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Kyo-train GARAKU

Full of modern Japanese style! Feel like you're in Kyoto from the moment you board the train.

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The "Kyo-Train Garaku" is a special sightseeing train on the Hankyu Kyoto Line between Osaka-umeda Station and Kyoto-kawaramachi Station, inspired by Kyoto's nature and traditional architecture. The train operates on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and special operated days during the tourist season. The passengers pay only a standard fare.

Car 1 is decorated with maple and autumn leaves patterns in the motif of "Autumn Kyoto," while Car 2 has a dignified atmosphere with a bamboo design in the theme of "Winter Kyoto. Car 3 is decorated with gorgeous cherry blossoms in the image of "Spring Kyoto."
Each of the six cars has a different theme, offering a different atmosphere.
In addition to the design of the seat surfaces and walls, the design is thoroughly modern Japanese, with wooden window frames, tatami mats for the backrests and seating areas, and noren curtains separating the connecting parts of the cars.
The Japanese garden inside the train, such as a karesansui garden (Traditional Japanese dry landscape garden) and a tsuboniwa garden (quasi-indoor garden) in a traditional Kyoto townhouse, is also a surprise.
The wooden-framed circular windows and color-coordinated straps also create an elegant atmosphere. You can feel the atmosphere of Kyoto from the moment you board on the train.

There are not only box seats for families and friends, but also window-facing seats to enjoy the view of the train windows and single seats to sit comfortably, so there are many ways to enjoy the ride. You can fully enjoy the sightseeing atmosphere even during the travel time.

Highlights

  • A luxury sightseeing express train that runs between Osaka-umeda and Kyoto-kawaramachi on the Hankyu Kyoto Line.
  • The train runs on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and special operated days during the tourist season.
  • Each train car has its own seasonal motif and different exterior and interior design.
  • No reservation is required, and you can board the train with a standard fare at no extra charge. Free Wi-Fi service is available.
  • The design is thoroughly Japanese, with tatami mats used for backrests and seating areas, and a karesansui garden (Traditional Japanese dry landscape garden) inside the train, exceeding passengers' expectations.

Videos

Photos

  • Car 1 with autumn leaves pattern, inspired by Kyoto in autumn.

    Car 1 with autumn leaves pattern, inspired by Kyoto in autumn.

  • Car 3 with cherry blossom motif inspired by Kyoto in spring

    Car 3 with cherry blossom motif inspired by Kyoto in spring

  • The design allows passengers to enjoy the car windows and the window frames are also designed with a focus on Japanese style.

    The design allows passengers to enjoy the car windows and the window frames are also designed with a focus on Japanese style.

  • Car 4 - the seats are decorated with shippo-mon pattern (traditional Japanese pattern made of circles), and the walls with a checkered pattern, inspired by Kyoto in summer.

    Car 4 - the seats are decorated with shippo-mon pattern (traditional Japanese pattern made of circles), and the walls with a checkered pattern, inspired by Kyoto in summer.

  • A Japanese garden on the train!

    A Japanese garden on the train!

  • Car 6 is gorgeous with its multi-colored checkerboard pattern.

    Car 6 is gorgeous with its multi-colored checkerboard pattern.

  • Even the connecting parts of the cars are decorated with Japanese half  curtain, like the streets of Kyoto.

    Even the connecting parts of the cars are decorated with Japanese half  curtain, like the streets of Kyoto.

  • A thoroughly modern Japanese train that exceeds passengers' imagination.

    A thoroughly modern Japanese train that exceeds passengers' imagination.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

What is the fare?

A

Passengers can pay the regular fare. There is no additional fee to board the Kyo-train Garaku.

Q

Can I change seats while onboard?

A

Seats are unreserved, so passengers are free to move about the cars as they wish.

Q

Are there any onboard sales (food, drink, etc.)?

A

There are no onboard sales.

Reviews

1
  • Top Reviewer

    mizutama_renga Top Reviewer

    Working at Travel Publishing

    阪急梅田駅からたまたま乗り合わせた河原町行きの阪急電車が、たまたまこの「京とれいん雅洛」。
    何の情報も持ち合わせてなかったので、乗車した瞬間、「これ、乗って大丈夫?」とキョロキョロ。
    どうやら、乗車したのは2号車で、すぐ横には日本庭園も。シートには座布団が敷かれていて座り心地も抜群! しかも席幅のゆとりがあって、心地よい京都までの列車旅ができました♡
    停車駅ごとに乗ってくる人たちが、自分と同じように「乗って大丈夫?」な反応をしていたのも面白かったです。笑
    特別料金ナシでこの電車に乗れたのは、本当にラッキーでした!

Details

Operating Company
Hankyu Railway
Seats
Non-reserved seats of ordinary cars
Days of Operation
Weekends and Holidays
Stops
Osaka-umeda Station, Juso Station, Awaji Station, Katsura Station, Karasuma Station, Kyoto-kawaramachi Station
Fare
Only ordinary fare from each station, no additional charge
Average travel time
44 minutes (for Osaka-umeda) / 43 minutes (for Kyoto-kawaramachi )
Timetable
Please check the official website (English)
Official Website
Official Website (English)