Cherry Blossom report 2014!

(The pictures are taken on 29th March 2014 at Takigami Park.)

 

You can see from the pictures, in Tango region, cherry blossom is not blooming yet.

Scenic trains running in Tango region!!

The trains started running from April 2013, their name is "Akamatsu(あかまつ)" for red one and "Aomatsu(あおまつ)" for blue one.

If you would like to try "Akamatsu", you need to pay (540yen/person) extra. This price include one drink(can choose from tea, coffee, apple juice and orange juice).

Taking "Aomatsu" is without any extra charge than ordinal fare.

I personally recommend Miyamai・Miyatoyo line which train runs by the sea in some part. Although in autumn season, Miyafuku line can offer beautiful coloured mountain view.
On the trains only Japanese style toilet available.

For timetables, please check on hyperdia.  http://www.hyperdia.com/en/

Finally, the official Kyoto Sea Area Pass info in English came up!

Please click the link below!
Kyoto Sea Area Pass Official Info in PDF

If you would like to check comparison between using the pass and NOT using the pass, please check my blog page.  I calculated with the fares which used before 1st April 2014 so the total fares of NOT using pass will be more than what you can see.

Anyway, there is almost no reason to don't purchase this pass for travellers.
For a day trip, absolutely buy it! (Except you are plan to stay on the beach entire your stay ;))
For more than 1 night stay travellers, to buy 2days pass or 1day pass is depends on your arrival time and your plan. Please be aware of you can buy this pass only on limited express trains from Kyoto or at train stations.

*CAUTION*

New timetables for trains and buses are introduced and reached on 15th March 2014.
My blog is unfortunately not updated yet for that.
From 1st April 2014, consumer tax in Japan will be rise from current 5% to 8%. So almost of goods in Japan will get higher prices. I will try to update the new fares and prices.