Kyo-Train Garaku is a sightseeing train between Osaka (大阪, Ōsaka) and Kyoto (京都, Kyōto) that is run by Hankyu Railway on weekends and public holidays. The train runs between Hankyu's Osaka-Umeda Station and Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station, and costs the same amount as the regular fare as a normal train with no extra charges. What makes Kyo-Train Garaku unique is that the interior of each of the carriages has been decked out in traditional Japanese aesthetics to make it look like a ryokan (旅館, Japanese inn) or machiya (町家, Traditional wooden townhouse) with each carriage having its own definitive season. The unique design of the train is just one of those amazing things in Japan that is almost unthinkable overseas, combining the convenience of getting from Osaka to Kyoto (and vice-versa), with a unique travel experience, and at no extra cost. The train is also a great option of getting from Osaka to Arashiyama (嵐山) with a single transfer at Katsura Station, which is a 10 minute ride away from Arashiyama.
The train makes four round-trips a day from Osaka to Kyoto as a Rapid Limited-Express service. The earliest service leaves Osaka-Umeda Station around 9.30am, and the latest service leaves around 3.30pm. The earliest service leaves Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station around 10.40am, and the latest service leaves around 4.40pm. As timetables change, it is best to check the official website for the exact timings, and is good to remember that Japanese trains leave on the minute, so be sure not to miss it.
