"KUROSHIO" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of JR West's limited express "KUROSHIO", which connects Shin-Osaka Station and Kyoto Station with Shirahama Station and Shingu Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stopping stations, seating information, how to buy tickets, whether ticket issuance is required, and IC card support status. Known for its panda-themed livery, this flagship limited express on the JR Kisei Main Line, this article organizes key points to check before your trip.

The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket release conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before your trip.

The "KUROSHIO" is a JR West limited express train connecting Shin-Osaka Station and Kyoto Station with Shirahama Station and Shingu Station in Wakayama Prefecture via the JR Kisei Main Line. The train uses 287 series and 289 series electric trains, some of which are decorated with panda wrapping in collaboration with "Adventure World" and operated as the "Panda Kuroshio." It operates with all reserved seats and Green Car seats. The name "KUROSHIO" has been used since 1965, making it a prestigious limited express that has walked alongside the history of the JR Kisei Main Line. The 287 series and 289 series, which were introduced in stages starting in 2012, replaced the previous 381 series tilting electric trains and greatly improved ride comfort. The train's body color is based on the blue of the Pacific Ocean and the white of Shirahama's sandy beaches, expressing the image of the bright sea of Nanki.

What is "KUROSHIO"?

The "KUROSHIO" is the flagship limited express of the JR Kisei Main Line, connecting Shin-Osaka and Kyoto with Shirahama and Shingu in the southern part of the Kii Peninsula. The train's name comes from the Kuroshio Current, a warm current that flows off the coast of the Kii Peninsula. Currently, it is operated using 287 series and 289 series electric trains, and some of these trains are operated as the "Panda Kuroshio," featuring panda designs on the train bodies as part of a collaboration project with Adventure World, a popular theme park in Shirahama. The 287 series electric train is a highly versatile vehicle also used for limited express trains in the Hokuriku region such as the "Kounotori" and "Kinosaki." The Panda Kuroshio began operation in 2019 and, along with the popularity of pandas in Shirahama, has become a very popular project train among children who love trains.

Train Features and Popular Points

The appeal of the "KUROSHIO" train lies in its convenience, offering direct access from the Osaka metropolitan area to hot spring resorts and tourist destinations on the Kii Peninsula. The "Panda Kuroshio" features panda motifs not only on the exterior but also throughout the interior, making it particularly popular with families. From the section running along the Pacific coast, passengers can enjoy the beautiful rias coastline and the spectacular scenery of the Kumano-nada Sea. Along the coastline in Wakayama Prefecture, passengers can enjoy the rich fishing grounds nurtured by the Kuroshio Current and the intricate topography unique to the rias coastline from the train windows. From Kii-Tanabe Station, it is also possible to access the Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo World Heritage Site, making it popular with travelers who enjoy walking the historic pilgrimage route. If boarding from Tennoji Station, it offers good access from central Osaka, making it a suitable limited express train for day trips from urban areas.

"KUROSHIO" Timetable

*The "KUROSHIO" operates more than ten round trips a day, with numerous services. The "Panda Kuroshio" operates with a limited number of train sets.

Southbound (towards Shirahama/Shingu) Timetable

Timetable for Northbound Trains (towards Shin-Osaka)

The "KUROSHIO" operates more than ten round trips a day, mainly between Shin-Osaka Station and Kyoto Station. Some trains terminate at Shirahama Station, while others continue on to Shingu Station. The "Panda Kuroshio" trains operate on a limited basis.

Points to Note Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The "KUROSHIO" operates daily throughout the year. However, during severe weather such as typhoons, service suspensions or delays are more likely to occur on some sections of the JR Kisei Main Line. The JR Kisei Main Line has many sections running along the coast, and depending on the path of a typhoon, service cancellations may be decided earlier than usual.

"KUROSHIO" Operating Sections

Main Sections

• Shin-Osaka Station to Tennoji Station (JR Tokaido Main Line / JR Osaka Loop Line)
• Tennoji Station ~ Shirahama Station ~ Shingu Station (JR Hanwa Line / JR Kisei Main Line)

Shirahama Station is the gateway to Nanki Shirahama Onsen, home to Shirahama Beach and Sakinoyu Onsen. Shingu Station is the closest station to the Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine World Heritage Site and a base for sightseeing along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. Adventure World is a theme park boasting one of the world's largest numbers of pandas and is a major attraction for Shirahama tourists. Around Shingu Station, in addition to Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine, there are many mystical sacred sites, such as Kamikura Shrine, known for its Gotobiki-iwa Rock. The southern part of the Kii Peninsula is dotted with scenic spots known for their strangely shaped rocks and boulders, such as Hashigui-iwa in Kushimoto Town, and many travelers enjoy combining sightseeing with driving tours.

"KUROSHIO" Stopping Stations

Main Stopping Stations

• Shin-Osaka Station
• Tennoji Station
• Wakayama Station
• Kii-Tanabe Station
• Shirahama Station
• Shingu Station

*Stopping stations vary depending on the train service.

"KUROSHIO" Fare

Representative Section Fare

*Fares may vary depending on whether it is high season or low season.

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Limited Express Surcharge

The fare for the "KUROSHIO" train is the sum of the basic fare (transportation fare) to your destination and the limited express surcharge. Since all seats are reserved, please purchase a reserved seat limited express ticket before boarding. If you wish to use a Green Car, you will need to pay the Green Car surcharge in addition to the ordinary car reserved seat fare.

Panda "KUROSHIO" Seat Reservations

The Panda Seats (in the lead car) on the Panda "KUROSHIO" are particularly popular and often sell out immediately after tickets go on sale, so early reservations are recommended if you wish to use them. Shirahama Onsen is a historic hot spring resort, counted as one of Japan's three oldest hot springs, and is also attractive for its beautiful sandy beaches such as Shirahama Beach. Shirahama Beach is a representative beach of Nanki, with a beautiful contrast between its white sand and blue sea, and is bustling with swimmers in the summer. Shirahama Airport is also nearby, and some people flying from Tokyo choose to take the "KUROSHIO" train to Osaka on their return journey.

During high season, demand for Green Car seats and Panda Seats increases, so we recommend booking early.

How to Buy "KUROSHIO" Tickets

e5489 (Online Reservation)

JR West's online reservation service "e5489" allows you to purchase ticketless limited express tickets using a credit card. Limited express tickets go on sale one month before the date of travel.

 

 

Reserved Seat Ticket Machines and Midori-no-madoguchi

You can also purchase limited express tickets at reserved seat ticket machines or Midori-no-madoguchi at the station.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies also handle "KUROSHIO" limited express tickets and tour packages that include sightseeing in Shirahama.

How to Buy for Foreign Visitors

The "KUROSHIO" train is operated by JR West and can be used with the JR Pass. Even when using the pass, you will need to obtain a separate seat reservation ticket if you wish to use a reserved seat. The entire JR West section is covered by the pass.

*The types of passes applicable and their conditions may change.

Is Ticket Issuance Required?

If you purchased your ticket through the "e5489" ticketless service, you may be able to board the train by linking it to your smartphone screen or IC card. If you purchased your ticket at a reserved seat ticket machine or at Midori-no-madoguchi, you will need to receive a paper limited express ticket before boarding.

*Whether or not ticket issuance is required depends on the type of reservation service.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

Can IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payments Be Used?

For the "KUROSHIO" train service, you can use your IC card for the basic fare portion within the ICOCA area. However, there are sections outside the ICOCA area, such as the Shingu area, and the limited express surcharge portion cannot be paid using the balance on your IC card. Therefore, you must purchase a limited express ticket in advance.

On the routes served by the "KUROSHIO" train, touch payment via credit card is not available at ticket gates.

*Please note that you cannot ride the limited express train using only your IC card. A limited express surcharge must be purchased separately. The Shingu area may be outside the ICOCA area.

"KUROSHIO" Seating Information

Seat Types

The "KUROSHIO" train is operated using 287 series and 289 series electric trains and consists of ordinary car reserved seats and Green Car seats.

Distinctive Seating

The "Panda Seats" in the lead car of the "Panda Kuroshio" are special seats adorned with panda designs throughout the train, making them popular with families. The 287 series and 289 series trains are tilting vehicles, ensuring a comfortable ride even on the winding sections of the JR Kisei Main Line. Some seats are decorated with panda footprints and bamboo motifs, giving passengers a special feeling just by riding the train. The seats are designed to recline deeply, allowing passengers to relax even on long journeys. Depending on the direction of travel, window seats offer panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean horizon, providing a variety of ways to enjoy the scenery. In Green Car seats, in addition to footrests, pillows and blankets may also be provided.

Large Luggage Storage Area

A large luggage storage area is provided within the train formation.

Barrier-Free Facilities

Wheelchair-accessible seating is available within the train formation. If you will be using a wheelchair, we recommend contacting JR West's Midori-no-madoguchi or information center in advance.

*Details of seating facilities may vary depending on the train formation.

 

 

Ekiben and In-Train Gourmet to Enjoy on the "KUROSHIO"

There is no onboard sales service on the "KUROSHIO" train. If you want to enjoy a meal, it is recommended to prepare in advance at the ekiben shops and stalls around Shin-Osaka Station or Tennoji Station. Although not sold on board, Shin-Osaka Station and Tennoji Station offer a variety of ekiben, including Wakayama ramen and those made with Kishu plums. Around Wakayama Station, trying out famous Wakayama ramen restaurants is also one of the pleasures of your trip.

*Onboard sales are not available.

Points to Note When Riding the "KUROSHIO"

While all seats on the "KUROSHIO" train are reserved seats, if you wish to ride the Panda "KUROSHIO," it is recommended to check the operating dates and train formation in advance and make reservations early. Additionally, since bus travel is also possible between Kii-Tanabe Station and Shirahama Station, combining transportation methods depending on your schedule is also recommended. Because much of the route runs along the coast, if you want to enjoy taking photos from the train window, it's a good idea to check in advance whether you want a seat on the right or left side in the direction of travel. When riding the Panda "KUROSHIO," there are no onboard sales of commemorative goods, so it's recommended to purchase souvenirs at Adventure World in Shirahama.

Since there is no onboard sales, please prepare any meals you plan to eat before boarding. During typhoon season, train service on the JR Kisei Main Line is prone to suspensions, so it's a good idea to check the train service information for the day of travel.

Summary

The "KUROSHIO" is a JR West limited express train connecting Shin-Osaka Station, Kyoto Station, Shirahama Station, and Shingu Station, providing convenient access to hot spring resorts and tourist destinations on the Kii Peninsula. It is also known for its "Panda Kuroshio" with panda wrapping, making it popular with families. All seats are reserved seats, and passengers can choose from Green Car seats. The JR Pass can also be used. It has been loved for many years as a limited express train that allows passengers to enjoy the diverse scenery from the Osaka metropolitan area to Nanki. The adorable design of the Panda "KUROSHIO" conveys the joy of travel to a wide range of generations, from children to adults. With a comfortable ride thanks to its tilting vehicle, passengers can enjoy the varied topography of the Kii Peninsula as they travel. It is also a popular choice for a luxurious weekend trip, allowing passengers to enjoy the authentic nature and hot springs of Nanki in about two hours one way from the Osaka metropolitan area. Be sure to enjoy comparing the various train formations, including the Panda "KUROSHIO."

Enjoy your trip to Nanki aboard the "KUROSHIO" train, where you can admire the stunning scenery along the Pacific coast and the adorable design of the Panda "KUROSHIO."

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 transit 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.