Sagano Scenic Railway in Kyoto, has announced that it will introduce a new train design in the spring of 2027. The current trains, which are notable for their bright red and yellow livery and old-fashioned charm, are to be replaced by trains with advanced safety features and a sleek new design.
A design image of the new train released by Sagano Scenic Railway
Exact details of the train’s appearance are still under consideration but a design image released by Sagano Scenic Railway shows a very modern looking train painted black.
Sagano Scenic Railway runs a sightseeing train called the “Sagano Romantic Train” in the Saga-Arashiyama area of western Kyoto. The train is also called the “Sagano Torokko Ressha” in Japanese. “Torokko ressha” means “truck train” and it is named so after the railway truck cars that used to haul freight along the route.
The current Sagano Romantic Train running on Sagano Scenic Railway
The Sagano Romantic Train follows a route along the Hozugawa River gorge between Saga-Arashiyama and Kameoka giving passengers fantastic views over the forests and mountains. The train is particularly popular in the fall foliage season, but every season along the route has its own special charms.
The new trains for this route have been designed with passenger comfort in mind, with wider seat spacing and a broader aisle. The passenger cars will have glass ceilings and large side windows to give the best views and there will also be in-car displays in four languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.
The new trains will also have special rooms that can be booked by groups.
Further details on the new trains’ design and safety features will be released by Sagano Scenic Railway at a later date.
Article by Michael Lambe. Images by JR West (1), Angkana Untaya (2). All rights reserved.
