"Kinu" Limited Express Train Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of Tobu Railway's "Kinu" Limited Express train, which connects Asakusa Station and Kinugawa Onsen Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations where the train stops, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. This representative Limited Express train to Kinugawa Onsen, operated using 100 series "Spacia" trains, highlights key points to check before your trip. A free footbath is also available in the station square. Along the way, Tobu World Square Station is the nearest station to a theme park that exhibits miniature versions of buildings from around the world. Shimo-Imaichi Station is also known as the gateway to the "SL Taiju."
*The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, sales conditions, and purchase methods may change. Please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before use.
The "Kinu" Limited Express train is operated by Tobu Railway and connects Asakusa Station and Kinugawa Onsen Station. The train's name is derived from the Kinugawa River. It is operated using 100 series "Spacia" trains and runs directly from Asakusa Station to Kinugawa Onsen Station, passing through TOKYO SKYTREE Station, Kita-Senju Station, Kasukabe Station, and Shimo-Imaichi Station. All seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required to board. Even for the same "Kinu" Limited Express train number, the train used (either the 100 series "Spacia" or the "SPACIA X") may differ depending on the day, so it is important to check in advance.

What is "Kinu"?

The "Kinu" Limited Express is a Limited Express train running between Asakusa and Kinugawa Onsen, using 100 series "Spacia" trains, which have been the flagship Limited Express of Tobu Railway since 1990. Even after the debut of the state-of-the-art "SPACIA X" in July 2023, some "Kinu" Limited Express services continue to use the 100 series "Spacia." The train's name is derived from the Kinugawa River, which flows through the Kinugawa Onsen area. The name Kinugawa literally means "river where demons get angry," but in reality, it is known as a tourist destination where you can enjoy the tranquil beauty of the gorge.

Train Features and Popular Aspects

The appeal of the "Kinu" Limited Express train lies in its convenience, offering direct access from Asakusa to Kinugawa Onsen without transfers. The 100 series "Spacia" is characterized by its traditional running performance and calm interior, and some train sets even have private compartments in Car 6. Along with the "SPACIA X" and "Revaty Kinu" Limited Express trains, a variety of options are available between Asakusa and Kinugawa Onsen. Since the debut of the "SPACIA X" in 2023, it has remained popular among passengers who prefer the traditional atmosphere of the 100 series "Spacia."

Timetable for the "Kinu" Limited Express Train

*The "Kinu" Limited Express train, along with the "SPACIA X" and "Revaty Kinu" Limited Express trains, forms the timetable for the Kinugawa Line.

Downbound (Towards Kinugawa Onsen) Timetable

Upbound (Towards Asakusa) Timetable

*This is a representative example.

The "Kinu" Limited Express service, along with the "SPACIA X" and "Revaty Kinu" Limited Express, forms the timetable between Asakusa and Kinugawa Onsen. The rolling stock used varies depending on the service, with the "Kinu" Limited Express designation assigned to services using the 100 series "Spacia" train. The stations where the train stops also vary, with some services stopping at Tobu World Square Station and others not.

Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The "Kinu" Limited Express operates daily throughout the year. During high season such as weekends and long holidays, additional "Kinu" Limited Express trains may be added.

Operating Section of the "Kinu" Limited Express Train

Main Sections

• Asakusa Station ~ Shimo-Imaichi Station ~ Kinugawa Onsen Station

Kinugawa Onsen Station is the gateway to Kinugawa Onsen, and there is a free footbath in the station square. Along the way, Tobu World Square Station is the nearest station to a theme park that exhibits miniature versions of buildings from around the world. Shimo-Imaichi Station is also known as the gateway to the "SL Taiju."

Stations Where the "Kinu" Limited Express Train Stops

Main Stations Where the Train Stops

• Asakusa Station
• TOKYO SKYTREE Station
• Kita-Senju Station
• Kasukabe Station
• Shimo-Imaichi Station
• Tobu World Square Station (some trains)
• Kinugawa Onsen Station

*The stations where the train stops vary depending on the service.

Fares for the "Kinu" Limited Express

Fares for Representative Sections

*The above fares are for reserved seats in ordinary cars on the "Spacia" (100 series). Additional charges apply for private compartments.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

Breakdown of Basic Fare and Limited Express Fare

The fare for the "Kinu" Limited Express is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the limited express surcharge. For the same route, there is no difference in fare between the "Revaty Kinu" Limited Express (500 series) and the "Kinu" Limited Express, and the same limited express surcharge system applies to both. All seats are reserved, so there is no charge for unreserved seating. Children's fares and limited express surcharges are half the adult fare (rounded up to the nearest 10 yen).

Additional Fare for Private Compartments

If you wish to use the private compartment in Car 6 (availability varies depending on the train set), you will need to pay a private compartment fare in addition to the reserved seat fare for ordinary cars. Private compartments are popular for small groups.

How to Buy Tickets for the "Kinu" Limited Express Train

Tobu Limited Express Ticket Internet Purchase and Reservation Service

Tobu Railway's "Tobu Limited Express Ticket Internet Purchase and Reservation Service" allows you to purchase ticketless Limited Express tickets without registering as a member. Limited Express tickets go on sale one month before the date of travel. Membership registration is free, and you can check seat availability and make reservations 24 hours a day from your smartphone.

 

 

Ticket Offices and Vending Machines at Tobu Line Stations

You can purchase Limited Express tickets at ticket offices and vending machines at any Tobu Line station. However, if you purchase a Limited Express ticket on board the train or on the platform just before boarding, a flat fare of 200 yen will be added to the Limited Express fare for both adults and children.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies, including Tobu Top Tours, also offer tour packages that include Limited Express tickets for the "Kinu" Limited Express train.

How to Purchase for International Tourists

The "Kinu" Limited Express train is operated by Tobu Railway (a private railway company), so the JR Pass cannot be used. Tobu Railway offers special tickets such as the "NIKKO PASS" for international tourists, but even when using these passes, a separate Limited Express ticket is required to ride the "Kinu."

Is a Physical Ticket Required?

If you purchase your ticket through the "Tobu Limited Express Ticket Internet Purchase and Reservation Service," you can board the train simply by showing your smartphone screen as it is a ticketless service. If you purchase your ticket at a ticket office or vending machine, you will need to receive a paper Limited Express ticket before boarding.

Can IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payments Be Used?

When riding the "Kinu," you will need separate tickets for the basic fare and the Limited Express surcharge. IC cards such as Suica and PASMO can be used as the basic fare portion on Tobu lines. However, the Limited Express surcharge cannot be paid using the balance on your IC card; you must purchase a separate Limited Express surcharge ticket in advance.

While some Tobu Railway lines and stations have introduced contactless credit card payment services, the availability of this service across the entire route of the "Kinu" Limited Express train varies from station to station.

Seating Information for the "Kinu" Limited Express Train

Seat Types (All Seats Reserved)

The "Kinu" Limited Express train is operated using 100 series "Spacia" trains, and all seats are reserved. There is no unreserved seating.

Distinctive Seating

The 100 series "Spacia" has been a beloved flagship Limited Express train of Tobu Railway since its debut in 1990. Some train sets have private compartments in Car 6, making them suitable for group travel. This train offers a traditional "Spacia" atmosphere, different from the state-of-the-art "SPACIA X." The seats are rotating reclining seats, and ample seat pitch is ensured for all seats.

Large Luggage Storage Area

There is space provided within the train for storing large luggage.

Barrier-Free Facilities

Car 5 has wheelchair-accessible seating. If you will be using a wheelchair, we recommend contacting the Tobu Railway Customer Center in advance.

 

 

Ekiben (Train Bento) and In-Train Gourmet Food to Enjoy on the "Kinu"

While the "Spacia Kinugawa" previously offered a buffet and in-car sales service, it may have been reduced or discontinued by now. If you wish to enjoy a meal, it is recommended to purchase it in advance from ekiben shops or stalls around Shinjuku Station or Omiya Station.

Points to Note When Riding the "Kinu"

Since all seats on the "Kinu" Limited Express train are reserved, it is recommended to make a reservation as early as possible if you have decided on your travel date. The trains used (100 series "Spacia") and "SPACIA X" have different cars and seats, so please check when making your reservation if you have a preference for a particular train. Also, if you are transferring to the "SL Taiju" at Shimo-Imaichi Station, it is recommended to plan your transfer time to allow ample time.

Purchasing Limited Express tickets on board will cost 200 yen more than purchasing them in advance, so we recommend purchasing them online or at a ticket office before boarding. Stations where the train stops vary depending on the service, so checking beforehand will ensure a smoother experience.

Summary

The "Kinu" Limited Express is a Tobu Railway Limited Express train connecting Asakusa Station and Kinugawa Onsen Station, using 100 series "Spacia" trains. All seats are reserved, so both a basic fare ticket and a Limited Express surcharge are required. Along with the "SPACIA X" and "Revaty Kinu" Limited Express, it is one of the various options between Asakusa and Kinugawa Onsen, and is a train that allows you to enjoy the traditional "Spacia" atmosphere. The JR Pass cannot be used. As a train that symbolizes the "Spacia" brand, which has been around since 1990, it is still popular with many passengers.

Enjoy the "Kinu" Limited Express train, which provides direct access from Asakusa to Kinugawa Onsen without any transfers.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.