- Japans Sagano Romantic Train named worlds most scenic train journey by study
- Train ride covers 6.4 km from Arashiyama to Kameoka in about 25 minutes
- Route features views of mountains, forests, and the Hozugawa River
Train journeys are slowly becoming the kind of travel people actually look forward to. There's less rush, more space, and views that don't feel like a blur outside a tiny window. It's no surprise that more and more travellers are choosing rail over flights for shorter routes. Now, one such journey has officially been named the most scenic in the world. A study by InsureandGo has ranked Japan's Sagano Romantic Train as the world's most eye-catching train ride.
The rankings were based on eye-tracking technology, which measured how quickly people noticed a view and how long they kept looking at it. Combining both metrics, the Sagano route scored 91.9 out of 100, putting it ahead of several well-known scenic train journeys.
A Short Ride That Feels Like An Experience
The Sagano Romantic Train runs between Arashiyama, on the outskirts of Kyoto, and Kameoka. As per a report by Travel + Leisure Asia, the distance is 6.4 km, and the ride lasts around 25 minutes, but it is designed to be slow, giving travellers enough time to take in the scenery.
The train follows the Hozugawa River, with views of mountains, cliffs, and forests on both sides. Large windows in the retro-style coaches keep the experience open, while one carriage is fully open-air, letting passengers feel the breeze and take unobstructed photos.
Every Season Looks Different
One of the biggest reasons behind its popularity is how the landscape changes through the year: cherry blossoms in spring, deep greens in summer, red and gold foliage in autumn, and snow-covered views in winter. The same route can feel completely different depending on when you go.
Plan Ahead If It's On Your List
The Sagano Romantic Train has become a major attraction, especially during peak seasons like cherry blossom time and autumn. Tickets tend to sell out quickly, so booking in advance is a good idea-particularly if you want a spot in the open-air carriage.
While Japan took the top spot, Europe had a strong presence on the list. Other routes in the top 10 include the Bernina Express, Glacier Express, and West Highland Line, along with scenic rail journeys across Taiwan, Brazil, Canada, Austria, and the US.
