The Limited Express Hashidate. The train to Amanohashidate from Kyoto directly.

Most of Kinosaki and all Maizuru are operated by the newest fleet of JR West. (C) Jonathan AyreKinosaki Onsen, Aanohashidate, Toyooka, Fukuchiyama, Maizuru
Most of Kinosaki and all Maizuru are operated by the newest fleet of JR West. (C) Jonathan Ayre
Kyoto Tango Railway 8000 series, Tango no Umi train set (C) やのけん (Yanoken) [CC BY 4.0 from Wikimedia Commons]

Hashidate connects Kyoto and Miyazu, Amanohashidate and Toyooka. This is only train to go directly one of “Three Views of Japan”, Amanohashidate.

This train, Hashidate goes through KTR (Kyoto Tango Railway) between Fukuchiyama and Toyooka. So if you use this train and go to stations further than Fukuchiyama by Japan Rail Pass, you have to pay extra fare. But if you use Kansai Wide Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass or Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass, this segment on KTR is covered.

I would like to share with you about this train’s route, schedule, accommodations. I will also explain about the extra charge for Japan Rail Pass users.

Route, schedule and trip time

Amanohashidate is one of Three Views of Japan. ©Kyoto Prefecture/© JNTO
Amanohashidate is one of Three Views of Japan. ©Kyoto Prefecture/© JNTO

Hashidate connects Kyoto with Miyazu/Amanohashidate in 2 hours, and with Toyooka in 3 hours. If you go somewhere between Amanohashidate and Toyooka, this train will be suitable for you. But if you go to Toyooka, Kinosaki and Kounotori are the right choice. Because Hashidate will go on KTR line. It is going a long way round.

The number of trips is the following:
Between Kyoto and Miyazu — 1 trip to Kyoto
Between Kyoto and Amanohashidate — 3 round trips
Between Kyoto and Toyooka — 1 trip to Toyooka, 2 trips to Kyoto

If you go to Amanohashidate from Kyoto, this train “Hashidate” is the best choice. But if you cannot take this train, you can take another limited express, Kinosaki to Fukuchiyama. And then you can take a local or express train from Fukuchiyama to Amanohashidate by Kitakinki Tango Railway.

If you travel somewhere further than Fukuchiyama by Japan Rail Pass, you need to pay some extra because this section is not Japan Railway line. The extra charges are the following:

 FukuchiyamaMiyazuAmanohashidateKumihamaToyooka
Fukuchiyama700/650770/6501580/9701800/970
Miyazu700/650210/3201050/6501270/970
Amanohashidate770/650210/320980/6501190/970
Kumihama1580/9701050/650980/650290/330
Toyooka1800/9701270/9701190/970290/330

This above table shows you base fare / non reserved seat of Limited Express surcharge.
If you take a reserved ordinary seat, you have to pay another 200 yen.

Kansai Wide Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass and Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass cover these above extra fares.

If you need the detail schedule, you can find it at Hyperdia.
* If you don’t know how to use Hyperdia, please refer this post

Find your hotels in 218 cities throughout Japan!!!

Hotels and Ryokans in Toyooka and Kinosaki Onsen
Hotels and Ryokans in Amanohashidate and Miyazu

Stations 
Kyoto (京都)x
Nijo (二条)x
Kameoka (亀岡)x
Sonobe (園部)x
Ayabe (綾部)x
Fukuchiyama(福知山)x
Oe (大江)x
Miyazu (宮津)x
Amanohashidate (天橋立)x
Nodagawa (野田川)x
Tango-Omiya (丹後大宮)x
Mineyama (峰山)x
Amino (網野)x
Kitsu-Onsen (木津温泉)x
Kumihama (久美浜)x
Toyooka(豊岡)x

x:All train stop *:Some of trains stop


View Hashidate in a larger map

Accommodation and train formations

Hashidate is operated by the newest fleet 287 series and KTR 8000 series (diesel multiple unit).

*I have received many images of 287 series from my viewer, Mr. Jonathan Ayre. I would like to thank you for your contribution.

*Sonic Rail Garden has copyright for all images of 183 series accommodations below.

287 series and 289 series

Both train sets have almost same interior. The seat configuration in Green class is 2+1 and the seat pitch is 1,160 mm. The seat configuration in Ordinary class is 2+2 and the seat pitch is 970 mm. All seats in Green class and the first row seats in Ordinary class have a power outlet for a laptop and a mobile device.

4 cars formation

1234
G/RRNRNR

*G=Green seat R=Reserved ordinary seat NR=Non reserved ordinary seat
Smoking is not allowed on this train.
Maizuru is operated with Kinosaki always. This is the reason why car number is started from 5.

287 series images

Green seat

Ordinary seat

Sanitary space

289 series images

Green seat

Ordinary seat

Sanitary space

KTR 8000 series, “Tango no Umi”

This train set which is shown at the top of this post is very nice one. It does not have any Green class seats. However this was renovated by very famous designer, Eiji Mitooka who is the chief designer of JR Kyushu. He designed most of JR Kyushu trains, such as Yufuin no Mori, Seven Stars. This train set, Tango no Umi has same taste of JR Kyushu trains. These are lots of wooden materials in the car and make it nice cozy interior. The seat configuration is 2+2 and the seat pitch is 1,050 mm which is much bigger than a standard of ordinary class.

Train formation

12
RNR
1234
RNRRNR

*G=Green seat R=Reserved ordinary seat NR=Non reserved ordinary seat
Smoking is not allowed on this train. This train is usually operated by 2 cars formation and it is sometimes operated by 4 cars formation with Maizuru in the peak period.

Ordinary class

(C) やのけん (Yanoken) [CC BY 4.0 from Wikimedia Commons]
(C) やのけん (Yanoken) [CC BY 4.0 from Wikimedia Commons]

Public space

(C) やのけん (Yanoken) [CC BY 4.0 from Wikimedia Commons]

Comments

  1. Teo says:

    Hi,

    I will be travelling from Kyoto to amanohashidate in late april and would like to stay 2 nights in amanohashidate. I would like to take the direct limited express train from Kyoto. Can I buy the tickets online first or is it only sold at the train station. I arrive in Kyoto on 24/4 but will only travel to Amanohashidate on 29/4. Will the tickets be sold out already if I only buy them when I reach Kyoto? I would like to buy them online just in case because I have already made my hotel reservation.

    Thanks.

    Teo

    • Hi Teo,

      Unfortunately online reservation is not available. But this train has non reserved seat. You can take this train anyway even if it’s full. In peak season, there are lots of passengers who are standing on isle or passengers deck. But this situation is very very rare. Especially you will take this train at Kyoto that is departure station. It’s not hard to find a seat.

      Of course, you can reserve your seat at the station. You can book and purchase it at any major JR station. In Kansai area, most of JR stations have reservation window that is called “Midori no Madoguchi”.
      https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/how-to-reserve-seat.html

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  2. Joe says:

    Takeshi-san
    I am planning my trip to Japan in 2 weeks with below itinerary:
    Day 1 Osaka airport to Amanohashidate
    Day 2 Tottori
    Day 3 Sakaiminito, Izumoshi
    Day 4-5 Hiroshmi
    Day 6 Okayama
    Day 7,8 Osaka
    I looked at rail pass offered by JR West and none seem to fit. I am wondering if worth to buy a 7-day JR Pass.
    Is the Amanohashidate 1 day pass good for 24 hrs (say if I used on day 1 pm can I still use it for day 2 am) or only 1 calendar day?
    Appreciate your kind advices. Thank you.

  3. goldenmouse says:

    Hi,

    I’m just wondering if I have Amanohashidate one day pass and JR Kansai Wide Area pass 4 days, am I eligible to ride Ltd Express Hashidate from Amanohashidate back to Kyoto?

    Thanks you

  4. Chun says:

    Hi Takeshi san,

    I am planning to fly into Osaka on a Thursday morning arriving at 12noon into Osaka KIX. My return trip from KIX is Sunday 1900. Do you think it is possible to do a combination of Kyoto+Onsen (Kinosaki, Miyasu, or Amanohashidate?)+Osaka within this time, with one night of accomodation at each location?

    If so, what would be the best rail option and rail passes to connect all?

    Thank you in advance Takeshi san.

    Chun

  5. Juergen says:

    Hello Takeshi,
    this november I will be visiting Miyazu and Amanohashidate. The day before I sleep in Kyoto and will take a Hashidate express train. As I will not be using my 7 day Japan Railpass for the first days (need it for longer distances covered by Shinkansen), I discovered the Kyoto Sea Area Pass.

    Now I wanted to know if it’s possible to buy a regular train ticket for the leg Kyoto to Fukuchiyama and then buy a Kyoto Sea Area Pass on the Hashidate Express train without being forced to get off or paying a fine for not having a ticket to continue to Miyazu? As I want to use also the cable car and maybe rent a bike in Amanohashidate, the Wide Pass for 2.600 Yen seems to be a good option. The next day I want to take a Kitakinki train on the northern route to Toyooka (to reach Kinosaki Onsen in the end) and use this pass again. What do you think?

    Thank you in advance.

    Greetings from Innsbruck, Austria,
    Jürgen

  6. sk koh says:

    I have the following itinerary:
    Day 1: Nagoya to takayama
    Day 3: takayama to Toyama
    Day 5 Omachi Onsen to Shinano Omachi to Nagoya
    Day 6: to Kyoto
    Day 7: to Nara, and back to Kyoto.
    Day 8: Kyoto to Amanohashidate.
    Day 9: Amano to Nagoya
    1) Can you tell me whether I should purchase JR Pass, Kansai Area Pass , or just buy JR + bus/coach tickets when in Japan.( this latter option may be cheaper?)
    2) Can the JR pass be used for ALL sectors.
    3) Can JR tickets be used on subways in Nagoya or Kyoto.

    Regards,
    SK

    • JPRail says:

      Hi Sk Koh,

      JR Pass does not meet your itinerary. I recommend you to use single tickets and Kansai Wide Area Pass.

      Day 1 to 5 single ticket. There is no deals available.
      Day 6 to 9 Kansai Wide Area Pass
      https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html

      You need to add fare for Maibara-Nagoya segment on the way back to Nagoya. You will pass Maibara when you go to Kyoto from Nagoya. But this pass can’t be purchased at Maibara. So you have to pay for Nagoya-Kyoto single fare. And after you arrive in Kyoto, purchase this pass and activate right away.

      You need to pay some more for taking bus and subways in Kyoto. Because any JR deals do not cover subway and bus. When you go to Nara and Amanohashidate, this pass covers fully. But most of places in Kyoto cannot be accessed by JR trains.
      https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-nara-by-japan-rail-pass-if-you-dont-use-jr-pass-kintetsu-railway-is-more-convenient.html
      https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

      • sk koh says:

        Dear TAkeshi,
        (1) you mean the kansai wide area pass, i can travel from KYoto all the way to Amanohashidate withOUT additional add on costs. I thought the website says, i need to pay extra from Fukuchiyama to Amanohashidate.
        (2) you said “So you have to pay for Nagoya-Kyoto single fare. And after you arrive in Kyoto, purchase this pass and activate right away. – See more at: https://jprail.com/trains/limited-express-hashidate.html?replytocom=152140#respond” – so i use the KWArea Pass only when i first arrive Kyoto, and for a the round trip from Kyoto-Nara-Amano-Nagoya.
        Am i correct.
        3) I understand there is a new JR Hokuriku Area Pass for 4 days. Is this better/cheaper than normal JR trains/Nohi bus from Nagoya to Toyama/Alpine route/ Nagoya. BUt i want to stopover in Takayama and Toyama.(at no extra cost). Where can i find out what discounts i can get with this Hokuriko PAss.
        Regards

        • JPRail says:

          Hi sk koh,

          1) My mistake. You have to pay extra for the segment between Fukuchiyama and Amanohashidate. This segment belong to Kitatango Railway that is non JR lines.
          2) Kansai WIDE Area Pass can be purchased in Kansai Area only. That’s why you can’t start to use before you get Kyoto.
          3) If you take your original route, Nagoya-Takayama-Toyama, Hokuriku Pass does not meet. This pass can be used for travellers who want to go to Kanazawa or Toyama from Osaka directly. As long as you want to stopover Takayama between Nagoya and Toyama, single fare is better choice. Even if you use this pass, you will use for only Inotani-Toyama segment at 650 yen fare. 4500 yen is too much even if you get discount. And also you can’t purchase this pass before you arrive in Toyama.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JP Rail

          • SK Koh says:

            Dear Takeshi,
            10 April,

            (1) Hida Course – Tateyama Kurobe Alpine ticket- Type A. Can I buy the ticket in Japan ; can I use Master credit card to purchase. What is validity of ticket. Do I need to prebook the departure dates, or I can use it anytime.
            (2) Is there an overnight train from Shinano Omachi or Matsumoto to Kyoto; what is the English website, to check cabin, price, schedule.
            (3) What is the difference between Matsumoto, and Matsumoto IC.
            (4) Alpico BUS website. I cannot find the English version.
            I need to know how long the journey and departure times in May and ticket cost from Matsumoto to Kyoto. How can I book/make a reservation.

            Recently there has been some new transport routes:
            (5) Shoryudo 5 Day Pass – are you able to tell me whether I can follow my own schedule for eg, from Chubu, NGY , I go first to Takayama … or go from Takayama to Shirakawa and return . Is there an English website I can use to check the schedule/ departure times.
            (6) Nohi bus from Chubu to Takayama AFTer May 14, Is there a morning departure. I cannot find on website.

            Regards,
            SK

            • Hi SK,

              1. I think it’s stopped selling this deal at this moment. JR Central website does not show anything now. And I don’t know it will be available or not.
              http://english.jr-central.co.jp/tickets/value/index.html
              Now single ticket is only choice to travel there.

              2. No

              3. Do you mean Matsumoto IC in bus timetable? If so, Matusmoto IC means Matsumoto interchange. That’s Matsumoto exit of highway. It’s way from the station.

              4. Unfortunately they don’t have it. And also you can’t book it from outside of Japan. Most of bus company in Japan still deal with local in Japan only. But you can find info in English at the link below:
              http://www.alpico.co.jp/access/express/matsumoto_osaka/#timetable

              5. I have never heard this deal. Where did you find it?

              6. I think you saw this link.
              http://www.japanican.com/en/tour/detail/TKT1C008B/
              Unfortunately I don’t know more than this site. I think summer timetable has not been released yet.

              Cheers,

              Takeshi / JP Rail

              • SK Koh says:

                Dear Takeshi

                My final itinerary as follows:
                17 May: arrive Nagoya; take Nouhi bus to Takyama
                17-18 May: Takayama
                19 May: Toyama;
                20 May: Shinano Omachi
                21 May: to Nagoya or Kyoto
                22 -23 May: Kyoto
                24 May: Amanohashidate;
                25 May – Kyoto or Nagoya..
                As per your advise I will buy 4 Day Kansai Wide Area pass (KWAP), and activate on 22 May.

                Can you tell me
                1) which trains I should take after 10 am for the SHORTEST? QUICKest route on 24 May to go to Amanohashidate ( change at Fukuchiyama) using KWAP .
                2) Where do I need to change train; on the same platform ?
                3) if I miss the train, can I take the next train.
                4) How do I know which seats are Unreserved.
                5). Can I buy an open dated train ticket in advance in Nagoya station; for travel from Shinano Omachi – Kyoto/ Nagoya
                6) Can I take any train on that day.
                7) Are the Meitetsu or Alpico bus stations near the train stations in Matsumoto or Nagoya.

                8) I do not understand the Alpico BUS schedule in Japanese English; can you tell me the the departure times after 10 am- 1 pm from Matsumoto to Nagoya on 24 May; what is the fare, and how long does it take.

                Thank you, and Regards,
                KOH

                • Hi SK Koh,

                  1. Ltd Exp Hasshite 10:25 Kyoto – 12:29 Amanohashidate. You can get this result at Hyperdia too.
                  http://www.hyperdia.com/en/
                  2. This above train goes there directly.
                  3. Yes. But as probably you know, the segment between Fukuchiyama and Amanohashidate is not JR line. You have to pay extra beside of Kansai wide area pass. You can find the extra fare if you search at Hyperdia just between Fukuchiyama and Amanohashidate.
                  4. There is a sign at the passengers deck, reserved or unreserved.
                  5. There is no open dated ticket in Japan. But if you buy ticket for more than 200km, it is valid for 2 days. Please see the following post to get more info about single ticket rule.
                  https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
                  6. As long as you take local train, you can take any trains.
                  7. Both bus terminal are closed to the station. It’s less than 10 minutes away from the station.
                  8. Just look at Matsumoto Bus Terminal (5:30, 8:30…)and Meitetsu Bus Terminal (9:00, 12:00…) in the timetable. fare is 2800 yen.

                  Cheers,

                  Takeshi / JP Rail

  7. sk koh says:

    What is the best way to travel from Amanohashidate to Takayama , withOUT having to backtrack to KYOto. Will flight be cheaper. If so which airline ?
    I am coming from Osaka, overnight in Kyoto, then to Amanohashidate , overnight..

    • JPRail says:

      Hi sk koh,

      Actually Amanohashidate-Kyoto-Takayama route is the best. Both Amanohashidate and Takayama do not have major airport. And there is no other easier and faster train route either.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

      • sk koh says:

        1) Can you tell me which website I can refer to for bus/coach journeys. I would like to go from Shinano Omachi to takayama and Kanazawa. The train service takes too long.

        Also:

        2) Below itinerary shows a change of train; allowing only 10 minutes. How do I know whether it is on the same platform or different platform. For a tourist this may be problem. Any suggestions.

        EXample:
        from Toyama., to

        Shirasagi No.10
        01:06pm
        03:44pm
        [158min.]
        236.0km
        5250yen
        UnReserved
        1150yen
        (Special Discount)

        to Maibara

        Hikari No.526
        03:55pm
        04:23pm
        [28min.]
        79.9km

        UnReserved
        1680yen

        to Nagoya

        3) would a Kansai wideArea Pass be useful if I travel only from Nagoya to Kyoto to Amanohashidate to Kyoto, instead of buying indiviual tickets. Or should I buy a different Rail Pass.

        Regards,

        • JPRail says:

          Hi sk koh,

          1) Actually most of bus companies do not have English website. So it’s hard to research for overseas travellers.
          As long as I know, Nohi bus has website and they run Matsumoto – Takayama bus.
          http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/matsumoto.html
          I don’t think there is any direct bus service between Shinano-Omachi and Takayama. You have to go to Matsumoto first.

          2) You can find the station layout of Maibara and Nagoya at the following link:
          http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/station/index.html
          10 minutes transfer is very tight but not impossible.

          3) Yes, it does. It will be cheaper than single fare.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JP Rail

          • sk koh says:

            Dear Takeshi,
            thank you for your reply.

            1) Where can i prepurchase the Matsumoto- Takayama coach ticket. Can i buy on line.
            is the coach station in Matsumoto close to JR Oito line train station.coach
            2) Is there an English website of ALpico coach service. I need to check fares, and how to book. I want to travel between Matsumoto and Nagoya..
            3) Except for the Kansai wide Pass, which i need to purchase before i arrive in Japan, how many weeks before travel will the JR train tickets be availble for purchase online.

            Regards,

            • JPRail says:

              Hi sk koh,

              1) There is no online available. You can find the phone number at the bottom of the following link:
              http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/shirakawago_kanazawa.html
              Matsumoto bus terminal is just in front of Matsumoto station.
              Map https://goo.gl/maps/DW8H7

              2) Unfortunately there is no English site and no online booking. You have to book it on the spot.
              I just leave Japanese link:
              http://www.alpico.co.jp/access/express/nagano_nagoya/

              3) It’s started to sell one month prior to departure date. But there is no online booking available either.
              Please check it at the link below:
              https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/how-to-reserve-seat.html

              Cheers,

              Takeshi / JP Rail

              • sk koh says:

                Dear Takeshi,

                . You mean i can just call and book the coach tickets, and when i arrive in Matsumoto, for example, i just collect and pay for the tickets. What proof is there that i have already booked the tickets.
                Does the Nohi bus have an Office in Kyoto or Nagoya where i can pre buy the coach tickets. I could not find it on their website.
                Is mid May a peak season for travel in Honshu especially in Nagoya, and Alpen route. I am worried i may not be able to buy JR or coach tickets when i arrive in Japan.

                Regards,
                SK

                • JPRail says:

                  Hi sk koh,

                  I have never called this number. But I think they have an English operator and look after the oversea tourist. Because Takayama is very popular destination for them. There are lots of English demand. So I think if you call them and book it, they give you confirmation number and ticket pick up info. Anyway you can ask them how to do it.

                  As long as I know, Nohi bus does not have any office in Nagoya and Kyoto. They have a bus route but they do the business with other bus companies that are based in Kyoto and Nagoya

                  Mid May is not a peak season. In Japan, there are lots of holiday from end of Apr to 1st week of May. After that, it is quiet usually.

                  Cheers,

                  Takeshi / JP Rail

  8. Grace says:

    i am arriving at Kansai international airport. I need to go to Kitakinki Tango Railway Amano-Hashidate Station from the airport. (a) What is the best route by rail to this station from the airport?

    We will stay there for one night, then leave to head for Rinku town. (b) What is the best route by rail from the (a) station to Rinku town?

    We are first time in Japan and will be carrying our light luggages.
    Thank you so much for your advice!

  9. Annie says:

    May I know what time is the last limited Hashidate train from Amanohashidate back to Kyoto?

    Thank you.

  10. Christina says:

    Hi I just came across your website on Limited Hashidate train from Kyoto to Amanohasidate. I am going to travel this Feb 8th from Osaka to Kyoto and would like to take the Ltd Hashidate train to Amanohashidate.

    I plan to take a 8am express train from Osaka JR station to Kyoto (30 mins) to catch the 9.25 am Limited Hashidate 1 train to Amanohashidate. Do I need to come out of Kyoto station to buy Ltd Hashidate train ticket or I just need to transfer internally and pay the ticket on board of the train?

    Hope you can provide some information on ticketing.

    Christina

    • JPRail says:

      Hi Christina,
      You can buy all tickets (basic fare to Amanohashidate from Osaka, Limited Express surcharge ticket, reserve seat ticket if you like) at Osaka station. All you have to do is transfer the trains in Kyoto station.
      Takeshi / JP Rail

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