All Reviews of Kyo-train GARAKU

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!