JR Limited Express Haruka 51 from Kyoto to Osaka Tennoji Train Review
I had considered trying the Special Rapid Service to head back to Osaka, but there were some disruptions on my connecting Osaka Loop Line on the day of my travel. To get back to my hotel at Shin-Imamiya, I decided to just reserve a seat on the next Limited Express Haruka so that I can eliminate the need for a transfer at Osaka Station, and if I get delayed on the Osaka Loop Line, at least I’ll be delayed in comfort.
Kyoto Station
Heading back in to Kyoto Station after dinner and a bit of window shopping.
The concourse of Kyoto Station.
Heading through the ticket gates.
The Limited Express Haruka departs from Platform 30 for most trains. Only 2 morning trains from Yasu will use other platforms.
Very clear signs point to Platform 30 throughout the walk.
My booked Limited Express Haruka 51 was already waiting at Platform 30.
The Kansai Airport-end of the Limited Express Haruka 281 series EMU.
Hello Kitty motifs adorn the Hello Kitty Haruka.
The JR and Haruka branding remains along with the addition of the Hello Kitty livery.
Boarding the Limited Express Haruka at my booked Car 4.
The interior of the Limited Express Haruka 281 series EMU in the regular car.
The head rests have a Hello Kitty motif and Hello Kitty Haruka branding on them.
The legroom available on board the Limited Express Haruka 281 series EMU.
A flip-up side table is provided which can rest a small bento and a can or bottle of drink.
A standing space is available by the gangways for free usage such as taking phone calls which are discouraged in the seating area.
Being an airport train, ample luggage racks are found by the side of the train doors.
A male standing urinal toilet is available.
There is a multi-purpose room with a sink and mirror, decorated with Hello Kitty stickers for mirror selfies.
Wheelchair-accessible toilets are available.
Interestingly, there are 2 sinks in the wheelchair-accessible toilet, probably for the convenience of different user requirements.
Shin-Osaka Station
Making a brief stop at Shin-Osaka Station where more passengers boarded.
Tennoji Station
It felt like I was the only passenger who disembarked at Tennoji Station. And understandably so, since the Haruka is an airport train, and most passengers are going to Kansai Airport.
Heading up the stairs to the concourse.
Heading out through the fare gates.
There were still delays on the Osaka Loop Line, so I continued by exploring the area around Tennoji Station while waiting for the train service to recover and the crowds to reduce.
Conclusion
The Limited Express Haruka is a useful way to travel from Kyoto to Osaka Tennoji with a through JR train service without the need for any transfers. This is included with most JR rail passes, including the JR Sanyo-San’in Northern Kyushu Area Pass that I was using.