JR Special Rapid Service from Kyoto to Sannomiya (Kobe) Train Review
The JR Special Rapid Service is a regular commuter train with no additional fees but provide a very limited stop service along the JR Kyoto Line and JR Kobe Line, comparable to limited express speeds, and yet with a frequent service throughout the day. Since it was my last evening in Japan, I was searching for a restaurant to have some Kobe beef for dinner in Kyoto or Osaka, before slapping myself, realising that I should just go to Kobe instead. As such, instead of taking the JR Special Rapid Service just to Osaka, I continued on to Sannomiya (Kobe) to have a Kobe beef steak for dinner.
Kyoto Station
The concourse of Kyoto Station.
Heading directly through the ticket gates with my JR Sanyo-San’in Northern Kyushu Area Pass.
Heading up the escalator to the concourse bridge above the tracks.
The JR Kyoto Line towards the west operates from Platforms 4 and 5.
While the Special Rapid will arrive 6 minutes later than the Local, wait for the Special Rapid anyway as it does not stop at most stations, while the Local stops at all stations en route.
Heading down to the platform.
The shape beside the train information represents the queue positions along the platform.
For the Special Rapid Service, it’s a triangle, so find the triangle sticker to queue up at.
A platform rope barrier protects passengers from the train and prevents intrusions on to the track.
And here comes my Special Rapid Service train.
This train is bound for Himeji. However, I will be using it just to Sannomiya.
The Special Rapid Service is a very popular train, and seats are very quickly snagged up. A split second after this picture was taken, passengers filled the seats and I was left with the last window seat at the bay of 4 seats.
My JR Special Rapid Service train departed from Kyoto Station on time at 4.00pm.
Crossing over the Katsura River.
With the front window view, it attracted some young railway fans to stand throughout their ride.
Passing by a wide variety of trains stabling in JR West Suita General Rolling Stock Depot Kyoto Branch.
Overtaking the earlier Local train which departed 6 minutes earlier from Kyoto.
Takatsuki Station
Making a brief stop at Takatsuki Station.
Passing by JR Cargo Suita Base.
Shin-Osaka Station
Making a brief stop at Shin-Osaka Station.
A crew change is done at Shin-Osaka Station. Drivers do not drive the entire train service.
Crossing over the Yodo River.
Heading on the many parallel lines between Shin-Osaka and Osaka Stations.
Arriving at Osaka Station.
Osaka Station
Making a brief stop at Osaka Station.
With many passengers alighting and boarding at Osaka Station, I took the opportunity to move myself to another seat without passengers facing me.
The legroom on board the 223 Series EMU.
Departing from Osaka Station together with a Local train.
Crossing over the Yodo River again.
Crossing over the Kanzaki River.
Amagasaki Station
Making a brief stop at Amagasaki Station.
Ashiya Station
Making a brief stop at Ashiya Station.
Passing through Ashiya.
Meeting the Hankyu Kobe Line at Kasuganomichi Station.
Arriving at Sannomiya (Kobe) Station.
Sannomiya (Kobe) Station
My JR Special Rapid Service train arrived at Sannomiya (Kobe) Station on time at 4.52pm. This makes the JR Special Rapid Service train journey from Kyoto to Sannomiya (Kobe) 52 minutes.
Do note that if you are going to downtown Kobe, Sannomiya Station is the correct station. Sannomiya Station is located in the heart of Kobe downtown, and not Kobe Station.
The station sign of Sannomiya (Kobe) Station.
My JR Special Rapid Service will continue on to Kobe and Himeji. Remember that Kobe Station is not at the main area of Kobe that you would think the downtown is at. Alight at Sannomiya for downtown Kobe.
Heading down the escalator to the concourse.
There are 3 main exits at Sannomiya Station. For ease of wayfinding, just use the Central Exit.
The paid concourse of Sannomiya Station.
Heading out of the ticket gates.
The concourse of Sannomiya Station.
The façade of Sannomiya Station.
Conclusion
The JR Special Rapid Service is a speedy commuter train with almost limited express speeds and high frequency, linking the big cities of Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, and Himeji efficiently with minimal stops. More importantly, no additional fees are required to use the JR Special Rapid Service, so it is affordable even at only the basic travelling fare without using any rail passes. Be sure to board early if possible to get a seat, as there is a high demand for the JR Special Rapid Service even with the high frequency of trains.