Direct transfer to Kinosaki and Maizuru from Kyoto, Limited Express Kinosaki / Maizuru

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
2011.10.02
Most of Kinosaki and all Maizuru are operated by the newest fleet of JR West. (C) Jonathan Ayre

Most of Kinosaki and all Maizuru are operated by the newest fleet of JR West. (C) Jonathan Ayre

Kinosaki (きのさき) connects Kyoto (京都) with Kinosaki-Onsen (城崎温泉), Toyooka (豊岡) and Fukuchiyama (福知山). When you go to the popular hot springs town, Kinosaki or one of “Three Views of Japan”, Amanohashidate (天橋立) from Kyoto you may take this train.

Maizuru (まいづる) connects Kyoto with Maizuru (舞鶴). This limited express train is always combined operation with Kinosaki between Kyoto and Ayabe (綾部).

Of course, these trains, Kinosaki and Maizuru can be used by Japan Rail Pass with no restriction. Let’s see about route, schedule and accommodations of these trains.

Route, schedule and time required

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

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

Kinosaki connects Kyoto with Fukuchiyama in 1 hour 15 minutes, and Kyoto with Kinosaki-Onsen in 2 hours 25 minutes. Maizuru connects Kyoto with Higashi-Maizuruin 1 hour 30 minutes.

The number of trips is the following:
Between Kyoto and Kinosaki-Onsen — 2 trips to Kinosaki, 3 trips to Kyoto
Between Kyoto and Toyooka — 2 trips to Toyooka, 1 trip to Kyoto
Between Kyoto and Fukuchiyama — 4 trips to Fukuchiyama, 6 trips to Kyoto
Between Kyoto and Higashi-Maizuru — 8 trips to Higashi-Maizuru, 7 trips to Kyoto

If you go to Amanohashidate from Kyoto, anothere limited express “Hashidate” is the best choice. This train takes you to Amanohashidate without transfer. But if you cannot make it, take Kinosaki to Fukuchiyama. And you need to transfer a train at Fukuchiyama. KTR (Kitakinki Tango Railways) operates the trains between Fukuchiyama and Amanohashidate. So Japan Rail Pass do not cover this section. The extra charge is 750yen for the basic fare. If you take a limited express train on this section, the surcharge is 630 yen for non reserved ordinary seat. If you take a reserved seat, you need to pay another 100yen.

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

StationsKinosakiMaizuru
Kyoto (京都)xx
Nijo (二条)xx
Kameoka (亀岡)xx
Sonobe (園部)xx
Hiyoshi (日吉)**
Ayabe (綾部)xx
Nishi-Maizuru (西舞鶴)–x
Higashi-Maizuru(東舞鶴)–x
Fukuchiyama(福知山)x–
Wadayama (和田山)x–
Yoka (八鹿)x–
Ebara (江原)x–
Toyooka(豊岡)x–
Kinosaki-Onsen (城崎温泉)x–

x:All train stop *:Some of trains stop


View Kinosaki in a larger map

Accommodation and train formations

Kinosaki is operated by the newest fleet 287 series and very common 183 series. 287 series is more spacious than 183 series. So when you book a seat, try to make sure that your train will be operated by 287 series or 183 series. All trains do not have any on board sales. Please prepare food and drinks before you ride.

Maizuru is operated by the newest 287 series or KTR 8000 series (diesel multiple unit). Unfortunately I do not have any images on KTR 8000. But in my opinion, KTR 8000 is not a bad choice. You can see some images on KTR official website. And also Maizuru is not operated by 183 series.

*As of October 2, 2011, Kinosaki #2,#3,#6,#10,#11,#16 and #17 are operated by older 183 series. But the train may be changed without notice. So if you want to take 287 series, please make sure when you book.

*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

This train was introduced in this past March. This is one of the newest fleet in all JR trains. The seat configuration in Green class is 2+1 and the seat pitch is 1160mm. The seat configuration in Ordinary class is 2+2 and the seat pitch is 970mm. All seats in Green class and the first row seats in Ordinary class have a power outlet. You can use your laptop or charge your batteries.

7 cars formation (Kinosaki #20 only. Car #4-#7 is used only from Fukuchiyama to Kyoto.)

1234567
GRRNRNRNRRR

4 cars formation (All Kinosaki except Kinosaki #20)

1234
GRRNRNR

3 cars formation (All Maizuru)

567
NRRR

*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.

Images

Green seat
Nichirin and Hyuga 787 series Green seat Nichirin and Hyuga 787 series Green seat Nichirin and Hyuga 787 series Green seat

Ordinary seat
Kounotori 287 series Ordinary seat Kounotori 287 series Ordinary seat Kounotori 287 series Ordinary seat Kounotori 287 series Ordinary seat

Sanitary space
Kounotori 287 series Sanitary space Kounotori 287 series washroom Kounotori 287 series washroom

Entrance deck
Kounotori 287 series Entrance deck Kounotori 287 series Entrance deck

KTR 8000 series

Some of Maizuru are operated by KTR 8000 series (C) Mamo-800px-Ktr3

Some of Maizuru are operated by KTR 8000 series (C) Mamo-800px-Ktr3

KTR 8000 series is used for Maizuru that is operated with Hashidate. There are 2 round trips by this series. This series do not have any Green class seat. But the seat configuration is 2+2 and the seat pitch is 1050mm. It is quite bigger than a standard of ordinary class.

I do not have any images of this series. You can find some images on KTR official website.

Train formation

56
RNR

*G=Green seat R=Reserved ordinary seat NR=Non reserved ordinary seat
Smoking is not allowed on this train. This train is sometimes operated by 4 cars formation.

Comments

  1. KAI-ER says:
    June 9, 2019 at 9:29 am

    Hello Takeshi-san,

    I am wondering whether JR Kansai Hokuriku Pass covers the whole trip between Nijo to Amanohashidate via Ltd Exp Hashidate. Got a bit confused here and greatly appreciate if you could clear this doubt.

    Looking forward to your reply!

    Regards,
    Kai

  2. Edmund says:
    January 5, 2019 at 9:35 am

    Hi,

    I’m travelling from Kinosakionsen to Kyoto. The suggested route on Hyperdia is:
    1) 9.33am, LTD. EXP KONOTORI 12, from Kinosakionsen Station to Fukuchiyama Station 10.42am
    2) 10.44am, LTD. EXP HASHIDATE 2, from Fukuchiyama Station to Kyoto Station

    a) What is the arrival platform number at Fukuchiyama Station for LTD. EXP KONOTORI 12?
    b) What is the departure platform number at Fukuchiyama Station for LTD. EXP HASHIDATE 2?
    c) Will I have enough time to transfer train?

    Thanks!

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      January 5, 2019 at 10:01 am

      Hi Edmund,

      I cannot say the platform number but these trains arrive at same platform. You don’t need to change platforms. Just move from Konotori to Hashidate. You can do it in 30 seconds. 2 minutes transfer time is set on purpose.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  3. trjsta chan says:
    October 30, 2018 at 10:36 pm

    – Excuse me, can I use JR Kansai-Hiroshima 5 days Pass to go on board of Limited Express Train “Kinosaki” from Kyoto to Kinosaki Onsen?
    – I read the terms of use on JR’s main website:
    ･ Kansai-Hiroshima Area pass is valid for unlimited travel in the valid area on the map
    ･ Valid trains are below;
    – Non-reserved seats on Bullet Train “SANYO SHINKANSEN” (Shin-Osaka⇔Hiroshima)
    ･ The pass can be used for non-reserved seats on the “Hello Kitty Shinkansen”.
    – Non-reserved seats on Express Trains ‘HARUKA, KUROSHIO, THUNDERBIRD, KOUNOTORI, SUPER HAKUTO (Kyoto⇔Kamigori) etc.’
    * A separate fare is required for traveling on SUPER HAKUTO (Kamigori⇔Tottori) and SUPER INABA (Kamigori⇔Tottori)
    – Special Rapid Services, Rapid Services, and Local trains on JR-WEST Conventional lines
    – JR WEST MIYAJIMA FERRY (Miyajimaguchi⇔Miyajima)
    * For reserved seats, please purchase a Limited Express Reserved Seat Ticket from a JR-WEST Ticket Office or other location before boarding.
    – It only mentions that I can use “KOUNOTORI Train” (from osaka to kinosaki onsen), not to mention I can use it on KINOSAKI TRAIN. Please give me advice. Thank you so much.

  4. Renee Lau says:
    April 15, 2018 at 3:01 am

    Hi Takeshi San,

    I am planning to go from Kyoto Station to Seafood Market in Maizuru Port ToreTore Centre.
    It seems to be the fastest route and do not need transfer by using Limited express Maizuru.
    Can you advise is the limited express Maizuru covered by JR Kansai wide area pass?

    Thank you.

  5. Teresa Sousa says:
    November 19, 2017 at 10:18 pm

    Hi Takeshi,

    My husband and I will be flying into Osaka on 04/10/18 and leaving on 04/16/18. We plan to visit Kinosaki Onsen during this trip. Will it make sense to get the Kansai Wide Area Pass? Also, if I cannot book reserve seats using the pass, will it be difficult to get a seat since that time might be busy due to Sakura season?

    Thank you!

    Teresa

  6. Grace says:
    May 1, 2017 at 8:23 am

    Hello Takeshi

    We will be arriving in Osaka on 13 Nov at 8.45am. Upon arrival, we will proceed to bring our luggage to our hotel in Namba area and then move on to Kinosaki from there.

    To get there, we understand that we have to take the Namba subway (Midosuji line) to Umeda and change to Ltd Exp Konotori at Osaka Station.

    We will not have JR passes.

    Can I know if is possible to buy the reserved seats train ticket for the Ltd. Exp Konotori in Namba Nankai Station? If it possible, where in the Namba Nankai Station or which station in Namba? If not where can we buy it.

  7. Valter Piso says:
    March 9, 2017 at 8:10 pm

    Hi,
    hope you can provide me some tips.
    I have planned the following itinerary:
    Kyoto/Miyama/Amanohashidate/Ine/Kinosaki/Kyoto.
    For the Kyoto/Miyama, I have already booked a private tour/transport. Then, after spending one night in Miyama, I wanted to travel to Kinosaki via Amanohashidate and stop in Ine to visit the fishing village. From there transfer directly to Kinosaki (same day). How are the JR connection? Bear in mind that sadly I am travelling with people that doesn’t like to go through many changes. On the other hand, do you think it should be viable to hire a private transport that can drive us (3 pax) following the above itinerary? If yes, does anything like that exist?
    Thank you very much in advance for your help
    Cheers
    Valter

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