Darren YeohWith sakura season just around the corner, plenty of travellers are planning their trips to Japan. One of the tried-and-tested tips for travelling to Japan is to explore the country by train. But did you know there’s a special train between Kyoto and Osaka that boasts stunning views and costs only S$3.50 (410JPY) one way? That’s right, we’re talking about the swoon-worthy Kyo-train Garaku!
Also read: 10 Hidden Gems in Kyoto, Japan You Can’t Afford to Miss
What is the Kyo-train Garaku
Image credit: Kyo-Train Garaku Official Faceebook Page
In short, the Kyo-train Garaku is a sightseeing limited express train operated by Hanku Railways along the Hankyu Kyoto Line. Launched in 2019, the train runs between Osaka-umeda Station and Kyoto-kawaramachi Station.
It departs every two hours on weekends and public holidays, stopping off at the following stations apart from the above two terminal stations mentioned:
- Karasuma Station
- Katsura Station
- Awaji Station
- Juso Station
You can check out a detailed timetable of the departure and arrival times below:
What is special about the train?
Image credit: Kyo-Train Garaku Official Facebook Page
Apart from being an affordable option for those travelling between Osaka and Kyoto, Kyo-train Garaku doubles up as an experience in and of itself. That’s because each carriage on this sightseeing train is artistically designed with a Japanese flair to showcase the beauty of Kyoto.
Image credit: Kyo-Train Garaku Official Facebook Page
From the moment you step on, you’ll notice that each car is decorated with stunning and unique seasonal motifs that exude the charming atmosphere of Kyoto. Car 1 features an autumn motif, with maple leaves being the main design elements, and with tatami-style boxed seating (tatami mats are affixed to the backrest for comfort). Car 2, on the other hand, showcases winter, featuring a dry landscape garden that makes you forget that you’re on a train!
If you’re travelling to Japan during spring, then you will love Car 3, which features a spring theme. Apart from cherry blossom patterns, it has window-facing seats, allowing you to take in the gorgeous spring scenery and cherry blossom trees as you travel through the Kyoto-Osaka landscape. Car 4 is designed like a Kyoto wooden townhouse in summer, complete with sliding shoji doors, while Car 5 contains an authentic Japanese garden (tsuboniwa). Car 6 brings it full circle with a spring motif.
Image credit: Kyo-Train Garaku Official Facebook Page
Kyo-train Garaku price and how to book
Amazingly, a one-way ticket on the Kyo-train Garaku from Kyoto to Osaka costs only 410JPY (S$3.50)! There is no need to book in advance and no additional charges or express fees. You just need to pay the regular fare in Japan to board the train. The fare is covered by the Hankyu Tourist Pass and Kansai Thru Pass, and you may also use the Icoca Card.
There are also no reserved seats, so you can freely move about like on regular trains.
Take note that passengers travelling on the train may bring up to two pieces of luggage free of charge, provided that they are not oversized luggage and weigh less than 30kg.
Also read: 31 Best Things to Do & Places to Visit in Osaka — Including Free Activities!
Get ready to explore Kyoto and Osaka!
And there you have it: A quick guide to the spectacular Kyo-train Garaku sightseeing train. It’s worth noting that while most passengers travel between Kyoto and Osaka on this train, the stops in between are themselves hidden gems to check out! So, if you’re planning a trip to Japan and you’re passing by Kyoto and Osaka, don’t miss the chance to board the scenic Kyo-train Garaku for an added experience!
