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
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
| Stations | Kinosaki | Maizuru |
|---|---|---|
| Kyoto (京都) | x | x |
| Nijo (二条) | x | x |
| Kameoka (亀岡) | x | x |
| Sonobe (園部) | x | x |
| Hiyoshi (日吉) | * | * |
| Ayabe (綾部) | x | x |
| 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.)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | |
| G | R | R | NR | NR | NR | R | R |
4 cars formation (All Kinosaki except Kinosaki #20)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| G | R | R | NR | NR |
3 cars formation (All Maizuru)
| 5 | 6 | 7 |
| NR | R | R |
*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
Ordinary seat
Sanitary space
Entrance deck
KTR 8000 series
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
| 5 | 6 |
| R | NR |
*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
Hi,
I will like to seek for your advice on my Japan trip. My plan is as follows:
Day 1 – 2: Osaka
Day 3: Osaka -> Nara (Day Trip) -> Osaka
Day 4: Osaka -> Kyoto (Day Trip) -> Osaka
Day 5: Osaka -> Kyoto (Day Trip) -> Osaka
Day 6: Osaka -> Miyazu (overnight)
Day 7: Miyazu -> Tokyo
Day 8 – 10: Tokyo
Based on my research, I noticed JR Pass can be used for Takarazuka Line / Konotori Limited Express. But for Hashidate Limited Express / Kinosaki Limited Express, I will need to purchase the ticket on the spot from Kyoto Tango Railway. Please correct me if I’m wrong.
I have a few things to ask:
1) Should I buy JR National Pass (7 days) or JR Kansai Wide Area Pass (5 days) or Kansai Thru Pass for my trip to Nara, Kyoto and Miyazu trip?
2) Should I buy the Kyoto Sightseeing Card? Any other recommendations for travelling around Kyoto?
Hope to hear from your views.
Thanks
Hi Jess,
You understand that the conditions of JR Pass. You need to add extra fare after Fukuchiyama on Kyoto Tango railway.
My recommendations are Kansai wide area pass and single fare from Kyoto to Tokyo. You can start using it on day 3. But this pass does not cover local transportation, such as subway and city bus. Nara is okay because you can walk to most of places from the station. When you go to Kyoto, you can get Kyoto by this pass but you may need to add single fare or day pass to get subway and/or city bus. These are not covered by this pass. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.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 / JPRail.com
Hi… Can you advice me on my travel schedule to kansai area below?
Day 1 : Arrive Osaka – Kobe – Kinosaki (Overnight)
Day 2: Kinosaki – Kyoto (Overnight)
Day 3: Kyoto
Day 4: Kyoto – Osaka (Overnight)
Day 5: Osaka
Day 6: Osaka
Day 7 : Depart Osaka.
Kindly advice the best train pass to purchase and the best train. Thanks.
Hi Alex,
You can use Kansai wide area pass for the first 5 days.
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 may need to add Kyoto city deal because this pass covers only JR trains.
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
For day 6 and 7, there are some deals available. Please refer the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Osaka_area
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I am planning to go for a Day trip from Kyoto to Amanohashidate. From my research the earlier and best way is to take the Kinosaki No.1 depart Kyoto 7:32 and arrival Fukuchiyama at 8:47. Then i will need to transfer to the Tango Relay No.1 depart Fukuchiyama at 8:53 and arrival at Amanohashidate at 09:30.
I will be holding the Japan Rail Pass. However, I am wary of the 6 mins transfer timing at Fukuchiyama.
I got a few question, Is the Tango Relay No.1 a non JR train. How long will it take to actually walk from the platform of JR to the Tango Relay No.1
Secondly, How do i purchase the ticket for the Tango Relay No.1? Could i purchase at any JR Station? Or i would need to purchase at Fukuchiyama?
That’s one of my worry is that i will miss the transfer timing at 08:53. The next train is 1 hour later if i miss it.
Hi Liwei,
You can change the train in 5 minutes. I think you can make it in 6 minutes.
When you transfer, you will go through Kyoto Tango Railway ticket gate. So you need to purchase a ticket there. You cannot purchase a ticket at JR stations.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Please help if it makes sense to travel with the itineary below in terms of time saving. We will be using Kansai Wide Area pass. We are considering 2 options.
Option 1
Day 1 Kyoto to Kinosaki (Overnight)
Day 2 Kinosaki to Himeji to Osaka(overnight)
Day 3 Osaka to Nara to Osaka(Overnight)
Day 4 Osaka
Day 5 Osaka
Option 2
Day 1 Kyoto to Kinosaki (Overnight)
Day 2 Kinosaki to Osaka(overnight)
Day 3 Osaka to Nara to Osaka(Overnight)
Day 4 Osaka to Himeji to Osaka (Overnight)
Day 5 Osaka
Appreciate your comments to above itinerary as we are trying to find the fastest and cheapest way to travel.
Many thanks in advance.
Regards
Athilia
Hi Athilia,
You can save more time if you take option 1 but option 2 is easier. Because train does not run very frequently from Kinosaki to Himeji.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/access-to-tottori-from-osaka-kobe-and-himeji-with-no-extra-charge-by-jr-pass-limited-express-hamakaze.html
If you catch this train, option 1 is faster.
On the other hand, you don’t need to worry about luggage if you take option 2. You may get Nara and Himeji as day trip. It’s much easier.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takashi
Please help if it makes sense to travel from Kyoto to Kinosaki-onsen and return to Osaka in one day using Kansai wide area pass.
Day 1 Kansai airport to Kyoto by Haruka (Haruka + ICOCA round trip)
Day 2 Kyoto
Day 3 Kyoto
Day 4 Kyoto to Kinosaki-onsen to Osaka (Kansai wide area pass)
Day 5 Osaka to Himeji and back
Day 6 Osaka to Okayama and back
Day 7 Osaka to Nara
Day 8 Osaka
Day 9 Osaka
Day 10 Osaka to Kansai airport using ICOCA
Appreciate your comments to above itinerary.
Regards
Geok
Hi Geok,
Yes. You can use Kansai Wide Area Pass for Kinosaki one day trip. It also covers day 5 to 8 and it gives you a great saving. I think you may complete Himeji and Okayama in one day. You can combine Himeji and Kobe on day 5. You may add Kurashiki on day 6. It’s very lovely city.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail
Hi
Is there luggage space at limited express train? I am traveling on 27/11 from Kyoto to kinosaki Onsen and on 29/11 from kinosaki Onsen to Osake. My luggage is 25″.
Thank you
Hi Eileen,
Most of trains does not have any luggage space. It’s very tough to travel with large size suitcase. Please find the detailed info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/baggage/managing-luggage-how-to-carry-your-baggage-on-board-and-how-to-store-your-baggage-at-the-station.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi. I have a question about two legs of my trip:
1. We will be traveling from Tokyo to Kinosaki-Onsen. Since we want to do this in one day I need to make sure we have the timing right. I found a link to the timetables from the shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka (here: http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf) but I am not able to find the timetable for The Kinosaki line from Kyoto to Kinosaki Onsen. Could you provide that link?
2. We will be heading down from Kinosaki Onsen all the way to Hongu (we are stopping at Koyasan and Kyoto on our way back). What’s the best way to get to Hongu from Kyoto?
Thank you so much!
Karoline
Hi Karoline
1. There is no link available. The only way to get it is Hyperdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
2. Kinsaki Onsen – Kyoto (JR)
Kyoto – Osaka (JR)
Umeda (JR Osaka same location) – Namba (Subway Midousuji line)
Namba – Gokurakubashi – Koyasan (Nankai railway)
Koyasan – Hongu (You have to transfer twice at Kii-Tanabe and Goma-Danzan.
I don’t think you can do this trip in one day.
The last bus to Gomadanzan depart from Koyasan at 13:55. But even if you get this bus, you can’t catch the last bus to Hongu at Kii-tanabe. Actually the only connection to get Hongu from Koyasan by bus is 9:50 departure at Koyasan. And this bus is not available in winter (Dec – Mar).
Cheers,
Takehsi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi, thanks for your advice. My plan itinerary a week from now (Oct 5) is roughly as follows:
Day 1 Kansai airport to Kyoto by Ltd Haruka (one way via Haruka and ICOCa)
Day 2 Kyoto
Day 3 Kyoto
Day 4 Day trip to Nara from Kyoto (JR Kansai Area Wide Pass)
Day 5 Kyoto to Konisaki Onsen (JR kansai Area Wide Pass)
Day 6 Konisaki onsen to Kyoto (JR Kansai Area Wide Pass)
Day 7 Kyoto to Wakayama (JR Kansai Area Wide Pass)
Day 8 Wakayam to Kansai Airport
Did i get the passes right? In addition can you pls advise on the following:
a) I assume I can go to Nara using the Kansai Area pass by the Kintestsu Line and to Wakayama using the Kuroshio Line?
b) what is the most cost effective way to get to Kansai airport from Wakayama.
c) I intend to use the icoca in Kyoto and Nara for the bus and subway
d) on a non transport related issue. My intention is to see the autumn foliage but I think I am still a bit early for that. At this time of the year, where would you advise I shld go to catch the early foliage.
Hope you dont mind answering the above questions.
Thanks
Hi CK,
You have made a right choice.
a) Yes. You can use the pass for day 4 and 7
b) You have two choices, Nankai railway or JR. The cost is not different so much.
Nankai 870 yen
JR 890 yen.
There is no deals and single fare is only your choice.
Nankai’s Wakayamashi station and JR Wakayama station are not located at same place. You can choose by your place to stay.
c) Why don’t you use Kyoto all day bus pass at 500 yen per day.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
Single fare for bus is 230 yen. You can pay off 500 yen pass very very easily.
You can use ICOCA in Nara. But many places in Nara can be accessed by walk from the station.
d) It’s very hard to see autumn foliage in October around Kansai area. You may be able to see the colors at high elevation area around Kyoto, like Takao, Kurama or Mt. Hiei.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi, I am wondering if you could help me with this question. I m planning to take the Kinosaki to Kinosakionsen. However, I noted from Hyderdia that I need to stop at Fukuchiyama and switch to Ltd express Konotori. Kinosaki arrives at Fukuchiyama at 9.54 whereas Konotori leaves Fukuchiyama at 9.56. Since I am not sure how close these tracks are…do you know if I have enough time to run from one track to the other within 2 minutes?
Appreciate your advice. Thanks
Hi CK,
Usually these two trains arrive at same platform and it’s only 5 meters away. Fukuchiyama station is the junction from Kyoto and Osaka to Kinosaki, Toyooka and Amanohashidate. Lots of passengers transfer among these limited express trains. JR operates the trains like this schedule on purpose.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Both the new 287 series and the older 183 series provide good levels of comfort throughout. The 287 series does not have a vending machine or any cart service, but has improved sanitary facilities over the older trainsets. This is particularly true of disability access, as the 287 series has much wider inter-carriage spaces and a well designed disabled toilet, which the 183 series lacks.
Kinosaki services run hourly for most hours of the day starting at 08:51, then hourly at approximately 25 minutes past the hour (September 2011 timetable). Presently trains at 09:25, 10:25, 12:25, 15:25 and 20:37 are operated as Hashidate services instead of Kinosaki, however they all travel at least as far as Fukuchiyama, where you can change to the Kounotori service. Some of these are operated as 287 series trains that are coupled with Maizuru services as well.
Thanks for your useful comment again!
Takeshi