[Japan | Kyoto] - Sagano Torokko Romantic Train

Kyoto is the spiritual homeland for Japanese has countless temples and shrines, and cradle of Nippon culture. Until today, it still preserves the rustic charm of the ancient city. That's one of the reasons I somehow fall in love with its natural setting.

Still at touristy district of Arashiyama, we are going to take sightseeing trains to Hozukyo Torokko Station.

 

 Arashiyama Torokko Station.

 

The Sagano Scenic Railway (嵯峨野観光鉄道), 

also known as the Romantic Train or Sagano Torokko.

This scenic railway winding their line through 

the mountain range and forested ravine of Arashiyama.

This old fashioned trains is going to present the best panoramic angles...

 to admire scenic spots along the Hozugawa River between Arashiyama and rural Kameoka. 

 

the seven kilometer journey will take about 25 minutes to complete at slow pace. 

Originally part of the JR Sanin Line before it was replaced by a faster, straighter route in 1989, the scenic railway route was preserved and outfitted with nostalgic trains featuring wooden benches. 

The views along the line change with the seasons, and the train is particularly popular 

during the autumn color season from mid November to early December 

when the leaves along the ravine change color. 

 

Please note that the train not operating from 31 December to the end of February,

and Wednesdays (except for national holidays, during the spring and 

 summer vacation periods and the autumn foliage season).

 Couldn't wait to see this classical beauty. It said that it's been
a popular destination since the ancient period. Nobles would
frequently visit this district to enjoy the splendid view.

 Isn't this scenery as sweet as maple syrup?

The guide actually told us about maple tree in Japan... Hhhmm but I couldn't recall whether the leaf has 5 or 7 lobes. I did picked 3 -5 leaves back in Singapore. But somehow they're not at the places where I normally put my things... maybe they'd completely decomposed after 15 months!

 The train stopped awhile on the bridge for passengers to admire Hozu River Scenery.

Check this youtube video to pamper your eyes with beautiful panorama of Hozukyo:

 Like me, some of the passengers also busy capturing the spectacular view of the

 remaining cherry blossoms, maple trees and aquamarine colored river.

 Otters holding bottles welcoming us at Hozukyo Torokko Station.

 Sagano Romantic Train (嵯峨野観光鉄道) since 1991.

Hozukyo Torokko is a small station located at mountainous area of Mizuo.

Mizuo is know for its  fragrance Yuzu citrus and Yuzu bath to soothe your tired muscles!

'The Rich' -  No. 5 Carriage of this train... 

because it's open air carriage, which is different from the other 4 carriages.

Going back to Kyoto by coach... bye~!