Riding the Sagano Scenic Railway, Kyoto’s romantic train

Western Kyoto has long been known for its natural beauty. In fact, the Arashiyama district has been a favorite of tourists for well over 1,000 years. The beauty of this region peaks twice a year, first during the cherry blossom season, and later during the time of autumn color.

The Sagano Scenic Railway is a wonderful way to tour and enjoy the natural beauty of this rural region. The train has come to be known as the Sagano Torokko, or Romantic Train, because its passage takes guests sightseeing through such romantic scenery. If you’ve seen enough of the city, one of these day trips from Kyoto will bring a smile to your face.

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Things to do in Kyoto: travel guide

Many travellers ask us: what to do in Kyoto? If you are visiting Japan for a week, three days in Tokyo and three days in Kyoto are perfect to explore the two great capitals of Japan: the ancient and the modern one.

Following is a pleasant 3-day Kyoto travel guide, with ideas about what to see, where to go and how to use your Japan Rail Pass to move through the city, its temples, gardens, and geisha alleys. Let us begin!

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Seven Stars Kyushu: Riding the luxury train

Wise travelers know that traveling is not just about the destination; getting there is half the fun. The significance of the journey itself is embodied in Japan’s Seven Stars luxury sleeper train, based in the island of Kyushu, Japan. This cruise train is meant to bring new life to train travel, to make the travel itself the integral part of a Kyushu vacation.

The Seven Stars cruise train, also known as Nanatsuboshi in Kyushu, gets its name both from the seven prefectures of Kyushu, and also from the seven lauded aspects of the region. These include the train system itself, nature, the hot springs, power spots, the region’s history, its cuisine, and the friendliness of Kyushu’s people.

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Japan train stations: useful tips

If it is your first, second or third time travelling to Japan, this article offers great survival tips and guidance on everything you need to know about the train stations in Japan, including how to purchase single train tickets, how to make a seat reservation, how to find your train, store and transport your luggage.

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