Saga Torokko Station — Local services in Kyoto

This is where you would go for the Sagano Romantic Train - highly recommended to purchase the tickets online as the ride is very popular, and ticket availability is very limited at the counter on the day. There are only 5 cars for the train, and Car 5 is the semi-open one (i.e. has roof but no windows). During the cold months, if you’re scared of the cold, might wanna avoid Car 5. Took the ride on 10 Dec 2024. One option to enjoy the best of both worlds - take the 4.02pm ride from Saga Torokko Stn when you still have daylight, and then immediately take the 4.30pm train back from Kameoka which would be during sunset and the night illuminations would begin. Sit on different sides for both legs, but note both sides of the train will enjoy views of the river since first half of the ride river will be on the left and then final half of the ride river will be on the right. (Ps: the singing in the second video was the conductor singing the song ‘Melodies of...

I recently visited this train station and unfortunately had a very disappointing experience with the customer service. One of the staff members working at the customer assistance desk (pictured) was extremely rude and unprofessional. Instead of helping us with our questions, they laughed in our faces and repeatedly called us "stupid." This behavior was completely unacceptable and made an already stressful situation much worse. Train stations should be places where travelers can feel supported, especially when they're facing issues or need help. Being treated with such disrespect was both shocking and upsetting. I sincerely hope the management takes this kind of behavior seriously and ensures that their staff treats people with the basic respect and professionalism everyone deserves. I have the picture of the worker I’m talking about, I can’t upload it for privacy, but she was a girl, I met her today...

The JR-line Sagano scenic railway gateway to Torokko - Kameoka Romantic train (1991). Not really romantic as it is always fully booked and diesel, but still a Disney-like spectacle when vintage train pulls along a very scenic route by the Katsura river. Save yourself the hassle by pre-booking the tickets online and collecting the physical tickets at any JR stations or main Saga-Arashiyama Station beforehand. Torokko station can be crowded with tourist loads and chaotic. The open concept train is wooden and rickety fun. Scenic views appears on both sides of train at different times, and there are on board photographers to capture the special moment at JPY1400 up (just like Disneyland). You can journey West to East or vice versa, although the former seems more scenic whereas for latter you can alight at Torokko Arashiyama (station before Torokko) to journey DOWN the Arahiyama bamboo forest to...