Why Take the Thunderbird from Osaka to Kyoto?
You can easily get from Osaka to Kyoto in under an hour on a regular train. But this time, we deliberately chose the Limited Express Thunderbird!
The Mascots insisted — “We want to ride this one!” (laughs). Taking a Tsuruga-bound limited express just to get off in Kyoto might sound a little over the top — but we noticed quite a few foreign tourists doing exactly the same thing, which just goes to show how popular the Thunderbird really is.
The Limited Express Thunderbird is operated by JR West, running between Osaka and Tsuruga. Even after the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension opened in 2024, it remains one of the most popular limited express trains in the region. The Osaka–Kyoto leg takes just about 15 minutes — over before you know it!
The Thrill of Traveling by Limited Express — Even on a Short Hop
Taking the Thunderbird for a journey you could easily make on a regular train — that little choice alone makes the whole trip feel more special. Settled into the calm atmosphere of the Green Car, coffee in hand, gazing out the window… 15 minutes suddenly feels far too short.
During holiday periods, even the unreserved carriages fill up quickly on the Thunderbird. Reserved seats and Green Car seats are best booked in advance. Keep an eye on “Ekinet” and “e5489” for discounted early-bird tickets — if your plans are set, booking early is always the smart move.
Kyoto in the Blink of an Eye — Straight to the Railway Museum!
We’d barely settled into our seats on the Thunderbird when Kyoto Station appeared (laughs). From there, we headed straight to the Kyoto Railway Museum.
The museum is about a 20-minute walk from Kyoto Station, or easily accessible by local bus.
A Packed Museum — So Much to See!
The museum is full of exhibits that railway fans will love — but it’s genuinely enjoyable for everyone, even those who don’t know much about trains.
Main Highlights at the Kyoto Railway Museum:
- Real vehicle displays (53 vehicles including steam locomotives, Shinkansen, and conventional trains)
- Train driving simulator experience
- SL Steam Train ride
- Railway diorama demonstrations
During holiday periods, the museum gets busy — buying your entry ticket in advance is strongly recommended.
Basic Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | 10:00–17:30 (last entry 17:00) |
| Closed | Wednesdays (or the following day if Wednesday is a public holiday) |
| Admission | Adults ¥1,500 / University & High School Students ¥1,300 / Junior & Elementary School Students ¥500 / Children aged 3+ ¥200 |
The museum is packed with exhibits that railway fans and casual visitors alike will thoroughly The Mascots’ Favourite: The SL Steam Train Ride!
Of everything we saw and did, the one thing that got the Mascots most excited was the SL Steam Train ride — an experience where you actually board a passenger carriage pulled by a real steam locomotive. It’s a short ride, but being pulled by a genuine working steam engine is the kind of thrill that gets adults and children equally giddy.
A numbered ticket is required for the ride, so head straight for the ticket booth as soon as you arrive. And don’t miss the outdoor roundhouse, where rows of historic vehicles that once served on real routes are lined up in an impressive display. Any railway fan will find themselves rooted to the spot.
Finishing with a Souvenir Baumkuchen
After a thoroughly satisfying visit to the museum, we stopped by the museum shop for souvenirs. Our pick: the Kyoto Railway Museum’s original Baumkuchen!
The packaging features adorable railway motifs — almost too cute to unwrap. But of course, we enjoyed every bite (laughs).
Beyond railway goods, the museum shop also stocks sweet treats and food souvenirs — and that’s one of the things that makes the Kyoto Railway Museum so enjoyable for everyone.
The adorably railway-themed packaging was almost too cute to open — but we managed (laughs). And it was absolutely delicious. The museum shop isn’t just about railway goods — the range of sweets and food souvenirs is one of the hidden highlights of a visit!
Suggested Day Trip Itinerary for a Holiday
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Take the Thunderbird from Osaka to Kyoto (approx. 15 min) |
| Morning–Afternoon | Explore the Kyoto Railway Museum (approx. 2–3 hours) |
| Afternoon | Browse the museum shop for souvenirs |
| Evening | Dinner near Kyoto Station → Return to Osaka |
Summary | Taking the Thunderbird to Kyoto — That’s the Joy of Railway Travel!
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Transport | Limited Express Thunderbird (Osaka–Kyoto, approx. 15 min) |
| Destination | Kyoto Railway Museum |
| Why We Recommend It | Perfect for a holiday day trip! |
| Souvenir | The original Baumkuchen is a must-buy! |
Taking the limited express to a destination you could easily reach by local train — that’s the real pleasure of railway travel. Add this to your holiday plans and give it a try!