Kyoto: Western districts; itinerary along the Sagano Line

Kyoto; itinerary along the JR Sagano Line: Arashiyama, Rakushisha
Arashiyama, Rakushisha

 

The JR Sagano Line is a railway line that provides a connection between Kyoto and the north-western part of the prefecture. The line is very useful for the purpose of tourism as it offers a cheap and fast way to reach important destinations such as the Nijo Castle and Arashiyama Scenica Area.

In this page we outline a few itineraries of different duration that require only movements along the JR Sagano Line.

 

Visit to Arashiyama (Kyoto): Daikaku-Ji
Kyoto, Daikaku-Ji

 

Contents

  • JR Sagano Line (essential information)

    • Main stations (of interest for visitors)

  • Itineraries along JR Sagano Line (1, 2 and 3-day programmes)

    • One-day tour (Arashiyama; Nijo Castle)

    • Two-day tour (Kyoto Railway Museum, Nijo Castle and Arashiyama)

    • Three-day tour (as with the 2-day tour, Kameoka and Myoshin-Ji)

 

JR Sagano Line

The section of the San’in Line that connects Kyoto and Sonobe is commonly referred to as Sagano Line (identified with the letter E on maps).

The line branches out from Kyoto Station (Kyoto-Eki) and runs through Shimogyo, Nakagyo and Ukyo districts before leaving the city’s urban area. Along the route are a number of stations that offer convenient access to some of Kyoto’s major sightseeing places.

 

JR Sagano Line main stations

Below is a list of station of particular interest to visitors:

  • Kyoto Station (E01): the city’s main station, connected to the country’s high-speed railway network and a few regional lines;

  • Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station (E02): near Kyoto Railway Museum and the municipal aquarium;

  • Nijo Station (E04): near Nijo Castle;

  • Hanazono Station (E06): near the large Buddhist religious compound of Myoshin-Ji;

  • Saga-Arashiyama (E08): gateway to Arashiyama, a mere 15-minute walk from the centre of Arashiyama;

  • Umahori (E10): near Torokko Kameoka Station of the Sagano Kanko Tetsudo Line, the so-called “romantic railway”;

  • Kameoka (E11): a small town most noted for a large park that draws large crowds during the cherry blossom season.

 

Scenic railway

A section of the original line was converted for tourist use (Sagano Kanko Tetsudo Line). The line follows the course of Hozu River, offering amazing views of the surrounding landscape.

Stations alone the line:

  • 1) Torokko Saga (near Saga Arashiyama Station);

  • 2) Torokko Arashiyama;

  • 3) Torokko Hozukyo;

  • 4) Torokko Kameoka (near Umahori Station).

 

Itineraries along the Sagano Line

Below are suggestions on how to organise an itinerary along the Sagano Line depending on the available time..

 

One-day tour

Having only one day you will have to renounce to a lot of interesting destinations. Depending on your interests you opt for different solutions.

 

Itinerary 1: Arashiyama

The first, most obvious solution, is to devote the whole day to Arashiyama, a scenic area full of cultural treasures.

We suggest you include the following places:

  • 1) Togetsu-Kyo bridge;

  • 2) A short walk along Hozu River;

  • 3) Tenryu-Ji Temple;

  • 4) Sagano Bamboo Grove;

  • 5) Jojakko-Ji Temple;

  • 6) Rakushisha ancient house;

  • 7) Gio-Ji Temple;

  • 8) Daikaku-Ji Temple.

 

You can reach all places on foot. Taxis rides offer the most comfortable alternative. Rides are cheap but if you want to save money you can get around by bus, at least between Daikaku-Ji Temple and the centre of Arashiyama.

 

Itinerary 2: Nijo Castle and Arashiyama

If you want to include a visit to Nijo Castle, you will have to reduce the number of destinations in Arashiyama.

A reasonable choice is as follows:

  • 1) Nijo Castle;

  • 2) Arashiyama:

    • Togetsu-Kyo Bridge;

    • Tenryu-Ji Temple;

    • Sagano Bamboo Grove;

    • Jojakko-Ji Temple;

    • Rakushisha;

    • Gio-Ji Temple.

 

Two-day tour

Spending a night in Arashiyama is a perfect choice if you wish to get out of the tourist bubble and live the atmosphere of a small locality. Doing so will allow you to enjoy pleasant walks in complete silence.

Arashiyama offers a number of hotels, many of which aim to cater for travellers that seek unique experiences. Many structures are traditional ryokans but there are also more modern-styled hotels and a few cheap and high-quality hostels.

 

Day 1

  • 1) Kyoto Railway Museum;

  • 2) Nijo Castle;

  • 3) Arashiyama:

    • Tenryu-Ji Temple;

    • Sagano Bamboo Grove;

    • Kemayama Park;

    • Iwatayama Monkey Park;

    • Evening Walk along Hozu River.

 

Day 2

  • 1) Sagano Bamboo Grove;

  • 2) Jojakko-Ji Temple;

  • 3) Rakushisha;

  • 4) Gio-Ji Temple;

  • 5) Saga Toriimoto Historic Street;

  • 6) Adashino Nembutsu-Ji Temple;

  • 7) Otagi Nembutsu-Ji Temple;

  • 8) Daikaku-Ji Temple.

 

Three-day tour

If you choose to spend three days in Arashiyama there is plenty of opportunities to get out of the beaten tracks. You may want to visit Kameoka, reaching the little town with a ride along Sagano Scenic Railway (Sagano Kanko Tetsudo). Between Arashiyama and the centre of Kyoto you may add a stop to visit Myoshin-Ji, a large conglomerate of Buddhist temples.

In spring you should not miss out on a visit to Yawaragi-no-michi Park., which is near Nanatani River. You can reach it from Kameoka Station by bus or taxi.

 

Kyoto, itinerary along the JR Sagano Line: Kyoto Railway Museum
Kyoto Railway Museum

 

Related articles:

Main article:  Kyoto 3-day itinerary

Itineraries along the Keihan Main Line:  Southern Higashiyama  |  Northern Higashiyama and Sakyo 

 

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