Discover the JR Sagano Line: Your gateway to Kyoto's top attractions
Kinkakuji
©sayaka-ganz, unsplash
The JR Sagano Line is a popular railway for tourists visiting Kyoto, as it connects Kyoto Station to important stops like Nijo, Uzumasa and Saga-Arashiyama. Running from platforms 31-33 at Kyoto Station, it's the best way to make use of your Japan Rail Pass while exploring Kyoto's top sights. With trains departing frequently, you can easily hop on and off to visit iconic attractions along the route.
Key destinations along the JR Sagano Line
Several must-see attractions are conveniently located near stations on the JR Sagano Line:
- JR Nijo Station: Just a short walk from UNESCO World Heritage Site Nijo Castle. Explore the castle's exquisite architecture, defensive features, and stunning gardens famous for seasonal plum blossoms, cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. (190 yen, 6 min from Kyoto Station)
- JR Uzumasa Station: The gateway to Toei Uzumasa Eigamura, a theme park and working film set where you can watch historical dramas being filmed, see sword fights and ninja shows, navigate a maze, and even dress up in period costumes. (200 yen, 14 min from Kyoto Station)
- JR Saga-Arashiyama Station: Providing access to the scenic Arashiyama and Sagano area. Stroll across the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, visit the sprawling Tenryuji Temple, walk through the ethereal bamboo groves, and spot wild monkeys at Iwatayama Monkey Park. (240 yen, 17 min from Kyoto Station)
Alternative routes to the main stops
While the JR Sagano Line is convenient, there are other ways to reach these popular destinations:
- Nijo Castle can also be accessed via Nijojo-mae Station on the Tozai Subway Line, which is even closer to the castle entrance.
- Uzumasa is also served by Uzumasa Tenjingawa Station (Tozai Subway Line) and Randen Tenjingawa Station (Keifuku Line). If coming from central Kyoto, the Tozai Line may be quicker.
- Arashiyama has two additional stations: Hankyu Arashiyama and Keifuku Arashiyama. A scenic option is taking the Hankyu Line to Omiya Station, then transferring to the charming Randen tram to wind through the mountains to Arashiyama.
To find the best route, use online tools like Jorudan or Hyperdia which have route finders for city subways and private railways.
Trains and stations on the JR Sagano Line
The JR Sagano Line has both local and rapid train services, with a total of 15 stations between Kyoto and Sonobe. After Sonobe, the line continues as the San-in Main Line to Fukuchiyama.
For a complete station list and guide, download the free bilingual JR Sagano Line PDF from the official JR website.
The charming Sagano Scenic Railway
Don't miss riding the Sagano Romantic Train while in Arashiyama. This sightseeing train travels along the abandoned Sanin Main Line route, following the Hozu River through a forested ravine.
The train features vintage locomotives and delightful open-sided cars perfect for admiring the scenery. It stops at picturesque stations like Torokko Saga, Torokko Arashiyama, Torokko Hozukyo and terminates at Torokko Kameoka.
Tips for a smooth trip on the JR Sagano Line
To make the most of your JR Sagano Line experience, keep these tips in mind:
- Avoid crowds by boarding from the back of the platform at Kyoto Station.
- For a more comfortable ride to Uzumasa, consider taking the Tozai Subway Line to Uzumasa Tenjingawa Station instead of the often packed JR trains.
- Combine your train trip with a scenic boat ride down the Hozugawa River from Kameoka back to Arashiyama.
- Check timetables in advance and use route finder tools to efficiently plan your Kyoto sightseeing itinerary.
Explore more of Kyoto with your JR Pass
The JR Sagano Line is just the beginning! Use your Japan Rail Pass to easily visit Kyoto's other top attractions like Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Kinkaku-ji.
For the full Kyoto experience, consider staying at a traditional ryokan. Some top picks with excellent access include www.ryokankyoraku.jp/en.index.html near Kyoto Station, www.granviakyoto.com inside the station, and the stylish www.aranvert.co.jp/en/ near Gojo Subway Station.
Kyoto is also a food lover's paradise. Savor exquisite multi-course kaiseki meals, dig into savory ramen at places like www.omen.co.jp, sample superb yakitori at http://sumiyaki-akari.jp, and experience modern Japanese dining at the acclaimed www.guiloguilo.com.
With so much to see, do and eat, you'll want to maximize your time in Kyoto. Let the JR Sagano Line be your convenient gateway to this captivating city's top attractions and experiences. Happy exploring!
