Japan: Kyoto IX - Sagano Scenic Railway

Day 1 

Japan: Kyoto I - Getting There

Japan: Kyoto II - Getting Around & Kiyomizudera 

Japan: Kyoto III - Higashiyama area

Japan: Kyoto IV - Kodaji Temple

Day 2

Japan: Kyoto V - Kinkakuji Temple

Japan: Kyoto VI - Ryoanji Temple

Japan: Kyoto VII - Ninnaji Temple

Japan: Kyoto VIII - Keifuku Railway Line

Japan: Kyoto IX - Sagano Scenic Railway

Japan: Kyoto X - Arashiyama

Day 3

Japan: Kyoto XI - Inari Gates

Japan: Kyoto XII - Nijo Castle & Nikkishi Market

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If you are going to Arashiyama, especially during sakura and autumn leaves season, the Sagano Scenic Railway ride is a good way to see the sights. During these popular seasons, it is important you get your tickets at least one day before your trip, as the popular timings are quickly sold out. Tickets can be bought at JR ticket offices in the Kansai area (which means you can buy them at the Kyoto main train station) or the Torroko Saga Station.

At the last post, we mentioned alighting at A13 Randen Saga (Keifuku Railway Line)(Orange line in the above picture), and taking a short 10 minute walk to the station. From Torroko Saga Station (The green line in the map above), there are various stop along the way before alighting at Torokko Kameoka station. The reverse journey is a possibility too depending on how you plan your journey. 

It's up to you to plan if you want to visit Arashiyama first then take the tram (Torokko Saga - Torokko Kameoka - JR Umahori - Kyoto) , or tram (Torokko Kameoka - Torokko Saga) first and then back to Arashiyama  before going to Kyoto(JR line or Keifuku Line). Plan well, and set aside a full day for Arashiyama to explore it thoroughly.

We took the train from Torroko Saga Station, here's us waiting for the trains. 
There's a lot of people!

Pretty right! But I find the train speeds a little too fast to slowly enjoy the scene and it's difficult to capture steady shots. I imagine it will be really pretty in full bloom sakura and autumn foliage.

This is the Hozugawa River Cruise. Visit the link here if you are keen. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3966.html

At one of the stations, this traditional masked man appears. Quite scary. Haha. The train driver did speak and explain some story to us, but of course we nary understand a word in Japanese. 

Rosy cheeks baby!

This is what the scary face changes to when he sees a baby. He'll put a cute mask on top of his scary one. However, babies still cried. Ops

This is my favourite shot of the sakura. It is literally flying in my face. so beautiful!

I'll be walking you through Arashiyama in the next post. Till then!

Info: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3965.html