Torokko Saga Station

In short

The departure station on the Kyoto side for the Sagano Romantic Train of the Sagano Scenic Railway, adjacent to Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR Sagano Line. The romantic train began operations in 1991, making use of tracks that were no longer used after the double-tracking of the JR San'in Line. It runs the 7.3 kilometers to Torokko Kameoka Station in about 25 minutes, with the Hozu River below. The train usually runs from March 1 to December 29 and is out of service in January and February.

• ​19th Century Hall​​: Real, restored steam locomotives, including the D51, are on display, along with a Bösendorfer grand piano and a large organ
• ​Diorama Kyoto JAPAN​​: A large railway diorama that recreates the sights, temples, and shrines of Kyoto in fine detail, with models of the Shinkansen and limited express trains running through the cityscape
• ​The gorge through the seasons​​: You can enjoy different scenery each season, including cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and the withered fields or snowy landscapes of winter

History and Highlights

​Torokko Saga Station​ is the departure station on the Kyoto side for the Sagano Romantic Train operated by the Sagano Scenic Railway. It is easily recognized by its brick-style building, adjacent to Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR Sagano Line. Inside the station, alongside the ticket counter for the romantic train, there is also a ticket counter for the Hozugawa River Boat Ride.

The Sagano Scenic Railway was founded in 1990 to make scenic use of tracks that were no longer used following the double-tracking of the JR San'in Line. It began operations on April 27, 1991, running 7.3 kilometers from Torokko Saga Station to Torokko Kameoka Station. There are four stations: Torokko Saga, Torokko Arashiyama, Torokko Hozukyo, and Torokko Kameoka. Looking down at the Hozu River and passing through eight tunnels, the train arrives in Kameoka in about 25 minutes. The current station building was built in 1997.

Viewing and Experience Points

• ​19th Century Hall​​: A hall attached to the station where real, restored steam locomotives are on display. On view are the D51, C56, and C58, as well as the "Wakataka-go," which was modified in 1939 by students at the Takatori Factory technical apprentice school. A Bösendorfer grand piano favored by 19th-century composers and a large organ are also exhibited.
• ​Diorama Kyoto JAPAN​​: A large railway diorama exquisitely recreating the sights, temples, and shrines of Kyoto. HO-scale models of the Shinkansen and limited express trains run through the cityscape, accompanied by displays featuring starry skies and town lights.
• ​Into the Seasonal Gorge​​: The train runs leisurely along the Hozu River at about the speed of a fast bicycle. Visitors can enjoy different scenery each season, including cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and the withered fields or snowy landscapes of winter.

Travel Tips

The romantic train generally runs from March 1 to December 29 and is out of service in January and February. It is also about a 5-minute walk from Randen-Saga Station on the Randen line. Walking west from the station for about 600 meters leads to Nonomiya-jinja Shrine, and heading further west brings you to Tenryu-ji Temple and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Togetsukyo Bridge is about 700 meters to the southwest. From the final stop at Torokko Kameoka Station, it is easy to reach the Hozugawa River Boat Ride, offering the option to connect to a boat trip back down the river.