2-Day Summer Journey on Japan’s Scenic Train Hanaakari 🇯🇵 Osaka – Tsuruga 観光列車はなあかり スーペリアグリーン 大阪〜敦賀

2-Day Summer Journey on Japan’s Scenic Train Hanaakari 🇯🇵 Osaka – Tsuruga 観光列車はなあかり スーペリアグリーン 大阪〜敦賀

Osaka → Tsuruga 2-Day Train Trip Sightseeing Train “Hanaakari” Finished shopping in Tsuruga Experiencing a special summer-only route Summer 2025 Temperature: 38°C Station filled with the sound of cicadas Current location – Osaka Sta., Osaka Pref. Good morning A scorching hot morning Today’s route Osaka Station (10:11) → Tsuruga (12:45) Tsuruga (13:34) → Osaka Station (16:55) This time, the outbound and return routes are different Tickets reserved and issued at the counter The fare was 14,370 yen Now, boarding the sightseeing train “Hanaakari” Departure from Platform 10 Platforms 9 & 10 On the platform, there was a boarding position mark for “Hanaakari” Since I’m in Car 1, I waited a little further ahead 09:55, the elegant train arrived Previously, the limited express “Hamakaze” ran between Osaka and Tottori “Hanaakari” was made by remodeling the 189 series cars from that train All cars are reserved Green Cars The train’s color is “Binrouji-zome” A highest-grade dye from around 1,300 years ago (Nara period) A train suitable for formal attire However, not a single passenger in a tuxedo was in sight I am lightly dressed Boarding in T-shirt and sandals Car 1 I reserved the highest-class seat Superior Green Seat Usually, this seat is for two people This time, I have it all to myself A special seat, limited to 10 seats Attendant: The stamp station and onboard sales will be available in Car 2 as soon as preparations are complete, so please make use of them then Staff: Excuse me This train consists of 3 cars Green Car, the lowest-priced seat A seat for single passengers I will use this seat on the return trip 4-person box seat 2-person box seat Luggage rack Flowers displayed inside the train You can admire craft copperware and single-stem vases Zabuton in the salon space of Car 2 Each made by a Kyoto artisan 10:11, Departure from Osaka Station The 2-hour 34-minute train journey begins A few minutes later, an onboard announcement started Announcement: Thank you for waiting, everyone Announcement: Thank you for riding the sightseeing train “Hanaakari” today Announcement: From the front: Car 3, Car 2, Car 1 Announcement: Please check your ticket for your car number before taking your seat Announcement: Next stop, Shin-Osaka Detailed guidance began after departing Shin-Osaka Station Announcement: Passengers boarding from Shin-Osaka Station Announcement: Thank you for waiting Announcement: Thank you for riding the sightseeing train “Hanaakari” today Announcement: Restrooms are located in Cars 2 and 3 Announcement: We will now guide you through the stations where we will stop Announcement: Next stop, Kyoto Announcement: Arrival at 10:56 Announcement: After leaving Kyoto, Otsukyo at 11:11 Announcement: Hieizan-Sakamoto at 11:17 Announcement: Ogoto Onsen at 11:21 Announcement: Omi-Maiko at 11:45 Announcement: Omi-Imazu at 12:17 Announcement: Final stop, Tsuruga, arrival at 12:45 Announcement: At some stations, special hospitality will be offered on the platform, so please enjoy it Attendant: Hello everyone Attendant: Thank you very much for boarding the sightseeing train “Hanaakari” today Attendant: This is an announcement from the Chief Attendant Attendant: “Hanaakari” train operates with the concept of bringing together the vibrancy of the local areas along its route, connecting passengers with the region. Attendant: To ensure all passengers can enjoy the charm of the region, the three of us attendants will provide heartfelt service Attendant: If you need anything, please feel free to ask Attendant: Onboard sales will begin in Car 2’s salon space once preparations are complete Attendant: We offer Hanaakari original goods, as well as carefully selected items from the local area along the route Attendant: Please take this opportunity to purchase local products such as alcohol, soft drinks, snacks, and other items that let you experience the charm of the region Attendant: In addition, the salon space in Car 2 has colorful commemorative stamps inspired by the areas along the route of “Hanaakari” Attendant: Please use the stamp sheets we provide to make a memorable keepsake of your journey Attendant: Also, at some intermediate stations, we provide “interaction spaces” connecting passengers with the local community through local product sales and hospitality Attendant: Now, please enjoy your journey on the sightseeing train “Hanaakari” Bento meals must be reserved at least 4 days in advance Since I reserved mine the day before, I’m not even eligible to have a bento Tassel made with Kyoto kumihimo braiding This kumihimo is said to be made around Uji City Curtains – unknown Lighting made of Japanese washi paper USB charging port and power outlet You can also charge devices Single-stem vase made with Izumo Tatara steel Ojami cushion made with Takashima textiles Thicker than the ones in the salon space Floor design resembles chrysanthemum flowers Heater installed under the seat Now, let’s explore inside the train Aisle deck Washbasin The magnet to close the curtain is a bit weak Mirror with high freedom of rotation in all directions Could be used for checking nose hairs Hand soap “Do not drink the tap water” Press the button to switch between cold and hot water Multipurpose restroom Opens and closes with the push of a button Shared restroom Men’s restroom Could not use the multipurpose room Spacious washbasin No magnets Hooks Perhaps because of the season, the water is lukewarm Corridor at the car connection where sound echoes However, the sound does not reach the rooms, so it seems fine Hina dolls (Genji dolls) I’m hungry Maybe I’ll come back to buy something later The blinds in the salon space were ‘sudare’ (bamboo shades) I wonder if anyone actually uses them Back at my seat, they checked my destination and whether I had reserved a bento Lake Biwa is coming into view Passing Kyoto Station, Otsukyo Station, and Hieizan Sakamoto Station on schedule Announcement: At Ogoto Onsen, there are day-use inns, free foot baths, café facilities, and the Ogoto Onsen Tourist Park Announcement: Please enjoy an exquisite experience you can only have here 11:21, arrival at Ogoto Onsen Station Bento meals for those who reserved were brought aboard The Ogoto Onsen staff also moved to the front Four minutes later, the train departed the station We received cheers from the staff we saw earlier Great view Announcement: On the right side, you can see the magnificent Lake Biwa Announcement: On the left side, you can enjoy the Hira mountain range for a while, so please take in the view Came to stamp the commemorative sheet Announcement: Attention passengers Announcement: Omi-Maiko is a scenic spot along Lake Biwa with beautiful white sand and green pine trees Announcement: Local dishes using ingredients such as sweetfish, eel, small fish, and Omi beef delight visitors’ palates Seems like they didn’t have change Got the food! 11:45, arrival at Omi-Maiko Station The train stops here for about 11 minutes So hooooot About 1 hour left until Tsuruga Station Time flies Stepping outside for some fresh air was a nice break Passengers eating the bento meals they had reserved The “reserve by 4 days before boarding” restriction for bento It can’t be helped Now I’ll have what I bought earlier I bought two items Lake Biwa Cider (350 yen) “Chewably delicious” grilled mackerel jerky (600 yen) By the way, Tsuruga’s specialty is grilled mackerel sushi Maybe I’ll choose mackerel sushi for tomorrow’s train bento The train makes a signal stop at Azumigawa Station along the way Testing the Wi-Fi “Hanaakari” Wi-Fi comes in two types One is for viewing the camera feeds installed at the front and rear of the train Camera angles can be switched Image quality is so-so But it’s still fascinating to watch Still, the view with my own eyes is sharper The other Wi-Fi is for web browsing Connection speed was stable at 45ms The train is traveling at 95–98 km/h Announcement: Next stop, Omi-Imazu, Omi-Imazu Announcement: Exit is on the right, platform 1 Announcement: After leaving Omi-Imazu, the next stop is the final station, Tsuruga Announcement: Doors do not open automatically Announcement: Please press the “Open” button next to the door to exit 12:17, arrival at Omi-Imazu Station Takashima City local products sale begins My seat showcases Takashima City crafts The displayed items vary by seat Announcement: Next, the final stop, Tsuruga Announcement: Arrival at the final stop, Tsuruga, is 12:45 Announcement: Today, local vendors from Takashima City will be selling products from Omi-Imazu Station Announcement: Please visit the free space in Car 2 Car 2 bustling with activity Attendant: Okay, ready? Attendant: Ha-na-a-ka-ri The items for sale were several types of cookies Vendor: We’ve come from Takashima City and brought brochures, please take a look The brochures were distributed to each seat They were full of beautiful photos Attendant: How has your journey on the sightseeing train “Hanaakari” been? Attendant: We are approaching the final stop, Tsuruga Station Attendant: Did you enjoy the scenery along the route, from the streets of Osaka to the views of Lake Biwa? Attendant: We hope you were able to feel the charm of the area along with “Hanaakari” Attendant: “Hanaakari” operates with the concept of gathering the region’s beauty on the train and connecting passengers with the local area Attendant: We cherish the connections with all our passengers and sincerely look forward to welcoming you again Attendant: Before disembarking, please check your belongings and make sure you haven’t left anything behind Attendant: Thank you very much for riding the sightseeing train “Hanaakari” today Beyond the tunnel lies Tsuruga Station It’s almost time to get off Announcement: Thank you for riding with us Announcement: Arrival at the final stop of the “Hanaakari” journey, Tsuruga Station Announcement: Exit is on the left, platform 4 Announcement: Please make sure you have all your belongings Announcement: For passengers using the “Happy Line Fukui” Announcement: The next local train to Fukui departs at 13:20 Announcement: After leaving this platform, proceed to platform 7 Announcement: Once again, thank you very much for riding the sightseeing train “Hanaakari” today Announcement: All crew and attendants sincerely look forward to welcoming you again Announcement: Please continue to enjoy your travels Announcement: Have a safe journey 12:45, arrival at Tsuruga Station The 2-hour 34-minute train journey has come to an end At the station, a welcome banner greeted us Station staff: Welcome to Tsuruga The cries of black kites echo across Tsuruga Station The return train departs tomorrow at 13:34 Until then, free time in Tsuruga “Please use the side of platform 5” There’s the “Happy Line Fukui” Someday, I’d like to explore the northern part of Fukui Prefecture as well Near the ticket gate, you can have your boarding ticket stamped It’s recommended as a keepsake of your ride Tsuruga Station Statue of Tsunuga Arashito In front of the station, the community bus stops are well organized About 2 hours until hotel check-in Same as Osaka, the temperature is 38°C Sweat pouring nonstop! Walking a little, then wiping my face with a towel I can see a Starbucks in the distance! Thank you for building a Starbucks here Took about a 2-hour break Traffic lights in Fukui Prefecture are vertical Apparently to prevent bending from winter snowfall First, let’s get some food Oops, I ended up on the opposite side A long detour under the heat Supermarket “Efre” Got lunch, dinner, and breakfast for the next morning In the evening, I’ll go out for a stroll once it’s cooler See you tomorrow Good morning The time is 09:50 “Orpark”, a facility directly connected to Tsuruga Station Here, I will leave my suitcase I couldn’t find a change machine, so I broke coins at a vending machine The cheapest drink was 130 yen The suitcase full of vegetables I bought last night is extremely heavy The locker cost 600 yen After leaving my luggage, it’s a 1-minute walk Arrived at the bicycle parking I’ll go shopping using Docomo’s shared bicycle A liquor store that would take 1 hour round trip on foot By bicycle, it’s 30 minutes round trip Liquor store “Kesera Seller Miyamoto” I bought Tsuruga’s sake “Tsukikiyoshi” Price: 1,760 yen (1 bottle, 720ml) A local sake of Tsuruga that revived in March 2024 After that, I finished shopping around the station It cost 165 yen for under 30 minutes Super cheap, highly recommended Today’s temperature is 37°C Just like yesterday, it’s sweltering—unbearable Monuments installed along the street in front of Tsuruga Station The works were from “Galaxy Express 999” and “Space Battleship Yamato” Picked up an insulated bag at Daiso in “Al Plaza” While there, also grabbed saba toro sushi and small horse mackerel from the supermarket on the first floor Next, a Japanese sweets shop near Kehi Shrine Kobori Hinode-do Desserts made using the same water source as Kehi Shrine’s spring “Narcissus Manju” (1 piece, 140 yen) A Tsuruga confectionery shop continuing since the Meiji era Chilled with underground water, looks delicious And then, I came back here again Supermarket “Efure” Heshiko mackerel, Fujiburg, Royal Sawayaka juice I also bought small horse mackerel here 198 yen—such a bargain, I had to buy it Souvenir shop “Tsuruga Kawato” Fukui Beer (1 bottle, 550 yen) Mandarin beer (720 yen) Somehow, it’s already 13:20 Heading to the platform where “Hanaakari” is waiting My suitcase is too heavy “Hanaakari” departs from Track 4 Same spot where I got off yesterday At the platform, Tsuruga City pamphlets were being handed out I’ll check them later Ah—don’t close it! My seat is 5A in Car 2 A solo green car seat Lock lever under the seat Lift the lever to rotate the chair Logo on the backrest The floor is probably designed like a pinwheel Footrest Booklet and stamp sheet Handrail attached to the table Announcement: Thank you for boarding Announcement: 13:34 departure, sightseeing train “Hanaakari” bound for Osaka Announcement: The train has three cars: 1st car at the front, 2nd car, and 3rd car at the rear Announcement: Please check your ticket’s car number before boarding Announcement: We will depart in just over 3 minutes 13:34, departed Tsuruga Station Announcement: Thank you for waiting, everyone Announcement: Thank you for boarding the sightseeing train “Hanaakari” today Announcement: The train operates with three cars: 1st car at the front, 2nd car, and 3rd car at the rear Announcement: Please check your ticket’s car number before boarding Announcement: Now, the train has departed from the Sea of Japan port town, Tsuruga Announcement: Between here and the next station, Shin-Hikida, we will run on a section called the loop line, which is different from the downward line heading to Tsuruga Announcement: Next, we will inform you of the upcoming stop Announcement: Next stop: Nagahama Announcement: Arrival at 14:05 Announcement: After Nagahama, the train stops in order at Maibara, Hikone, Omi-hachiman, Kusatsu, Otsu, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, and finally Osaka Announcement: At some stations, there will also be hospitality on the platform, so please enjoy it Announcement: Thank you for using the sightseeing train “Hanaakari” today The bag received at the station had an illustration on it Attendant: Hello everyone Attendant: Thank you very much for boarding the sightseeing train “Hanaakari” today Attendant: This is a message from the chief attendant Attendant: “Hanaakari” is operated with the concept of gathering regional beauty on the train and connecting passengers with local communities Attendant: To help passengers enjoy the charm of the region, our three attendants will provide heartfelt hospitality throughout the journey Attendant: If you need anything, please feel free to ask Attendant: Also, at intermediate stations, we provide “interaction spaces” connecting passengers with the region through local product sales and hospitality Attendant: Now, please enjoy your journey on “Hanaakari” Inside the booklet, there are messages for Hanaakari passengers The pamphlet has a clear file-style design It’s a unique design A small discovery caught my eye Looking above the lights, there were petal patterns As on the outbound trip, they confirmed destinations and meal reservations A single-flower vase made of Takaoka copper The Kyoto braided tassels seem to be attached to all cars Conductor: Excuse me Conductor: Would you like a date stamp on your ticket? There was a service for a commemorative boarding stamp It wasn’t available on the outbound trip, so it’s a welcome service It was a stamp marked “Kyoto Train Crew Division” Lush green trees And the summer sky A beautiful view Announcement: Information for passengers Announcement: The train is now running through Nagahama City, which faces the Ibuki Mountain range and Lake Biwa, with rich Nobi Plain scenery and lakeside landscapes, designated as one of the prefecture’s finest scenic areas Announcement: There are many tourist spots, so please visit Nagahama again and enjoy sightseeing with an overnight stay next time Announcement: Please continue to enjoy your train journey Announcement: Next stop: Nagahama, Nagahama Announcement: The exit will be on the left, platform 1 Announcement: After Nagahama, the next stop is Maibara Announcement: Today, the Nagahama Tourism Association will distribute pamphlets and sell local products 14:05, Arrival at Nagahama Station Local products for sale included assorted sweets I bought a 500-yen assorted sweets pack Responding to cheers from the station platform, I waved back Many people waved back Nagahama City pamphlet The photos were beautiful Wet tissues were also included 14:32, Arrival at Maibara Station At Maibara, we stopped for about 2 minutes Ibuki Mountain will soon be out of sight Announcement: Next stop, Hikone, Hikone Announcement: Arrival at Hikone at 14:40 Arrival at Hikone Station Station staff: “Wave from inside the train!” Following their instructions, I received a small flag 14:52, Departure from Hikone Station Meal time Saba-toro sushi bought at the supermarket Four pieces for 537 yen including tax Large slices of mackerel Very satisfying to eat The “Echizen Tea” contained roasted tea with beans It was fragrant and easy to drink Delicious! Announcement: After leaving Omihachiman, the next stop is Kusatsu Announcement: Departure from Omihachiman Station is at 15:20 Local products purchased in Nagahama Kikusui Tsubu-ame (sugar candy) White, foamy candy filled with air Slightly sweet malt sugar 15:07, Arrival at Omihachiman Station At this station, only pamphlets were distributed 15:33, Arrival at Kusatsu Station Kusatsu specialty “Ubagamochi” was distributed for free A confection from the main store “Ubagamochiya” They sent us off with a banner. “It’s Kusatsu — no hot springs, but still a great place.” The self-deprecating humor was absolutely brilliant. The name comes from wet nurses who worked raising young children These wet nurses used to sell mochi The mochi was wrapped in lightly sweet red bean paste Announcement: Passengers getting off at Otsu, please check your belongings to avoid leaving anything behind Announcement: Next stop, Otsu, Otsu One hour remaining until arrival in Osaka I worked on some computer tasks for a short while Remaining sweets purchased at Nagahama’s local product sales Cookies shaped like Shiga Prefecture The lake part was made of hard candy They used sour candy I would have preferred sweet candy Yuzu ponzu rice crackers Beautiful crackers with a nicely browned surface However, the flavor was soy sauce When I drank water, the ponzu flavor suddenly appeared Wet tissues included in the pamphlet I used them to clean my computer Sparkling clean Announcement: Change in disembarkation information Announcement: After passing through the Higashiyama Tunnel, we will cross the Kamo River and arrive at Kyoto Station Announcement: The exit will be on the left, arriving at platform 6 Kyoto Station coming up soon The “Hanaakari” journey is now approaching its final stage 16:22, Arrival at Kyoto Station The train departs in 2 minutes The scenery of expansive farmland is no longer visible Enjoyed viewing artistic clouds Attendant: Everyone, how was your journey on the sightseeing train “Hanaakari”? Attendant: Did you enjoy the streetscapes from Tsuruga and the natural scenery along the route? Attendant: We hope you were able to feel the charm of the region through “Hanaakari” Attendant: “Hanaakari” train operates with the concept of bringing together the vibrancy of the local areas along its route, connecting passengers with the region. Attendant: We cherish the connection with all passengers who have ridden with us, and we look forward to welcoming you again Attendant: Before disembarking, please check your belongings once more to ensure you leave nothing behind Attendant: Thank you very much for riding the sightseeing train “Hanaakari” today Announcement: Arrival at Shin-Osaka in about 5 minutes Announcement: Shin-Osaka Station, the exit is on the left, arriving at platform 9 16:48, Arrival at Shin-Osaka Station Those taking the Shinkansen home should get off here Announcement: Thank you for riding with us Announcement: Soon, “Hanaakari” will reach its final stop, Osaka Station Announcement: The exit will be on the right, arriving at platform 3 Announcement: The train may shake slightly upon arrival ahead, so please watch your step if you are standing Announcement: Please check your belongings carefully to ensure you leave nothing behind and prepare to disembark Announcement: The doors will open automatically Announcement: Please keep your hands away from the doors while waiting Announcement: Thank you very much for riding the sightseeing train “Hanaakari” today Announcement: All crew and attendants sincerely look forward to welcoming you again Announcement: Please continue to enjoy your travels ahead 16:55, Arrival at the final stop, Osaka Station The approximately 3.5-hour train journey has come to an end Attendant: Thank you very much Attendant: Please take care as you continue your journey After this, “Hanaakari” became a non-revenue train Thank you for the wonderful and vibrant train experience Thank you for watching until the very end!

“Hanaakari(はなあかり)” is a new Japanese sightseeing train(観光列車).
It began operating last autumn, and this year marks its first-ever summer service.
I experienced a 2-day, 1-night trip on this summer-only route between Osaka and Tsuruga.

■Superior Green Seat Overview
Route: Osaka (Osaka Station) → Fukui (Tsuruga Station)
Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours 34 minutes
Seat: Car 3, Seat 9
Fare: JPY ¥14,370 ≈ $97 / €83 / £71 / C$134 / A$149 / ₩135,260 / ₽7,773

■Green Seat Overview
Route: Fukui (Tsuruga Station) → Osaka (Osaka Station)
Travel Time: Approximately 3 hours 21 minutes
Seat: Car 2, Seat 5A
Fare: JPY ¥7,110 ≈ $48 / €41 / £35 / C$66 / A$74 / ₩67,130 / ₽3,845

■How to Book & Travel Info
Official Website (Booking): https://www.jr-odekake.net/railroad/hanaakari/
Blog Post (Ride Experience): https://mitemil.com/ride_en/sightseeing-train-hanaakari/

#train #japan #travel #trip #vlog #subtitles #review #asmr

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00:00 A 2-day, 1-night train trip from Osaka to Tsuruga 大阪から敦賀までの1泊2日列車旅
00:24 JR Osaka Station JR大阪駅
00:55 Map 地図
02:00 Hanaakari arrival はなあかり 入線
03:18 Superior Green スーペリアグリーンシート
04:03 Green Seat グリーンシート
04:19 Box Seat ボックスシート
04:52 Departure from Shinmoji Port 大阪駅を出発
09:17 Room Tour ルームツアー
10:17 Interior Tour 車内ツアー
16:04 Onboard Shop Purchases 車内販売の購入品
21:57 Arrived at Tsuruga Station 敦賀駅に到着
23:14 DAY 1 at Tsuruga 敦賀1日目
25:12 DAY 2 at Tsuruga 敦賀2日目
31:23 Departure from Tsuruga Station 敦賀駅を出発
35:58 Souvenirs at Nagahama 物産販売(長浜)
37:54 Saba Sushi Time 鯖寿司
39:23 Ubaga Mochi うばがもち
44:19 Arrived at Osaka Station 大阪駅に到着