This train between Kyoto and Osaka is decorated with a traditional Kyoto theme and some cars even have a miniature “Zen” garden and seats made of tatami mats.
“Zen” garden on the Kyo Train – image © Rail Man Photo Office
One of the easiest ways to sample Japan’s special trains is to take the private Hankyu Line’s Kyo Train Garaku from downtown Kyoto to downtown Osaka (or vice-versa).
The name means “Gorgeous Kyoto Train” and that’s a good description: It’s decorated throughout with a traditional Kyoto theme and some cars even have a miniature “Zen” garden and seats made of tatami mats. And it costs no more than the ordinary trains on this line.
Frankly, we just can’t get over how such a luxurious train can be running as an ordinary commuter train. Truly, only in Japan!
Kyo Train Garaku Route Map
This map summarises the route taken by the Kyo Train Garaku. You can also find an interactive Google map further down the page.
Visit the Kyo Train Garaku official website for timetables, images of the seats and compartments, information about destinations, and more.
Kyo Train Garaku – image © Rail Man Photo Office
Schedules
- Trains run four times a day in each direction between Kyoto and Osaka.
- You can get timetables from the official Kyo Train Garaku website.
Kyo Train Garaku Google Map
You can zoom into this Google map of the Kyo Train Garaku train route, as well as using it to get directions to different points along the route.
Reservations and Tickets
No reservations required. Buy tickets at any Hankyu Station in Kyoto or Osaka. Or board with an IC card like Suica, Pasmo or Icoca.
Fares
No extra charge needed. Regular ticket fees apply (¥410 from Kyoto’s Hankyu Kawarmachi to Osaka’s Umeda Station).
Japan’s Special Trains
Here are the other special luxury, sleeper, cuisine and sightseeing trains:
- Gran Class Shinkansen (JR East)
- Saphir Odoriko (JR East)
- 36+3 (JR Kyushu)
- Aru Ressha (JR Kyushu)
- Fuji Excursion (JR East)
- Kyo Train Garaku (Hankyu Line)
- Resort Shirakami (JR East)
- Shimakaze (Kintetsu Line)
- Shikoku Cuisine Trains (JR Shikoku)
- Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumi (JR Central and West)
- Kurobe Gorge Railway (Kurobekeikoku Tetsudo)
- Sagano Romantic Train (Sagano Scenic)
- Train Suite Shiki-Shima (JR East)
- Twilight Express Mizukaze (JR West)
- West Express Ginga (JR West)
- Seven Stars in Kyushu (JR Kyushu)
- Japan Special Trains home page
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
