"Kinugawa" Limited Express Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the JR-Tobu connecting "Kinugawa" Limited Express train, which operates directly between JR Shinjuku Station and Tobu Kinugawa Onsen Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. This connecting limited express train, operated by JR East's 253 series trains, is also the sister train "Spacia Kinugawa," and this article summarizes key points to check before your trip.
*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 "Kinugawa" Limited Express is a limited express train that runs from JR Shinjuku Station, via the JR Saikyo Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line, and Tohoku Main Line (Utsunomiya Line), and then connects to the Tobu Nikko Line and Tobu Kinugawa Line at Kurihashi Station, providing direct service to Kinugawa Onsen Station. The train uses JR East's 253 series electric multiple unit (253 series), which is a modified version of the train that previously operated as the "Narita Express" (N'EX). Together with the "Spacia Kinugawa," which is operated using Tobu Railway's 100 series "Spacia," it forms a connecting limited express service between Shinjuku and Kinugawa Onsen. All seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required to board. The train was formerly the 253 series 1000 series, and its paint scheme has been renewed, giving it a more subdued appearance compared to its time as the "Narita Express" (N'EX). Item Content Train Name "Kinugawa" Limited Express Operating Company JR East / Tobu Railway Main Operating Sections Shinjuku Station to Kinugawa Onsen Station (via JR Saikyo Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line, Tohoku Main Line, Tobu Nikko Line, and Tobu Kinugawa Line) Main Starting and Ending Stations Shinjuku Station (and some Ikebukuro Stations) / Kinugawa Onsen Station Number of Trains Running About 1 regular round trip Estimated Travel Time Shinjuku to Kinugawa Onsen: Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes Seat All seats are reserved (reserved seats in Ordinary Cars and Green Cars). 
Table of Contents
- What is the "Kinugawa" Limited Express?
- Timetable for the "Kinugawa" Limited Express
- Operating Sections of the "Kinugawa" Limited Express
- Stations Served by the "Kinugawa" Limited Express
- Fares for the "Kinugawa" Limited Express
- How to Buy Tickets for the "Kinugawa" Limited Express
- Is a Physical Ticket Required?
- Can I Use IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payments?
- Seat Information for the "Kinugawa" Limited Express
- Ekiben and In-Train Dining on the "Kinugawa" Limited Express
- Points to Note When Riding the "Kinugawa" Limited Express
- Summary
What is the "Kinugawa" Limited Express?
The "Kinugawa" Limited Express is a JR-Tobu connecting limited express train jointly operated by JR East and Tobu Railway. The 253 series train used is a modified version of a train that originally operated as the "Narita Express" (N'EX), and began commercial operation as the "Nikko" and "Kinugawa" Limited Express trains in 2011. It is a sister train to the "Spacia Kinugawa," which is operated using Tobu Railway's 100 series "Spacia" train, and connects Shinjuku and Kinugawa Onsen.
Train Features and Popular Aspects
The appeal of the "Kinugawa" Limited Express lies in its convenience, offering direct access to Kinugawa Onsen from major urban centers such as Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Omiya, as well as Saitama Prefecture, without the need for transfers. While the train makes a stop at Kurihashi Station for crew changes, passengers cannot board or alight there. The 253 series train retains some of its former "Narita Express" (N'EX) appearance, but its interior has been renovated, and it also includes a Green Car. Because it follows a different route from the "Kinu" Limited Express and "Revaty Kinu" Limited Express trains that depart from and arrive at Asakusa and Kita-Senju, it has a strong advantage in providing access from the Tokyo metropolitan area.
Timetable for the "Kinugawa" Limited Express
*The "Kinugawa" Limited Express may be operated in conjunction with the "Nikko" Limited Express, and the operating days and number of trains may change with each revision.
Downbound (towards Kinugawa Onsen) Timetable
| Stations | "Kinugawa" (Example) |
|---|---|
| Shinjuku Dep. | morning |
| Ikebukuro Dep. | ― |
| Omiya Dep. | ― |
| Kurihashi Arr. (Operational Stop) | ― |
| Shimo-Imaichi Arr. | ― |
| Kinugawa Onsen Arr. | Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes later |
Upbound (towards Shinjuku) Timetable
| Stations | "Kinugawa" (Example) |
|---|---|
| Kinugawa Onsen Dep. | afternoon |
| Shimo-Imaichi Dep. | ― |
| Kurihashi Arr. (Operational Stop) | ― |
| Omiya Dep. | ― |
| Shinjuku Arr. | Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes later |
*This is a representative example.
The "Kinugawa" Limited Express operates on the same timetable as the "Spacia Kinugawa," with the type of rolling stock used (253 series or "Spacia" 100 series) changing daily. At Kurihashi Station, the train enters a crossover track between the JR Utsunomiya Line (Shonan-Shinjuku Line) and the Tobu Nikko Line for a crew change, but passengers cannot board or alight.
Important Notes on Operating Days and Service Suspensions
The operating days and number of trains for the "Kinugawa" Limited Express may change with each timetable revision. In case of bad weather, service may be suspended on either the JR or Tobu section, so please pay attention to the service information on the day of travel.
Operating Sections of the "Kinugawa" Limited Express
Main Sections
- Shinjuku Station to Omiya Station (JR Saikyo Line / Shonan-Shinjuku Line)
- Omiya Station to Kurihashi Station (JR Tohoku Main Line / Utsunomiya Line)
- Kurihashi Station ~ Shimo-Imaichi Station ~ Kinugawa Onsen Station (Tobu Nikko Line / Tobu Kinugawa Line)
Kinugawa Onsen Station is the gateway to Kinugawa Onsen, and there's a free footbath in the station square. It's easily accessible from stations like Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Omiya without transfers, making it a convenient option for travelers living in the Tokyo metropolitan area or Saitama Prefecture.
Stations Served by the "Kinugawa" Limited Express
Main Stations Served
- Shinjuku Station
- Ikebukuro Station (some trains)
- Omiya Station
- Kurihashi Station (operational stop; passengers cannot board or alight)
- Shimo-Imaichi Station
- Kinugawa Onsen Station
*Stations served may vary depending on the train.
Fares for the "Kinugawa" Limited Express
Representative Section Fares
| Section | Total Fare (Adult, Estimated) | Basic Fare Ticket | Limited Express Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku Station to Kinugawa Onsen Station | 4,140 yen | 2,040 yen | 2,100 yen |
*This service operates on the same route and has the same fare structure as "Spacia Kinugawa." As this is a connecting service spanning both JR and Tobu lines, the total fare will be the sum of the basic fare and limited express surcharge for the JR section, and the basic fare and limited express surcharge for the Tobu section.
Breakdown of Basic Fare and Limited Express Surcharge
The total fare for the "Kinugawa" Limited Express is the sum of the basic fare and limited express surcharge for the JR line section (Shinjuku Station to Kurihashi Station) and the basic fare and limited express surcharge for the Tobu line section (Kurihashi Station to Kinugawa Onsen Station). Whether the train used is the 253 series or the "Spacia" (100 series), the fare for a reserved seat in Ordinary Class is the same for the same section. Within the connecting transport section of the JR line and Tobu line, it may be possible to purchase a single through ticket, but depending on the section and the point of purchase, it may be issued as separate tickets.
Green Car Fare
The 253 series trains include Green Cars, and using them requires paying the Green Car fare in addition to the regular reserved seat fare. Since the presence or absence of Green Cars may vary depending on the train set, it's best to check in advance.
How to Buy Tickets for the "Kinugawa" Limited Express
Eki-net (Online Reservation)
Limited express tickets for the "Kinugawa" Limited Express are sold through JR East's reservation system "MARS," so they can also be purchased through Eki-net. However, ticketless boarding using transportation IC cards is not supported, and you will need to pick up a paper ticket.
JR East and Tobu Railway Ticket Offices
You can purchase limited express tickets at JR East's major station ticket offices and reserved seat ticket machines, as well as at Tobu Railway's major station ticket offices.
Travel Agencies
You can also purchase tickets at travel agencies equipped with JR's MARS terminals. However, in areas outside the scope of through transport, it may be necessary to issue separate tickets for the JR section and the Tobu Line section.
How to Buy for International Visitors
The "Kinugawa" Limited Express is a connecting limited express train operated by JR East and Tobu Railway. Therefore, the JR Pass can be used for the JR line section (Shinjuku Station to Kurihashi Station), but the Tobu line section (Kurihashi Station to Kinugawa Onsen Station) is not covered by the pass. Fares and limited express charges for this section must be purchased separately.
Is a Physical Ticket Required?
Limited express tickets for the "Kinugawa" Limited Express are not compatible with ticketless boarding using transportation IC cards; a paper ticket is required. Even if you make a reservation through Eki-net, you will need to pick up your ticket at a ticket office or designated seat ticket machine before boarding.
Can I Use IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payments?
When riding the "Kinugawa" Limited Express, you will need separate tickets for the basic fare and the limited express surcharge. Within the JR line (such as between Shinjuku Station and Omiya Station), the Suica area is included, and you can use your transportation IC card for the basic fare portion. However, the limited express surcharge cannot be paid using the balance on your IC card; you must purchase a separate paper limited express ticket in advance.
When traveling beyond Kurihashi Station onto the Tobu Line, your ticket will be treated as a JR/Tobu through ticket, and you cannot board using only a transportation IC card. You will need to prepare a paper ticket in advance.
Seat Information for the "Kinugawa" Limited Express
Seat Types (All Seats Reserved)
The "Kinugawa" Limited Express is operated using JR East's 253 series electric trains and consists of reserved Ordinary Car seats and Green Cars. There are no unreserved seats.
| Seat Type | Content |
|---|---|
| Ordinary Car Reserved Seat | Standard 2+2 row seating with reclining function. |
| Green Car | Premium seats (availability may vary depending on the train configuration) |
| Unreserved Seat | None (All seats are reserved) |
Distinctive Seating
The 253 series train is a modified version of the train originally operated as the "Narita Express" (N'EX), and its interior has been refurbished with a calm design befitting the Nikko and Kinugawa area. The unique appeal of this train is that you can travel seamlessly on the same train throughout both the JR and Tobu sections. The seats are arranged in a 4-across (2+2) configuration, inheriting the basic structure of the reclining seats from its "Narita Express" (N'EX) days.
Large Luggage Storage Area
There is space provided within the train for storing large luggage.
Accessibility Features
Some 253 series trains are equipped with wheelchair-accessible facilities. If you will be using a wheelchair, it is recommended that you consult with JR East or the ticket office before boarding.
Ekiben and In-Train Dining on the "Kinugawa" Limited Express
While the "Spacia Kinugawa" Limited Express previously offered a buffet and in-car sales service, it may have been reduced or discontinued. If you wish to enjoy a meal, it is recommended to purchase an Ekiben in advance from shops or stalls around Shinjuku Station or Omiya Station.
Points to Note When Riding the "Kinugawa" Limited Express
Since the "Kinugawa" Limited Express is an all-reserved-seat train, we recommend making a reservation early if you have decided on your travel date. The train name changes depending on whether the train uses the 253 series or the "Spacia" (100 series) rolling stock, so please check the train name carefully when making your reservation. Also, the start date of sales and the purchase method may differ depending on whether you purchase the limited express ticket at a JR line or Tobu line station, so please pay attention to the purchase method.
Since there is no onboard service, please prepare any meals you plan to eat before boarding. Please note that there will be a stop at Kurihashi Station for crew changes, but passengers will not be able to get on or off the train.
Summary
The "Kinugawa" Limited Express is a JR-Tobu connecting limited express train that runs directly between JR Shinjuku Station and Tobu Kinugawa Onsen Station, operated by JR East's 253 series trains. Its appeal lies in its convenience, allowing direct access to Kinugawa Onsen from Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Omiya without transfers. All seats are reserved, so both a basic fare ticket and a limited express surcharge are required, and the fares for the JR and Tobu lines are added together. The JR Pass can be used on JR lines, but not on Tobu lines. Since its launch in 2011, it has been a popular connecting limited express train linking the Tokyo metropolitan area and Saitama with Kinugawa Onsen.
Enjoy the "Kinugawa" Limited Express, which provides direct access to Kinugawa Onsen from the Tokyo metropolitan area and Saitama without transfers.
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