Hankyu Kyo Train Garaku Guide And Map

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](https://www.hankyu.co.jp/kyotrain-garaku/en/) 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fare?

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

Can I change seats while onboard?

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

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

• There are no onboard sales.

What kind of services are available at the Tourist Information Center?

• Hankyu Railways operates a number of Tourist Information Centers at select Hankyu train stations throughout the region, including locations at Hankyu Osaka-umeda Station, Karasuma Station, and Kyoto-kawaramachi Station.

• These information centers provide sightseeing and transportation pamphlets, as well as purchasable train tickets, luggage storage services, suggestions for photo spots, and more.

---