Special Rapid Service is the fastest local train that is operated between Tsuruga (=敦賀) and Kamigori (=上郡) via Kyoto (=京都), Shin-Osaka (=新大阪), Osaka (=大阪), Sannomiya (=三ノ宮), Kobe (=神戸) and Himeji (=姫路). Especially JR West compete with Hankyu (=阪急) and Keihan (=京阪) between Kyoto and Osaka, with Hankyu and Hanshin (=阪神) between Osaka and Kobe. So JR West have to offer fast and good quality of services. As a result, the time required by this train is faster than Shinkansen between Osaka and Kyoto. Since Shinkansen do not have a station in downtown Kobe, this trains is faster than Shinkansen between Osaka and Kobe too. Of course this train is fully covered by Japan Rail Pass. Let’s see the details.
Route, schedule and travel time
Special Rapid Service runs the route and stop at these stations in the map below:
In day time, Special Rapid Service train runs every 15 minutes between Yasu and Himeji. Some of this train services are extended service to Mabara, Nagahama, Tsuruga to east, and Banshu-Ako, Aboshi and Kamigori to west.
Hotels in Kobe
Hotels in Himeji
When you move between Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Himeji, this train service is a primary choice. If you take Shinkansen from Kyoto to Shin-Osaka, it takes only 13 minutes. It seems to be much faster than Shin-Osaka. But you have to change trains at Shin-Osaka if you go to somewhere in Osaka. You have to spend 10 more minutes to transfer at Shin-Osaka. Unless your destination is Shin-Osaka, Special Rapid is more convenient.
If you go to Kobe, it takes 15 minutes by Shinkansen. But Shin-Kobe station on Shinkansen is not located in downtown. You need to take subway to Sannomiya.
Even in case of going to Himeji, it may be very close. It takes 30 minutes by Shinkansen and takes 1 hour by Special Rapid. But if you take Shinkansen, you must get Shin-Osaka first. And Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Himeji does not run very frequently. It depends on your schedule in this case. If Shinkansen’s timetable fits in your schedule, take Shinkansen. Otherwise take Special Rapid Service.
Accommodation
Special Rapid Service is operated by 223 or 225 series. 225 is newer but the seat layout and the interior are same.
Images
In these above photos, the train is empty. But please see the photo below. This is the real shot. This is not the morning and evening peak times. It is a daytime scene. But this train is very busy even other than the peak hours.
Comments
Hi Takeshi-san,
I would like to ask for your advice on what type of JR pass to get. My friends and I will be travelling to Japan on Nov 6-12, 2016. We’ll be staying in Osaka and Kyoto and planning to have a one-day side trip to Hiroshima. We will arrive in Kansai Airport on Nov 6 at around 7:55 pm and will be staying in Kyoto first. Given our general itinerary and length of stay, what JR pass will you recommend. Thank you.
Confused,
Charlotte
Hi Charlotte san,
You may use Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass for the first 5 days.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kansai-hiroshima-area-pass-perfect-deal-for-the-traveller-who-wants-travel-both-kansai-and-hiroshima.html
You can use this pass from KIX to Kyoto, trip to Hiroshima. And also you can visit Nara, Kobe and Himeji by this pass if you want.
After this pass, you can add another city deals. Please find available deals in Kansai area in the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Thank you for the quick reply. Your answer and links are very helpful indeed.
More power! Cheers!
Charlotte
No worries, Charlotte san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San
Planning a 7 days holiday to Kyoto and Osaka.
First to Kyoto then back Osaka.
Arriving Kansai Airport at 21:20 est. time.
Please advise the best and easier transport to Kyoto.
Thank you.
Hi Jennifer san,
If you can catch limited express Haruka, it’s the easiest.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html
But the last one depart at 22:16. It may be tight to catch this from 21:20 arrival. Anyway you can try. If you miss this, take rapid train to Osaka and transfer to Special rapid to Kyoto. Please see the link below to find more info:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-access-to-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe-from-late-arrival-flight-at-kansai-airport-kix.html#Access_to_Kyoto
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San
Thank you for your reply.
Will look into the links.
Best regards
Jennifer
No problem, Jennifer san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
We are going to Osaka on July 1 to 6. We are planning to go to Hiroshima and Miyajima on Day 3 day tour only. Day 4 Kobe and Higemi. Is it advisable to buy JR pass. .?
Hi Helen,
Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass is your choice. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kansai-hiroshima-area-pass-perfect-deal-for-the-traveller-who-wants-travel-both-kansai-and-hiroshima.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San
Thanks for the quick response.
How long is the travel time from Osaka to Hiroshima by this train? Will 8 am good to start?
Hi Helen san,
Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi! Takeshi-san,
I’ll planning a trip to Japan and my first stop will be Osaka. Can you advise me how to go from JR Osaka Station to Saga Arashiyama Station?
I’ll be getting a JR Kansai Area pass. This pass is also know as JR West pass, correct?
Thanks.
Best Regards,
Steven
Hi Steven san,
You can take limited express Haruka to get Kyoto and change local train to Saga-Arashiyama. Kansai area pass covers whole part of this trip.
Kansai area pass is one of JR West Passes. There are some more JR West Passes.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San, I am planning to travel to Japan from 2nd Sept to 9th Sept. I will be arriving at Kansai Airport. My estimated itneary is: Kansai Aiprot to Kyoto. Kyoto to Hiroshima. Hiroshima to Tokyo (Lake Kawaguci). And back to Osaka. Can you please advice me which pass is suitable to purchase? &I do JR Pass covers everything? Thank you once again.
Hi Farzanah san,
You may use 7 days JR pass for the first 7 days of your trip. It covers most part of your trip. You need to add subway and local bus in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. And also bus or train to Lake Kawaguchi is also extra. Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
At last, you may add one of the deals to get KIX from Osaka on the last day.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello! Can I ask if the JR Kansai Area Pass covers the Special Rapid Service? Or do I have to purchase a separate pass? Thank you!
Hi Etaine,
It’s covered fully. Special rapid is a sort of commute trains. It’s not actually “Special”.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Ohayo Takeshisan,
Thanks a lot for
Which pass can you recommend for my trip to Osaka area?
I will arrive at KIX on Tuesday at 18h.
My hotel is situated close to Shin imamiya.
On wednsday I want to go to Himeji.
On thursday I want to visit Kobe.
On friday, will spend the morning at Osaka Castel and afternoon at Universal Studios.
On saturday Umeda and Namba.
On sunday night I’m going back to the airport.
Which pass would you recommend?
Thanks a lot
Hi Abel,
Please refer the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I am planning to travel to various locations via Osaka from 15 to 17 Oct. Most likely Kyoto a day and Nara the next. I would be staying around Namba area in Osaka. So after each place I would return back to Namba. Not sure if its too rush, 1st time travelling to Japan.
I would be getting the JR National Pass. I read that there is this Special Rapid Service that saves more time? Is it covered by the JR Pass? And lastly I would like to head to Lake Kawaguchi from Osaka would you kindly recommend the most efficient way to get there. Thanks in advance for your advice!!
Regards,
Linda
Hi Linda san,
Special rapid is covered by JR Pass. When you go to Lake Kawaguchi, take Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Mishima. And then transfer to express bus from Mishima to Lake Kawaguchi. This express bus is not covered by JR Pass. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, i am planning to visit MT Fuji on the 11th of april, can you please guide me on the best way and price of going to MT Fuji.
Regards,
Elroy
Hi Elroy,
If you go to Lake Kawaguchi, express bus is the best. If you go to Hakone, Hakone Free Pass is the best.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I am planning to travel on 17 April from Osaka to Osaka central fish market to himeiji and staying my night at Kobe. I would return to Osaka the next day 18 April.
Could you kindly reommend if I should buy the JR West Rail pass ? Appreciate your advice as this is my first time traveling to Japan 🙂 thank you!
Regards,
Linda
Hi Linda san,
You can use Kansai Area Pass one day for only 17th Apr.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Single ticket is okay for 18th Apr. 2 days pass is too expensive.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi San 🙂
If i would like to make an adjustment as below :
17 April : from Osaka to Osaka central fish market to KOBE (Mt Rokko/Arima Osen) and staying my night at Kobe.
18 April: KOBE to Himeji Castle to Osaka and stay at Osaka.
What do you recommend ?
Hi Linda,
Kansai thru pass is your choice. Because only this pass covers both Himeji and Arima.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/kansai-thru-pass-sample-itineraries.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com