Kyo-train GARAKU | Review by Linda Liao

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Kyo-train GARAKU

Kyo-train GARAKU

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

21 Sep 2026 See More

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!

Other Reviews by Linda Liao

Hanshin Meibutsu Ikayaki

A beloved snack spot located in the basement of Hanshin Umeda Main Store, which has been operating since the store's opening in 1957. Known as a staple in the "Snack Park" food court, it attracts long lines daily.
- Umeda, Osaka Station, Nakanoshima Area (Kita)
- Light Meals
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When you visit the Hanshin Department Store in Umeda, Osaka, don't miss the hugely popular local favorite “Hanshin Meibutsu Ikayaki,” which has even been featured on Japanese TV! It isn't a whole squid grilled as is. Instead, pieces of squid are mixed with batter, pressed, and cooked on a griddle. It looks like okonomiyaki, but has a chewier texture, and you can still taste the freshness of the squid. Topped with the special sauce, it's savory with a hint of sweetness and hard to stop eating. It's affordable and easy to take to go, and has long been a classic B-class food familiar to people in Osaka.
Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is located on Nishikikoji Street, north of Shijo Street, Kyoto’s main street. The fish market thrived here, and in 1615, it received official permission from the Edo Shogunate to expand. It is called “Kyoto’s kitchen” and offers a wide range of foods such as Kyoto vegetables, fresh-water fish from Lake Biwa, Hamo (conger pike), Guji (tilefish), Sasakarei (half-dried flounder), Yuba (tofu skin), Namafu, and pickles. Most of Kyoto’s special ingredients can be found here.
- Kyoto Station, Shijo Kawaramachi, Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Shopping Streets
21 Sep 2026 See More

Whenever I come to Kyoto, I always think of taking a stroll through Nishiki Market~ Known as “Kyoto's Kitchen,” it's packed with all kinds of Kyoto foods and long-established shops. It's really fun to browse, eat, and shop as you go. Besides all kinds of Kyoto-style pickles, you can also find dashi tamagoyaki from Nishiki Hirano, tamagoyaki from Miki Keiran, and fresh seafood from Nishiki Uoriki. If you like pickles, don't miss long-established shops such as Nishiri and Masugo. The colorful varieties of Kyoto pickles have flavors that are also very distinctive of Kyoto. Along the way, you can also pick up popular snacks such as soy milk donuts, takoyaki, and matcha sweets. There's a new surprise every few steps. If you want to experience Kyoto's everyday side, Nishiki Market is the place to go!
Dashi Chazuke En at Eki Marche Shin-Osaka

A long-loved dish in Japanese households, ochazuke gets a gourmet twist at this specialty restaurant. The "dashi" broth, a key component of their dishes, is made from a blend of kombu (kelp), iriko (dried sardines), and the rich, aromatic flavors of bonito, mackerel, and swordfish flakes, combined with a chicken broth and seasoned with salt and mirin. This rich and comforting flavor warms the soul. They use high-quality, low-starch Japanese rice to complement the flavorful dashi.
- Shin-Osaka, Juso
- Japanese Cuisine
21 Sep 2026 See More

This place is on my go-to list. Whenever I'm traveling alone for work or leisure and don't know what to eat but want some hot and comforting rice soup, I think of it. The fragrant, rich dashi is served with rice and various toppings such as salmon and sea bream. It's light yet flavorful, comforting, and filling. The best part is how comfortable it is to dine here alone, and you don't feel awkward finishing your meal quickly.

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