All Reviews of Kyo-train GARAKU

If you're traveling from Osaka to Kyoto for sightseeing, I highly recommend taking the Kyo-train GARAKU. In my opinion, it's definitely a great value! Unlike many sightseeing trains that require advance reservations and charge higher fares, you can ride the Kyo-train GARAKU for just the regular Hankyu train fare. No additional reservation is needed, and you can enjoy a distinctive train filled with Kyoto charm.

The greatest appeal of the Kyo-train GARAKU is that each of its six cars has a different theme, such as maple leaves or winter scenery. Every car has its own atmosphere, making it feel as though you've already begun a short trip before even reaching Kyoto. The interiors feature plenty of wood, traditional Japanese design, and subdued colors, creating a strong sense of Zen. The seats and window views are also thoughtfully designed, turning what would normally be simple travel time into one of the highlights of the journey.

You don't have to pay extra for a sightseeing train or scramble to reserve tickets to travel to Kyoto on such a beautiful train. It's especially suitable for first-time visitors to the Kansai region. Next time you go from Osaka to Kyoto, consider adding the Kyo-train GARAKU to your itinerary!

Kyo-train GARAKU is probably the most affordable sightseeing train. No reservation or seat booking is needed, and you can travel between Kyoto and Osaka for the price of a regular train.

Each car is themed around Kyoto’s four seasons and representative plants, with features like a dry landscape garden, tatami-style seating, and noren curtains. Every car has a different atmosphere and is overflowing with Kyoto charm, so even choosing where to sit is hard!

In the end, I picked the spring-themed car. Sitting in a two-person window-facing seat, I enjoyed the scenery outside while soaking in the Kyoto travel mood on the way to Umeda.

I happened to get on the Kyo-Train Garaku from Hankyu Umeda Station to Kawaramachi without knowing anything about it. The moment I boarded, I looked around thinking, 'Is it really okay for me to be on this train?' Apparently, I was in car No. 2, and right next to me was a Japanese garden. The seats had cushions, making them super comfortable! Plus, the seats were spacious, so the ride to Kyoto was really pleasant. It was also funny to see other people getting on at each stop, looking just as confused as I was. I felt really lucky to ride this special train without any extra charge!