30, you can find the timetable here:www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/en/jikoku.php

[@vivilam4842]

Many thanks! Appreciated this video - was very helpful

[@hansiang87]

so in conclusion, there is no way to select seat if we book our ticket online via the official web? so it's really based on luck of the seat arrangement and whether we are given even number?

[@Will_Zhao]

Unfortunately yes. You only have the option to choose from either widow or aisle.

[@LibertaliaExplorer]

Does the 1-day bus/metro Kyoto pass cover all these locations?

[@Will_Zhao]

Not all of them, the trip to Umahori/Kameoka Torokko can only reached by JR. But if you take the romantic train from the saga/arashiyama side and plan to do a round trip, you can avoid having to go to Umahori/Kameoka Torokko station. But not sure if that'd fit your itinerary.

[@KwokThoongTan]

Not sure if it's a mistake in the video about the seats, but isn't it better to get even numbered seats for Arashiyama - Kameoka instead? Whereas Kameoka - Arashiyama should be getting odd numbered seats for the view? Based on how i understand the train functions. But please let me know! Thank you!!

[@Will_Zhao]

The train just hit reverse on it's way back, so the same seats always face the same direction.

[@shishanth9]

How early can you pick up your tickets or does it have to be done the same day?

[@Will_Zhao]

I think you can pick up your tickets as soon as you've made your reservation.

[@dxdon1000]

every time slot is booked out until from 3/29 to 4/02. probably will camp out on day-of tickets are sold.

[@Thesadsadgame]

I may have missed this but does the JR pass cover this train?

[@Will_Zhao]

No unfortunately.

[@fuugakiishihara6759]

Hi, is there any mistake in the seat recommendation part? Because your example is from Kameoka to Arashiyama but the image you showed is "to Kameoka" so it's the opposite direction. If I choose the even-numbered seats, shouldn't I go from Arashiyama to Kameoka instead? Thank you

[@Will_Zhao]

The train does not turn around at the end of a trip, so even numbered seats would always offer the best view.

[@fuugakiishihara6759]

@@Will_Zhao oh I see 😍 thank you very much for the information

[@neena18]

I tried reserving seats online but it says "the route is not selectable' :( It's probs because I'm going during peak season which is last week of November to 1st week of December

[@Will_Zhao]

Try choosing a different time of day by clicking on the 'later trains' button. But it is THE most busy season you've picked to take the train so it can be hard to get a ticket. Also, day-of tickets are sold at ticket counters so you could also get up early that day and try your luck.

[@dxdon1000]

After watching this detail video and looking at the change in system. there seems to be some tickets that are not sold online, and you have to be here. I was able to get three tickets today, but with an hour wait. again, your luck may vary on situation.

[@Will_Zhao]

There have always been day-of tickets sold at the Torokko stations as far as I know.

[@IvanMiljenovic]

In Kyoto Station at least, you can't buy tickets in person any more: they say the system changed recently and you can only buy online.

[@Will_Zhao]

Well that sucks. I'll pin a message so people would know. Thanks for the info.

[@IvanMiljenovic]

@@Will_Zhao booking online now let's you choose seats though!

[@Will_Zhao]

Yeah, so I've heard, that's pretty cool, you also get to change seats for up to three times.@@IvanMiljenovic

[@IvanMiljenovic]

Something people will want to take note: Torokko Arashiyama station requires a lot of steps to exit, so if you are travelling with mobility-impaired people (in my case a baby - so had a stroller to carry as well - and elderly parents) it can be challenging.

[@michelleliew734]

I am going crazy. Can't enter my name in English. Keep asking for Katakana letters on the JR website. What else can I do? Help pls trying to book Friday tickets

[@Will_Zhao]

Tried it just now and don't have that issue at all. Have you tried typing your name somewhere else and copy it to the info box?

[@michelleliew734]

@willzhao3288 I realised I got the wrong website. All sorted. Tq

[@user-uv3oo8iq9j]

i booked online and it let me pick seats.... making sure I did this correctly. got confirmation email and no code to punch in the midori machine.... instructions that were emailed to me never said anything about picking up at the JR station either and in the email, it had a button to click and or scan to use ticket..... hmmmmmmm....

[@Will_Zhao]

They've detached from the JR ticketing services and switched to a standalone system, that's probably why.

[@KahSing82]

Actually u shud go the other direction cos u could take the boat ride back for a different experience, of course that is optional but that is even more optimised way to use the route

[@Will_Zhao]

Yes that could be an option.

[@seanbridges3075]

🤌🏻

[@sims6990]

After seeing, I don't think I need to watch any more videos

[@Will_Zhao]

Such an honour, thanks!

[@DanielFortiz]

Thanks for sharing! It was so helpful. Btw, it seems like the online reservation system have been updated and now you can select your seats :) I'm considering to start the route in Arashiyama station son I can take a walk through the bamboo forest, early, before it gets too crowdy. And then take the romantic train to Kameoka . Do you recomend to take the train again to get back to Arashiyama and continue the rest of the this route or is there a better way to get back? Thank you!!

[@pmmakeup5316]

You really need your passport???

[@felifelifelifeli8728]

I'm staying in kyoto until 29/2/2024 🥲🫠 wanting to go on this train really bad