JR West Special Rapid Review

[@DylansTravelReports]

PLEASE READ: I just want to take a moment to update you and clarify my position regarding travel in relation to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Being a UK citizen, I consult the UK Foreign Office for advice on where I am travelling and what I may need to be aware of. At the time of writing, the Foreign Office advises against all non-essential travel abroad. In addition, non-essential travel within the UK is currently not permitted. With this in mind I am currently unable to travel and film content. I am lucky to currently have a large (about 6 months worth) of content already filmed so you can still expect a new video every Friday. I do however want to stress that I travelled in line with the advice of the UK Foreign Office where travelling outwith the UK and in line with UK law when travelling domestically at the time of recording. This advice will likely have changed in the time between recording and publishing. With that, I am hopeful that travel will once again be possible in the near future and I hope to get out and about filming again over the summer. Lastly, thank you for your continued support through these strange and difficult times. Stay safe! Kind regards, Dylan.

[@fitajelly6322]

hmm are you use JR Travel Pass in this video

[@DylansTravelReports]

No, ICOCA card.

[@あいうえお-o6s1f]

@@DylansTravelReports And, you bought a canned cafe au lait by ICOCA.

[@moestrei]

Nice to see you are in a country which is able to build their own confortable trains, keep them in a good condition and run them economically and on time.

[@numberIII-nr5zc]

Researching the train fleet, there is one toilet per permanent train set, and because the special rapid uses 8 plus 4 cars to get 12 cars, there should be two toilets in this train set. This ensures that every train has a toilet.

[@thomthomas08]

In the Netherlands this would be an intercity service. A train that stops at all stations we call a Sprinter service

[@ameerali.ouarda]

This makes me appreciate the fact that I have Class 377/1-4 and 377/6-7’s on my local line which has sockets, arm rests, reading lamps, coat hooks, air-con/heating 2 toilets per unit, tables, wi-fi etc

[@DylansTravelReports]

You must have better luck than me with class 377s as I am yet to get one with plug sockets. Mind you, I only ever really get to travel on Southern's 377s which are some of the first ones to be built so maybe companies with newer ones have installed them.

[@ameerali.ouarda]

@Dylan's Travel Reports: Yeah some of the older ones don’t have sockets. The 377/4 has them only in first class which is declassified on the suburban metro routes so I can sit there 😅

[@DylansTravelReports]

Ah, I use them on slightly longer routes so no such luck for me lol

[@numberIII-rq8rj]

Note: Urban local trains (4 doors) are every 15 minutes (Takatsuki to Nishi Akashi) Suburban (3 door) Local (rapid between Takatsuki and Nishi Akashi) every 15 minutes Special Rapid trains (at least between Yasu and Himeji) every 15 minutes That’s a lot of trains for a not - a - metro service

[@antonleung1282]

Actually JR West recently announced there will be an ‘A seat’ service on some special rapid trins, you just have to pay 500 yen and can be upgraded to a reserved section of the train which included reclined seats with tables and power socket.

[@numberIII-pc5rr]

Because Japanese trains are losing ridership YoY so they try to use premium services to lure customers back in

[@kevinsugiyama7075]

The melodies are so satisfying

[@louislegrand2865]

Thank you Dylan, I really appreciated it. These trains are cheap, economical, highly recommendable. I had the chance to watch the video at the premiere! It was a good time. See you soon !

[@DylansTravelReports]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed.

[@Lodai974]

At the sound of the train (braking and starting) it is a series E223-2000.I take them during my trip in Japan in May 2019. Trains is the best way to travel in Japan. For the gauge of the tracks, only the Shinkansen lines, some subway lines and some privates lines like Keikyu use the standard gauge.

[@jeffersio]

Special Rapid Services are similar to Regional Express (RE) in Germany. In JR West, it is the fastest train connection that doesn't required extra charges. In Keihanshin area, Special Rapid Services has a higher priority then Limited Express (similar to Intercity in UK).

[@numberIII-pc5rr]

Because they run on separate tracks .

[@PackaWalka]

Great video. thanks for the nostalgia. I've been in kyoto for travel 5 yrs ago and I've ridden on JR train to Osaka. it's a little bit different train but still good for me to recall my journey. thanks again for the journey.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks 😁

[@ChrisWong-q6l]

2:40 And also some private railways for mass transportation use standard gauge. (Hankyu Railways will be an example in Kansai Region)

[@jmstransit]

Tokyo: Keikyu and their family of through services (Toei Asakusa, Hokuso Line, Keisei) also use standard gauge. Keio and Toei Shinjuku line is more unique, they use Scotch gauge (1372mm or 4ft 6in)

[@AllyMcLesbian]

@@jmstransit The Tokyo streetcar network used to use Scotch gauge, and that's why Keio was built to that gauge for inter-running. Later when the streetcar was replaced by the Shinjuku Line, they simply built it to the same gauge to continue the Keio inter-running. As for Keisei, that also includes their flagship Skyliner service - only 40 minutes from Narita Airport to Nippori on the Yamanote Loop. Loved that train.

[@AllyMcLesbian]

Tokyo Metro's two oldest lines - Ginza and Marunouchi, which also happen to use Third Rail power - also are standard gauge.

[@MegaDeano72]

1.00 that is some painting job when it needs doing. Excellent footage as usual 👍

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks 😁

[@Steve-xf4uv]

Great video Dylan. Travelled to Japan in 2018 and used JR several times. Loved Kyoto. Japan's trains and stations are so clean !!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! Japanese rail travel is just amazing whether it be on a Shinkansen or otherwise.

[@viviennguyen4698]

This is the order of train speeds from slow to fast in Japan. Local Rapid Special Rapid Commuter Rapid Commuter express/semi express Express Limited express Shinkansen Between Osaka and Kyoto, local trains take 1h 30m, and Ltd. Express takes 20m

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks for the info!

[@AllyMcLesbian]

Awesome! I've been on Shinkansen as well as the local all-stop trains, but have never had a chance to take these rapid trains; additionally, since I was using a Japan Rail Pass (which already pays for itself after a Tokyo-Kyoto return), the difference in fares was not relevant for my itinerary. I did take a Keihin private commuter train but only for a quick hop of a few kilometers within Kyoto.

[@TheZachary2wTan]

If you ever drop by Kyushu in the future, you might want to check out the special sightseeing trains that are operated by JR Kyushu.

[@rezaalan3991]

Nice train trip report. Nice to see trying local commuter train in Japan.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks!

[@numberIII-rq8rj]

The best thing is that JR West only put two stops for this line in between Kyoto and Osaka. (Takatsuki - thats the start of most urban commuter line trains with the 4 doors, and Shin Osaka - the Shinkansen station)

[@smcastillo7404]

Hi Dylan! Wow! another great video! I've been to Japan twice and I would like the chance to go back again and visit! Everything about Japan is so interesting, from the vending machines, to the food, and especially their trains! Japan is truly a unique place! Thanks so much for sharing another awesome video of your travels Dylan! As always...see you next Friday!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! Honestly, Japan is one of my favourite countries that I've ever visited.

[@zeroman215]

This really gave me some good memories. Thanks for sharing your experience. I've done the same trip back in 2018 once before and it was indeed more economical than taking the Shinkansen over a relatively short distance. A few things I noticed on my previous trip last year. It seems that JR West in general really likes to make use of arrival melodies compared to other JR companies, I've noticed. For stations in the other areas they operate, namely the Okayama and Hiroshima Areas, as they designate them, have their fair share of arrival melodies. One I remember is really just a melody of an old song that was once popular. Whereas with JR East, they put far more stock in departure melodies, save for the chime that plays when a train is approaching, known as "ATOS". Sendai Station definitely has a rather over the top departure melody, at least in my own opinion, but that doesn't mean I don't like. Still, I prefer the one they used on the Shinkansen platforms previously to the one used now. JR Kyushu had a couple from memory, but I do remember those in-car melodies on the Kyushu Shinkansen, I believe they were composed by Minoru Mukaiya whom also composed melodies for various rail companies, namely Keihan Electric Railway and Tokyo Metro, most notably for the Tozai Line. It being Mukaiya, they're kind of over the top, but that's his style. If you're really into this aspect, do check them out. I could honestly talk about such obscure topics all day. Take care.

[@nah_144]

Japanese railways were the first in high speed trains. The Shinkansen debut in 1964. At that time it had a top speed of 135 mph. What I like about these EMU is that when they depart, it makes a whoosh noise

[@johnnyboy3949]

¥570 is like £4.20. That ain’t bad!

[@EssexWolf1993]

Japan is definitely a country on my list to visit one day (Mainly to experience their rail network and the Shinkansen).

[@goodi2shooz]

Looks like a very decent train and you sure can't beat that price difference! Sadly we don't have any local trains where I live, but have you ever ridden on the ACE (Altamont Corridor Express) train in California?.. it also is a pretty decent train that we recently lost access to because of connection schedule changes where I live.

[@DylansTravelReports]

I've never ridden ACE. Which part of California is it?

[@TransportManUK]

The start up sounds just like the class 800/801/802 in britain

[@Pasonia]

Reminded me of the Romancecar I practically grunted at my lecturer for during my poly days, just so our travelling students group could get to Hakone faster from Tokyo. Otherwise, she would have gotten us on the local lines and that would have been a disaster and a half LOL

[@Pasonia]

@Tom we were in a rush and I only had half the materials I needed to convince the lecturer to make that decision 10 years ago, with my barely functional understanding of Japanese :) Of course, the Rapid Express came into play once I was able to connect to Tachibana Ryokan's wifi... after I saw the nice lack of dots on the JR train map. Basically taught me that you need to be prepared when travelling, but then again I also heavily dislike researching. I should have no problems solo-travelling Japan now though, since I've got a JLPT N2 in the bag, so certainly no more stupid shenanigans with trains :p

[@s_acostamuniz]

Awesome video and very interesting trip! Thanks for sharing such and amazing train journey.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks😁

[@jun_suzuki42]

Greetings. I travelled on these JR West 223 series several times, depending on timing (especially on peak hours) these train can be super packed. There is some seats which can be extracted beside the car doors. Anyway most of the time I was sleeping while riding the train so I am glad to watch your videos reporting on the scenery outside the train. Your videos are amazing. Please keep it up.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! I've heard you are supposed to stand instead of using the auxiliary seating when the train is really busy to create more standing room.

[@zxu9683]

Kyoto in Osaka in less than half an hour is very impressive. It's even faster than those limited expresses of rival companies Keihan and Hankyu.

[@numberIII-rq8rj]

Thanks to the fact they travel on separate tracks from the local and rapid trains

[@dave1001]

Very popular with the locals too

[@FTom-xb2ov]

i live in Osaka.i'm glad that you came to Japan!Love your vids mate.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! 😃

[@penninetrains1398]

Great video as always Dylan. Presumably if you were in possession of a Japan Rail Pass the journey would have been no more expensive on a Shinkansen train.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! I didn't have a rail pass but if you did, you're right in saying that you could just hop on the Shinkansen.

[@bushyconn]

Surprisingly for a modern (and Japanese) train, the inter carriage doors ar manually operated!

[@numberIII-rq8rj]

@@budisoemantri2303 nope. These 223 series are built from 1984 onward, and the 225 series that dates from 2010 to now are still handles.

[@harrywotton7728]

As special rapid service is fast enough, I don't need shinkansen if traveling within Kansai region. Great Video. I subscribe your channel.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks for the sub!

[@billykitahama3514]

At 2:22, that should be 'Cape gauge' - not "Cope gauge". Sorry to sound nitpicky.

[@DylansTravelReports]

I think I get mixed up with Cape gauge and nearby Kobe the place maybe 😅

[@jmstransit]

Also wanna point out 4 things: 1) Thanks to the Japanese super-conglomerate system, a lot of the rail companies have shares in retail, thus, explaining that you can actually buy a drink with your smartcard. Not just convenience store, but in vending machine as well 2) there's a large difference between what Japan calls "Subways" and "Commuter trains" and what these mean in most of the western world. 3) Most train lines in Japan have english/Japanese announcements. One railway in Osaka, I believe, also has chinese announcements. 4) Unique to Japan is the type of platform screen "barriers" at the end of the video. They're made of rope and they slide up when the train arrives.

[@DanielsUKT]

The last thing does sound like a good idea for above ground stations when there's loads of people on the platform to reduce the risk of someone being pushed on the track

[@numberIII-rq8rj]

Except I think the rope is quite weak and low, a horizontal barrier would have been more sturdy but this rope can be replaced easily if need be

[@DanielsUKT]

Very nice trip report those régional express trains are a cheaper alternative to the shinkhasen bullet trains the slower trains look decent and the motor sound I like

[@DylansTravelReports]

Was a good experience even if it isn't quite as impressive as the Shinkansen.

[@DanielsUKT]

@@DylansTravelReports Yh but I know for a fact if I go Japan the bullet trains are A MUST PRIORITY

[@maxart3392]

80 mph (roughly 130km/h) seems to me like a good speed for a narrow gauge. Does anybody by chance know what are the speed records on various narrow gauges?

[@andrewdales8136]

Another impressive video Dylan I take my hat off to you and offer you a bow in praise lol.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks 😁

[@callumthornelow2936]

Another good review Dylan, hope you didn't catch Osaka flu while you were out there, we already have enough health issues at present. (see The Simpsons for those who don't know what im on about).

[@DylansTravelReports]

The Simpsons has predicted the future again 🤔🙃

[@jackbee4289]

They sound so much like S Stocks in London!

[@DanielsUKT]

I agree

[@maureendesquitado7208]

Hi Dylan Great video!!!!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks!

[@MissouriMatt54]

Thank you for the video.

[@DylansTravelReports]

You're welcome!

[@キクゾウさん]

This is the fastest commuter train in Japan

[@jmstransit]

Good stuff, as always! No JR rail pass for you? I assume you were on a shorter trip.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Yes, just a shorter trip on this occasion.

[@annnottingham2270]

When you do get to travelling again, I think you should be really ambitious and do the Trans-Siberian from Moscow to Vladivostok!

[@TheGlassman63]

Can't get that darn tune at the railway station out of my head now !

[@DylansTravelReports]

lol

[@routemaster3877]

I feel sorry for the railway workers, I reckon there driven insabne by it

[@DylansTravelReports]

I never thought of that 😮

[@gibusspy5544]

People always think about bullet trains when it comes to Japanese rail, I feel like the other trains are very underrated.

[@DylansTravelReports]

I agree!

[@vasilicastoica6398]

Salut Dylans ce mai faci?Salutări din România Succes în continuare Dylans

[@MililaniJag]

Do they still have the Women-only passenger cars? Cheers!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Only on some metro trains and they are only usually women only at peak hours.

[@numberIII-rq8rj]

Nope. This special rapid line doesn’t. The local trains on this line (commuter 4 door trains) , Osaka Loop line (loop trains), Hanwa line (not through service trains) , and Osaka Higashi line have women only cars.

[@GeoFreak17]

Nice to see another more obscure train video! If you ever go back, you should try out some of the private (non-JR) train lines. Kansai (Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto) is especially competitive for private railways, and they have come up with some really interesting concepts to win customers. When going to and from certain areas of Kyoto, they may also be more convenient than JR. Hankyu: A train interior inspired by traditional Kyoto architecture, no surcharge! www.hankyu.co.jp/global/en/characteristic/special_specification_train/index.html Hankyu's regular trains are also known for being classy with their maroon paint scheme and angora goat wool seats. Keihan: Like with JR, there is no surcharge for riding even the limited express trains. But they have instituted a premium car with seat reservation surcharges to attract commuters who want to avoid the crowds: www.keihan.co.jp/travel/en/trains/premium-car/ You may have also noticed the rope-style platform barriers at the end of the video. This is because JR West uses a mix of 3- and 4-door trains, so they couldn't build normal platform doors. You may have also noticed the circle and triangle markings on the platform and signs indicating where to stand. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2GXmHiNnaeJaqc

[@ksiu1850]

Spot on. I would second this idea. A shoot-out comparison report between Kyoto - Osaka on various commuter + special themed trains would be interesting. JR regular commuter, Haruka, Thunderbird, Shinkansen, Hankyu, Keihan... Japan is really a train lover paradise.

[@ChrisWong-q6l]

By the way, most driver cabins of Japanese commuter trains are only separated with a piece of glass, so that you can see clearly through the front (and why Japanese railfans love filming front views of trains)

[@DylansTravelReports]

Yes, I saw that on some trains I took. Very cool imo.

[@kentcountryside10]

I love it dylan

[@tescotrain]

I miss premieres all the time, man, can I get my mind up to date? 😂

[@DylansTravelReports]

Lol

[@Air25ful]

hi there, how do you buy the tickets for this local train? is it through ticketing machine/counter or IC card?

[@xakatsukii3835]

Hi! could i ask a question as to how do u afford to travel so much? how much do u spend on each destination etc. does the youtube videos cover everything or u have a job that allows u to travel constantly?

[@DylansTravelReports]

Tbh, I spend most of my money on travelling. KZbin does help a lot but I still have a part-time job to help as well. I also spend a lot of time searching for good deals.

[@kenichi_traffic]

海外の方にも評価してもらえるなんて日本の鉄オタとして嬉しい限りです。ありがとうございます！新快速は日本の普通列車の誇りです！

[@socklesslad]

That "train approaching" hold music wasn't half irritating!

[@ph89787]

2:34. You mean cape gauge.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Yep 🙈

[@tman7209]

I went to Kyoto station before

[@DylansTravelReports]

Nice!

[@ModernClassic]

Unless this has changed in recent years, I don't think a lot of trains in Japan are wifi-enabled - at least none of the ones I've ever ridden on have been. It's not as necessary there because pretty much the entire country is blanketed in fast cell service.

[@DylansTravelReports]

I seem to remember the Shinkansen trains were but for a journey this short, there's no great need for wifi imo.

[@a330neodefender]

Is it something like a commuter train? O wait it is a commuter train lol

[@jmstransit]

Yeah... the Japanese have different definitions for subway and commuter trains compared to NA/EU

[@fitajelly6322]

@@jmstransit yes it's true so Indonesian say commuter in electric train because the train from JR.

[@nywangphantom]

There is a distinction between the commuter train(中距離電車) and local service train(近郊電車) based on the seating style, the presence of a toilet, stopping pattern, and of course the distance a train travels. However the distinction is not that pronounced given they have the same fare, share the same stations, and both are designed with standing capacity in mind.

[@daren_badpost]

Wait a sec how many money do you cost when traveling

[@DylansTravelReports]

I budget carefully.

[@KohyaSuechika1104]

The best thing is that JR West only put two stops for this line in between Kyoto and Osaka. (Takatsuki - thats the start of most urban commuter line trains with the 4 doors, and Shin Osaka - the Shinkansen station) 💚🏙🚃✨#Kohya Suechika #KohyaSuechika #KansaiArea; #JRKobeLine; #JRKyotoLine; #JRWest; #SpecialRapidService

[@Abnerbandanovotempoinscrito1mi]

Lindo tren do Japão show Dylans gostei

[@thomasho55]

45 mins? I don't think it takes that long, it should be around 30 mins. But anyway thanks for the review. A review on the japanese commuter train is pretty rare. Most people only make reviews on Shinkansen. I think people should also review how well japanese operate their local train.

[@DylansTravelReports]

I think my finger must have sliped as I meant to say 35 mins 😂

[@numberIII-rq8rj]

The raw travel time from some other vids seem to be 27 minutes

[@d_1012]

As the video begins you encounter a loud Chinese tourist . Wow it’s such a global problem.

[@ph89787]

I miss Japan.

[@あいうえお-o6s1f]

Just only basic fare. No need extra charges as like as Shinkansen. Probably, JR West New Rapid Service train is fastest train without extra charges on narrow gauge in the world.

[@nywangphantom]

The title actually goes to Malaysia, as ETS trains operates at 140km/h, and it is the only service level for those routes (no "local" trains). Though Malaysia uses meter gauge, which is not the 1067mm used in Japan.

[@あいうえお-o6s1f]

@@nywangphantom Thank you for reply. ETS is not local. JR West New Rapid Service is local. ETS is to need special charge, because not local. JR West New Rapid Service is not to need special charge, because It's local. I wrote "without extra charges" in the past.

[@nywangphantom]

@@あいうえお-o6s1f There is no direct comparison since many countries do not distinguish express charge from the fare you pay, such as UK, where the full-fare ticket is only defined based on the departing and ending station, and the train you take, even routing is irrelevant. ETS is the only service that runs on certain segment of the system, therefore it may be considered the "standard" service, even if it do not stop at all stations. If you would like to dig into the ETS service, the lowest level ETS silver do stop at all the intermediate stations, and can still reach 140km/h. It is not a "local" train in the Japnese sense since all seats are reserved, but this is just the way many railway system works.

[@nywangphantom]

@@あいうえお-o6s1f Japanese train system is unique in the way that "local service" is kind of sacred, and all routes have local service, while the express service may be suspended as demand declines. In many other countries, the opposite is true: due to competition from buses, local service are cut, and different trains just stops at different stations wherever there is enough demand. The railways systems only cater to intercity traffic. Examples of such system are Malaysia, Korea, and China.

[@あいうえお-o6s1f]

@@nywangphantom Thank you for rereply. Usually, the train with to need reservation isn't called "local train". I think, It's not only in Japan. I wrote about only "local train". But, if include "unlocal train", there was the train that reached 160km/h at 2002 to 2015 in Japan before open Hokuriku-Shinkansen.

[@akutagawatrip9230]

Everywhere vending machines, although few trash can...

[@DylansTravelReports]

And still everywhere is very clean.

[@akutagawatrip9230]

Dylan's Travel Reports Exactly😃

[@KohyaSuechika1104]

@KohyaSuechika: People always love bullet trains when it comes to Japanese Rail, it feels like the other trains are very underrated from Kyoto to Osaka: Kansai Area: Kobe City; Hyogo Prefecture. 💚💌✨🚃🏢🌐🏙️🚗🚙 #Kohya Suechika #KohyaSuechika #JRKOBELINE: #JRKYOTOLINE: #JRWEST: #SpecialRapidService