Travel to Kyoto in style, Kyoto-style.
Japan’s famous train system is about to become even more unique, thanks to the introduction of the Kyo-train Garaku, a new train service that will soon start running between Kyoto and Osaka.
Forget the dull, sparse interiors of most trains—the interior of the Kyo-train Garaku is styled on Kyoto townhouses and the carriages feature traditional color scheme and textures, with deep hardwood and light reed accents.
No detail has been spared with the Kyo-train Garaku’s décor, with additional touches including miniature gardens and round viewing windows like those seen in Kyoto’s many temples and shrines.
Another aspect of the Kyo-train Garaku’s design is that each of its six carriages are uniquely decorated. Each one is inspired by a different season, so you can travel through time as well as between the two tourist hotspots it connects via the Hankyu Railway.
The first carriage is inspired by autumn and features a maple leaf motif, while the second carriage draws its inspiration from winter and features bamboo, which is traditionally used as a New Year’s decoration. Car three represents spring, so needless to say, it features Japan’s famous sakura cherry blossoms, and car four’s décor features summery geraniums. The fifth and sixth cars are inspired by early spring and early autumn, with plum blossoms and pampas grass respectively.
It might sound like all this luxury comes at a cost, however, a ride on the Kyo-train Garaku is actually extremely affordable! It costs just 400 yen ($3.60 USD) for the journey (the cost of a regular ticket), which takes about 45 minutes in total between Kyoto Kawaramachi and Osaka Umeda Stations. Along the way the train stops at Karasuma, Katsura, Awaji, and Juso Stations.
The service launches in March, with seven departures daily on weekends and public holidays. No reservation is necessary, so just check the timetable and then look out for the instantly recognizable Kyo-train Garaku at the station!
Source: @Press via Grape, SoraNews24
Images: @Press
