Hana Akari
The sightseeing train
for west japan
A sightseeing train that serves as a bridge between passengers and the regions it visits,
showcasing regional specialties onboard
West Japan is home to wonderful people, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes.
Hana Akari shines its akari (light) on these diverse regional treasures, fostering meaningful connections between travelers and the places they explore.
Train Overview
Logo
Inspired by the image of shining light, the logo symbolizes Hana Akari as a train that casts akari (light) on the unique gems of each region in West Japan, uplifting the communities it visits.
Exterior Design
The exterior features a nostalgic yet modern design, harmonizing beautifully with the natural landscapes of West Japan.
This design expresses our wish for passengers to journey with joy and smiles, feeling the warm welcome of local communities.
Interior Design
The interior showcases beautiful Japanese colors, adorned with motifs of seasonal plants and flowers.
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Car No. 1
Superior Green Car
Feel as if you are riding in a comfortable, modern-day palanquin. The spacious leather seats invite you to relax in a variety of postures, depending on how you choose to sit. Each seat is equipped with a large table and a power socket, and shelving featuring various items, along with displays of local crafts and artwork, setting the perfect mood for your journey.
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Car No. 2
Green Car
A free space open to all passengers. This space also hosts sales of local specialties and onboard events.
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Car No. 3
Green Car
Like a spacious hall, Cars No. 2 and 3 offer a relaxed atmosphere for your journey. They feature independent 1+1 seats that rotate 360 degrees, as well as comfortable booths designed for two, or for groups of three to four. With large tables and displays of local crafts and artwork, these cars invite lively conversation among fellow passengers.
Wi-Fi Available Onboard Free Wi-Fi service is available. (JR-WEST_TRAIN_Wi-Fi)
Click here for connection instructions.* Images are for illustrative purposes only.
Timeless Pieces That Enrich the Train Interior
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- Car No. 1Izumo Tatara Ironmaking Single-Stem Vases
- These single-stem vases are crafted using Tatara ironmaking, an ancient ironmaking technique in Izumo, passed down since the Tempyo era (729-749).
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- All CarsTassels Woven with Kyo Kumihimo Braided Cords
- Exclusively crafted for Hana Akari, these curtain tassels feature Kyo Kumihimo braided cords, which were developed during the Heian period (794-1185) to adorn items for the nobility, including those used in Shinto and Buddhist practices.
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- Cars No. 2 and 3Takaoka Copperware Single-Stem Vases
- These wall-hanging single-stem vases are crafted using Takaoka copperware, a metalworking craft from Takaoka City in Toyama Prefecture, practiced since the Edo period (1603–1868).
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- All CarsKyoto Textiles Floor Cushions
- These floor cushions were exclusively crafted for Hana Akari by artisans in Kyoto. Made from Kyoto textiles woven with cotton and stainless threads, they are sewn with the same method used to craft ojami, cloth beanbags used in traditional Japanese juggling games.
* Images are for illustrative purposes only.
Designer
Mr. Yasuyuki Kawanishi
President of ICHIBANSEN/nextstations co.,ltd.- Profile
- 1976 Born in Nara Prefecture
2014 Established ICHIBANSEN/nextstations co.,ltd.
Representative Works
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Limited Express YAKUMO
The 23rd Japan Railway Grand Prize, the 2024 Good Design Award (Best 100), the Japan Railfan Club Blue Ribbon Prize
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New Long-Distance Train WEST EXPRESS GINGA
The 2021 Good Design Award (Best 100), the Good Focus Award (Design of Community Development), the Brunel Award
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High-Speed Sightseeing Cruiser SEA SPICA
The 2020 Good Design Award (Best 100), the Good Focus Award (Design of Community Development), the Ship of the Year 2020 (Small Passenger Ship Sector)
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Renovation of Nakamura Station on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway
The Brunel Award, the Civil Engineering Design Prize (Top Prize), and more
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Logo Design of Hisatsu Orange Railway
The Logo Type Design Award (Top Prize)
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Echigo TOKImeki Resort SETSUGEKKA for the Echigo TOKImeki Railway
The SBID International Design Awards (Public Space Design Category, Top Prize), the Japan Railfan Club Laurel Prize
Service Information
Route
From Osaka, bound for Ogotoonsen
From Osaka, bound for Otsu
* One train will run per day on either of these routes.Stops & Schedule
- From Osaka, bound for Ogotoonsen
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Departure/
arrival stationArrival time Departure time Osaka 10:11 Shin-Osaka 10:15 10:17 Kyoto 10:49 10:58 Otsu 11:06 11:08 Kusatsu 11:39 11:41 Omi-Hachiman 12:01 12:03 Departure/
arrival stationArrival time Departure time Hikone 12:20 12:23 Maibara 12:30 12:33 Nagahama 12:43 12:53 Omi-Maiko 14:07 14:22 Ogotoonsen 14:38
- From Osaka, bound for Otsu
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Departure/
arrival stationArrival time Departure time Osaka 10:11 Shin-Osaka 10:15 10:17 Kyoto 10:49 10:58 Yamashina 11:04 11:06 Otsukyo 11:11 11:12 Hieizan-Sakamoto 11:17 11:18 Ogotoonsen 11:21 11:40 Omi-Maiko 12:00 12:10 Departure/
arrival stationArrival time Departure time Omi-Imazu 12:27 12:59 Nagahama 13:45 13:57 Maibara 14:05 14:07 Hikone 14:13 14:15 Omi-Hachiman 14:31 14:33 Kusatsu 14:45 14:48 Otsu 15:00
Operating Dates
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From Osaka, bound for Ogotoonsen
From Osaka, bound for Otsu
* One train will run per day on either of these routes.
Train usage guide
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Enjoy a relaxing and luxurious journey through the Biwako area aboard a sightseeing train that serves as a bridge between passengers and the regions it visits.
- Hospitality at Stations and on the Train
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Attendants will be on board to sell local souvenirs, drinks, and official “Hana-akari” merchandise.On select dates, we will also welcome you at stations and sell local products on board, creating opportunities for passengers to connect with the local community.
- In-car Furnishing
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Traditional crafts and artwork from Shiga Prefecture will be displayed on the shelves in the Superior Green Car.