Welcome, everyone, to our journey upon the Romantic Train. Now, please listen to this guide as you enjoy the scenery outside your window.

Let us start with a question: Do you recall any sounds or smells prior to entering this train? You should notice that this ride feels slightly different from normal trains.

Our Romantic Train bangs and shakes into life. And as it gathers speed, the propelling noise changes. The source of that noise is the engine at the heart of the train. The engine car propels the other cars, and in order to do so, it emits a large oscillation both at departure and arrival.

In Japanese, this sort of train is called a “torokko ressha.” The source of this name comes from the English word “truck” and, like a truck, this train was also originally designed to haul cargo. In other words, you are currently aboard a freight train. For the rest of our time together, I encourage you to think of yourself as a piece of cargo as the train jolts and shakes.

By the way, a very special “something” used to be transported through this picturesque river and gorge. Something very important to the city of Kyoto. What in the world could it be?