Japan is famous for its rail network, with the Tokaido Shinkansen debuting as the world’s first high-speed railway line in 1964. However, one route is attracting attention for the opposite reason, offering a slower journey that lets passengers fully appreciate the scenery. The Sagano Romantic Train has recently been ranked as the most scenic train route in the world, bringing international recognition to one of Kyoto’s most picturesque places.
Research conducted by travel insurer InsureandGo found that the scenic railway had the highest attractiveness score across two key measures. The “time to first fixation” category assessed how quickly participants focused on an image, while “total viewing duration” measured how long they continued to look at the scenes passing them by. The final rankings were determined using a weighted formula, with 25 percent attributed to time to first fixation and 75 percent to total viewing duration.
The Sagano Romantic Train covers just over four miles, running between Arashiyama, a suburb of Kyoto, and the nearby city of Kameoka, yet the experience feels far richer than its length suggests. The train moves slowly along the Hozugawa River valley, allowing passengers to fully absorb the surrounding landscape. On both sides of the cabins, travelers can enjoy uninterrupted views of the river winding through dramatic cliffs and lush mountains.
Retro-style carriages feature large windows for panoramic views. Carriage number five, an open-air car, has no windows or roof, allowing passengers to feel the breeze, hear the river below, and take unobstructed photographs of the landscape. In spring, cherry blossoms line the route, creating a soft and romantic atmosphere. Summer brings deep green forests that contrast beautifully with the flowing river. In autumn, the valley turns into a striking mix of red and gold foliage, while winter covers the trees and riverbanks in snow. These seasonal changes make the journey worth experiencing more than once.
The route’s popularity has grown significantly, with tickets often selling out quickly, particularly during peak travel periods such as cherry blossom season and autumn foliage months. Travelers are therefore advised to book in advance to secure a seat, especially if they hope to experience the open-air carriage. To learn more about the study and to see a full list of the world’s most scenic railway journeys, visit InsureandGo’s website.
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