Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s most popular areas for autumn leaves, and it is also a good place to see the season from a moving seat. Two well-known rides run through the hills and river valley beside it: the Sagano Scenic Railway and the Hozugawa River Boat Ride. This guide explains what each one is and how to plan your booking. For the sights on foot, see our guide to Kyoto autumn leaves by area.

Step 1: Know the two rides

The Sagano Scenic Railway is a sightseeing train. According to the operator’s official website, its stations are Torokko Saga, Torokko Arashiyama, Torokko Hozukyo and Torokko Kameoka, and the route passes through the Hozu River gorge.

The Hozugawa River Boat Ride takes you down the river from Kameoka to Arashiyama. According to the operator’s official website, the course is about 16 kilometers and takes about two hours.

Step 2: Decide whether to ride one or both

Both rides follow the same river valley, so many visitors choose one. If you have a full day for the area, you could ride one and spend the rest of the day on foot around Arashiyama. Keep in mind that the Kyoto City Official Travel Guide says the bamboo grove and Togetsu-kyo Bridge are always crowded, so a ride can be a good way to see the area from a different angle.

Step 3: Book ahead for the train

The Sagano Scenic Railway says tickets may sell out, and that the number of tickets sold on the departure day is limited. Tickets can also be bought at the station counters on the day, except at Hozukyo Station. If your dates are fixed, it is safer to book before you travel.

Step 4: Check the operating dates before you book

Operating days and timetables depend on the season, and both operators publish them on their own websites. Check the operator’s calendar for your date before you book, and check it again before you travel.

Step 5: Plan the rest of your day

Arashiyama is busy in autumn. If you also plan to walk the area, see our guide to Kyoto autumn leaves by area for how to plan one area per day. If you are looking for a place to stay, see our guide on where to stay in Kyoto in autumn.

Where to book

Sagano Romantic Train tickets are sold on Klook. According to the Klook listing, each direction (Saga to Kameoka, or Kameoka to Saga) is sold separately, the ride takes about 25 minutes, and tickets come with free cancellation if you cancel at least 48 hours ahead. Klook also says train schedules and suspensions vary by season and points to the operator’s website for updates, so check the official calendar for your date first.

GetYourGuide lists tours around the Hozu River and Arashiyama, including tours that combine a boat ride and the Sagano Romantic Train. Each listing shows its own price, guide language and cancellation terms, so compare them before you book.

Sources: Sagano Scenic Railway official website (stations, tickets); Hozugawa River Boat Ride official website (course and time); Kyoto City Official Travel Guide, Saga-Arashiyama area page; Klook listing for the Sagano Romantic Train ticket. GetYourGuide listings (Hozu River and Arashiyama tours). Photos: Pexels (Kyla Van Dyk, Satoshi Hirayama).

Related guides

• Kyoto Autumn Leaves by Area: Where to Go and How to Plan Your Day
• Where to Stay in Kyoto in Autumn: How to Choose the Area and Hotel
• Kyoto Autumn Leaves: When to Go and How to Plan Your Stay

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