Details ↓What it is · Pochikichi's story · getting there

Good to know

Autumn leaves and mountains along the Hozu Gorge are lit after dark for views from the train windows. The current cars retire on December 29, so this is the last season to ride them. Lights on from the 4:30 PM departure from Torokko Kameoka.

Dates

Oct 24 (Sat) – Dec 29 (Tue)

Hours

16:30 – 19:28

Venue

Sagano Scenic Railway (Torokko Saga to Torokko Kameoka)

Nearest station

Saga-Arashiyama

Admission

See the official website for fares

About this event

This is the last autumn to ride the current Sagano Romantic Train cars. The Hikari no Gensou (Fantasy of Light) runs light up the autumn leaves and hills along the Hozukyo gorge after sunset, seen from the train windows. The operator says the current cars retire on December 29. Lighting starts with the 16:30 departure from Torokko Kameoka. Extra trains Sagano 81/82 run Oct 24 to Dec 13 and Dec 26-27; trains 91/92 run Nov 14-30 and Dec 5-6.

Highlights

• Last autumn for the current train cars
• Autumn leaves of the Hozukyo gorge lit after dark
• Lighting from the 16:30 Torokko Kameoka departure
• Extra trains run on set dates only

Good for

People who want to see Arashiyama's autumn leaves at night from a seat.

Good to know before you go

• Extra trains run on limited dates
• Check fares and seats on the official site
• The current cars retire on December 29

Also nearby

Within walking distance, with dates overlapping

Art exhibitionDiscover Kyoto Through Art — See More, Enjoy More at Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts and Culture0.8 km · Oct 3 (Sat) – Feb 28 (Sun)

Festival & seasonal eventAutumn Special Opening 2026 at Hogonin Temple0.7 km · Oct 3 (Sat) – Dec 6 (Sun)

Next stop: book for later today PR

Experiences near here you can book on Klook.

Tea CeremonyTea ceremony and matcha making (TIA Arashiyama)→Rickshaw TourArashiyama rickshaw tour→

Ad: Klook affiliate links.

🍜 Where to eat after

Restaurants near here on Google Maps→

Many restaurants in Kyoto take reservations, and some are cash only. Check the restaurant page before you go.

FAQ

What is Sagano Scenic Railway Light Fantasy Train (Autumn Foliage Light-up)?

This is the last autumn to ride the current Sagano Romantic Train cars. The Hikari no Gensou (Fantasy of Light) runs light up the autumn leaves and hills along the Hozukyo gorge after sunset, seen from the train windows. The operator says the current cars retire on December 29. Lighting starts with the 16:30 departure from Torokko Kameoka. Extra trains Sagano 81/82 run Oct 24 to Dec 13 and Dec 26-27; trains 91/92 run Nov 14-30 and Dec 5-6.

When is Sagano Scenic Railway Light Fantasy Train (Autumn Foliage Light-up)?

From Oct 24 (Sat) to Dec 29 (Tue), 2026.

What are the opening hours?

16:30 – 19:28

How much does it cost?

See the official website for fares

Where is it and what is the nearest station?

Sagano Scenic Railway (Torokko Saga to Torokko Kameoka). The nearest station is Saga-Arashiyama.

More in Kyoto

• A

  Art exhibition

  Forms of Love — The Rediscovered Erotic Scroll Chigo Zoshi at Fukuda Art Museum

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  Sep 19 (Sat) – Jan 17 (Sun) 10:00 – 17:00

  Adults and university students ¥1,500; high school students ¥900

  An exhibition of Japanese art highlighting the erotic illustrated scroll Chigo Zoshi. Visitors under 18 are not permitted. Some works will change between the first and second exhibition periods.

  Details →
• S

  Festival & seasonal event

  Autumn Special Opening 2026 at Hogonin Temple

  Hogonin Temple (Arashiyama Sta.)

  

  Oct 3 (Sat) – Dec 6 (Sun) 09:00 – 17:00

  Adults ¥700; elementary and junior high school students ¥300; separate donation required for special admission to the main hall

  Explore the Shishiku Garden, which incorporates the Arashiyama mountains into its scenery, and wall paintings by artist Noriko Tamura. Last admission to the garden is 4:45 PM; the main hall is open until 4:30 PM.

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• S

  Festival & seasonal event

  Hogon-in Temple Autumn Night Illumination

  Hogon-in Temple (Tenryuji) (Arashiyama Sta.)

  Nov 13 (Fri) – Dec 6 (Sun) 17:30 – 20:30 (details on the official site)

  Adults 1,000 yen, elementary and junior high students 300 yen

  The Shishiku garden of Hogon-in in Arashiyama is lit up at night for the autumn leaves. Night entry is separate from daytime visits; last entry 8:00 PM.

  Details →
• A

  Art exhibition

  Discover Kyoto Through Art — See More, Enjoy More at Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts and Culture

  Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts and Culture (Arashiyama Sta.)

  

  Oct 3 (Sat) – Feb 28 (Sun) 10:00 – 17:00

  Adults and university students ¥1,000; high school students ¥600; elementary and junior high school students ¥400; preschool children free

  Explore artworks depicting Kyoto's seasonal traditions and culture. Displays change between the first and second exhibition periods, featuring subjects such as geiko and maiko, Kyoto vegetables, and traditional Japanese confectionery wrappers.

  Details →
• M

  Market

  Arashiyama Little Forest Connect Marche (Nishikyo CONNECT) at River Plaza by Hankyu Arashiyama Station

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  Dec 5 (Sat) 10:00 – 16:00 (details on the official site)

  See the official website

  A one-day market for the 50th anniversary of Nishikyo Ward, gathering selected local cafes and bakeries beside Hankyu Arashiyama Station.

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• A

  Art exhibition

  Saga Chrysanthemum Exhibition at Daikakuji Temple

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  Nov 1 (Sun) – Nov 30 (Mon) 09:00 – 17:00 (details on the official site)

  See the official website for admission

  Daikakuji shows its heirloom Saga chrysanthemums, whose thin petals stand straight up like brush tips, throughout November.

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See all events in Kyoto → · This page in Japanese