The design of the new trolley train for Sagano Scenic Railway Co., Ltd. has been finalized, and the train is set to debut in spring 2027. The new train consists of a locomotive (DEC743 type) and passenger cars (SK1000 series), and GK Design Soken Hiroshima, based in Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, took part in the project as design supervisor.
The New Trolley Train "SAGANO ROMANTIC TRAIN"
Sagano Torokko, the Sagano Scenic Railway trolley train, has been loved by many people in Japan and abroad since it opened in 1991. The new train builds on the panoramic feel and openness of the scenery seen from the windows, while adding greater comfort and convenience.
Design Concept
GK Design Soken Hiroshima took a fresh look at the appeal of Sagano Torokko and supervised the design of the exterior, interior and symbol graphic. The concept brings together three elements: the scenic beauty of the Hozu Gorge, a nostalgic journey on the old San'in Line, and the refined "hinabi" (rustic) charm of Sagano and Arashiyama.
Exterior
The exterior expresses the strength of a freight car and a refined "hinabi" feel in a mainly black color scheme. The traditional red and yellow are kept as accents, carrying on the character of Sagano Torokko.
Interior
All cars have large windows and skylights of a kind not seen before. To bring out the beautiful scenery visible through them, the pillars and window frames are unified in black. Wood materials that evoke a train journey are used for the seats and floors.
Car 4 features the premium cabin "Rankyo" (嵐峡). Its tatami seating resembles a traditional Japanese bench (縁台, endai) and also offers a view of the scenery ahead.
Symbol Graphic
The symbol graphic is based on motifs of the Hozu River, autumn leaves and cherry blossoms, which stand for the scenic beauty along the line, and a Meiji-era tunnel that is also certified as a nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property. Around the emblem on the front of the train is a pattern representing the bamboo groves (bamboo leaves) of Arashiyama.
For more information, see the Sagano Torokko website.
