Hello、munejyuka。

I don't usually ride JR.、I've got some interesting news。

JR West has been operating reserved seats on special rapid trains since December 2020.、this time、It is expected to be extended until June 30th.。
It was originally supposed to be until the end of February.、Were there many users?、It is said that the period will be extended。

I was curious about what it was about, so I looked it up!

The section is from Yasu, Shiga Prefecture to Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture.、Until Aboshi

Speaking of JR West's new rapid service,、It is known for its long driving range.。

The reserved seat section of this new rapid train is、From Yasu in Shiga Prefecture to Himeji in Hyogo Prefecture、Operates in Aboshima。

I think there are few people who use this section from the first train to the last train.、For those who don't like crowded trains, this reserved seat train is probably very useful.、How about that?

The number of trains is one in the morning and one in the evening.

The number of trains in operation is、There is one each in the morning and evening.。

I think it would be good to add a little more.、This may be because if we increase the number of vehicles, the number of regular vehicles will decrease and it will become very crowded.。

Saturdays and holidays are also scheduled, so、I thought it would be good to increase the number of weekends and holidays.、Is it shallow...

There are 3 pricing options and a capacity of 46 seats.

The usage fee is、normal fareplus、Reserved seat fee is required。

There are 3 patterns of amount。

・If there is a vacant seat, sit down → Pay 500 yen for the staff to come.

・If you make an advance reservation online, it will cost 600 yen.

・On the day、840 yen for adults if purchased from the Midori ticket vending machine.、Children 420 yen

Will be。

Also、定員座席数は４６席とのことです。

Considering that there are 46 seats.、I feel that the possibility of empty seats on the day is low.。So、If you really want to ride、I think it would be a good idea to make a reservation online in advance.。

The price is also cheaper than buying on the day.。

How does the journey between Kyoto and Himeji compare to the Shinkansen?

After sightseeing in Kyoto on a trip、I think there may be cases where you go to see Himeji Castle.。

At that time, if you try to travel by JR、Shinkansen or new rapid train。

I compared the prices and times for each.。

New Rapid/Fare：2,310 yen plus reserved seats 840 yen or 600 yen or 500 yen
time：1 hour 32 minutes

Shinkansen/Fare：4840 yen
time：Nozomi 44 minutes、Hikari 56 minutes

Shinkansen is really fast。The amount will also increase accordingly.。

If you want to shorten your time even a little, take the Shinkansen.、If you want to save money but still want to sit, choose a reserved seat on the special rapid train.、Does it feel like that?。

　

What are the benefits of reserved seats?

The reserved seat service is as follows.。

・Can sit down

・There is a power supply

・Free Wi-Fi connection

・There is a luggage storage area

・There is a table at the seat

The best thing, of course, is that you can sit comfortably.、together、There is power、Another benefit is that you can use free Wi-Fi.。

Summary

・JR West's special rapid train reserved seat service extended until June 30th

・The number of trains is one in the morning and one in the evening from Yasu and Himeji/Aboshi.

・The lowest price is 500 yen、600 yen for online reservation

・It takes about twice as long as the Shinkansen、The price is about 60% of that of the Shinkansen.

The number of seats is small and、The number of tours is small, so I think it's worth using if you plan well in advance.。

It operates on Saturdays and holidays as well.、Why not use it once?

I would like to try it too if I have a chance! !

*I am not in a situation where I can travel freely yet.、It might be a good idea to reflect while looking at the timetable.。