Dear all, I have some questions:
1) I am going to take the Sagona Scenic Railway on 6 March. I will be travelling from Kobe. Based on Hyperdia, the route is Sannomiya-Osaka-SagaArashiyama (abt 70-80min). From here, how do I get to the Torroko Saga station to board the scenic train?
Is this the fastest route, as in, do I have to bypass Osaka? Also, the route between Osaka & SagaArashiyama may be run my Shinkansen and needs to reserve seats. Does that mean the rapid service might not have seats and we need to stand?
SagaArashiyama and Torokko Saga is just next to each other
Kyoto Travel: Arashiyama and Sagano
rapids are first come first serve basis, just stand around those that are seating, when u have a seat you can just take it
2) Can I buy all these tickets (including return tic) together at JR Osaka sta. If so, do I have to choose which route? If I miss a train, can I take the next one using my existing ticket?
Unless its a reserved seats like the Shinkansen, you can either buy the individual paper tickets in teh departing stations or use the IC card called ICOCA(like our Ezlink), it's easier.
3) Can I buy these tickets in Shinjuku? as above
4) Pls advise on this route:- On the way back on the scenic train, alight at Torokko Arayashima Sta. (one stop before you reach the boarding sta.-Saga Arayashima ). Walk to
Bamboo Grove. Further down to Tenryuji Temple (500Yen). Walk the street toward the famous Togetsukyo bridge. Many shops.
Reached Arayashima Sta. (walk around)..walk 20min to Saga Arashiyama Sta to take JR back to Kyoto.
Is there anyway I can avoid the 20min walk? LOL, the walk is part of the experience, if really too tired take a cab bah. Or rent some bicycles.
5) I think above will take half or 3/4 day. When I am back to Kyoto, do I still have some time to tour Nijo castle for the plum trees? Am I restricted on the JR time back to Kobe?
Start early you can make it. Nijo castle is near Nijo stn from your arashiyama line.
Thanks in advance!