"Shimakaze" Train Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Kintetsu Railway's (Kinki Nippon Railway) sightseeing limited express train "Shimakaze", which connects Osaka Namba Station, Kyoto Station, and Kintetsu Nagoya Station to Kashikojima Station in the Ise-Shima area. It includes timetables, fares for representative routes, stations where it stops, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, whether ticket issuance is required, and information on IC card and credit card contactless payment options. Since all seats are reserved, advance reservations are essential. 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 "Shimakaze" is a sightseeing limited express train operated by Kintetsu Railway, connecting Osaka Namba Station, Kyoto Station, and Kintetsu Nagoya Station to Kashikojima Station in Mie Prefecture, heading towards the Ise-Shima area. In addition to being used for sightseeing in Ise Grand Shrine, Toba, and Shima, many travelers ride the train for its excellent facilities, including observation cars, private compartments, and a cafe car. All seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required to board.

What is the "Shimakaze"?

The "Shimakaze" is a Kintetsu sightseeing limited express train named after the refreshing breeze that blows across Shima. It operates with a 6-car formation of 50000 series trains and features observation cars (Car 1 and Car 6) with a high-decker structure where the floor is 72 cm higher than usual, premium seats with genuine leather upholstery in a 3-seat configuration, Japanese-style private rooms, Western-style private rooms, and salon seats for groups, and a double-decker cafe car. As a train where "riding it itself becomes the purpose of the trip," it is very popular with travelers going to the Ise-Shima area.

Distinctive Features and Popular Points

The greatest appeal of the "Shimakaze" is its premium seats, which are spaced 125cm apart—more than the Green Car seats on the Shinkansen—and the expansive views from the observation car. There are also plenty of seats suitable for group travel, including Japanese-style private rooms with sunken tables for 3-4 people, Western-style private rooms with L-shaped sofas, and semi-compartment salon seats for 4-6 people. The cafe car offers a menu featuring local delicacies such as Matsusaka beef curry and seafood pilaf, making the time spent on board an integral part of the sightseeing experience. Free Wi-Fi is available on board, and power outlets are provided at every seat, allowing passengers to make the most of their travel time using their smartphones and laptops.

"Shimakaze" Train Timetable

*Please note that the route and travel time vary depending on the departure station. Please check your departure station and destination before boarding.

Southbound (towards Kashikojima) Timetable

*This is a representative example.

Northbound (towards Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya) Timetable

*This is a representative example.

The "Shimakaze" operates one round trip per day in each of the following sections: Osaka Namba, Kyoto, and Kintetsu Nagoya. The stations where it stops are Osaka Uehonmachi Station, Tsuruhashi Station, Yamato-Yagi Station, Ise-shi Station, Ujiyamada Station, Toba Station, and Ugata Station between Osaka Namba Station and Kashikojima Station; Kintetsu Tambabashi Station, Yamato-Saidaiji Station, and Yamato-Yagi Station between Kyoto Station and Kashikojima Station; and Kintetsu Yokkaichi Station between Kintetsu Nagoya Station and Kashikojima Station. Not all trains operate on all sections, so please pay attention to the train number and destination combination.

Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Days When Service is Suspended

The "Shimakaze" does not operate every day; there are scheduled days off for each section of the route. Generally, the section departing from and arriving at Osaka Namba Station is closed on Tuesdays, the section departing from and arriving at Kyoto Station is closed on Wednesdays, and the section departing from and arriving at Kintetsu Nagoya Station is closed on Thursdays. In addition, due to vehicle maintenance and other reasons, the operating section and the type of train may be changed without prior notice. Operating days can be checked throughout the year on the Kintetsu official website's operating calendar, and during high season, it may operate on days that are normally closed.

Operating Sections of the "Shimakaze"

Main Sections

• Osaka Namba Station to Kashikojima Station
• Kyoto Station to Kashikojima Station
• Kintetsu Nagoya Station to Kashikojima Station

Kashikojima Station is a hub for sightseeing in Shima, providing access to attractions such as Shima Mediterranean Village and the Kashikojima España Cruise. Ise-shi Station and Ujiyamada Station are the closest stations to Ise Grand Shrine (Naiku and Geku), while Toba Station is the closest station to Toba Aquarium and Mikimoto Pearl Island, making this a line that connects the main tourist spots of Ise-Shima in one go.

Stations where the "Shimakaze" Stops

Main Stops

• Osaka Namba Station
• Osaka Uehonmachi Station
• Tsuruhashi Station
• Yamato-Yagi Station
• Kyoto Station
• Kintetsu Tambabashi Station
• Yamato-Saidaiji Station
• Kintetsu Nagoya Station
• Kintetsu Yokkaichi Station
• Ise-shi Station
• Ujiyamada Station
• Toba Station
• Ugata Station
• Kashikojima Station

*The stations where it stops vary depending on the departure station and destination.

"Shimakaze" Fares

Fares for Representative Sections

*If you wish to use a Japanese-style or Western-style private room, an additional private room fee of 1,050 yen per room will be required in addition to the above.

• Limited Express Fare, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Limited Express Ticket

The fare for the "Shimakaze" is the sum of three components: the basic fare to your destination, the limited express surcharge, and the "Shimakaze" special car surcharge. The "Shimakaze" special car surcharge is an additional fee equivalent to JR's Green Car surcharge, for using the "Shimakaze" exclusive car. Since all seats on the "Shimakaze" are reserved, there is no unreserved seat surcharge.

Additional Fares for Private Rooms and Salon Seats

If you wish to use a Japanese-style or Western-style private room (for 3-4 people), in addition to the basic fare, limited express surcharge, and special car surcharge, a private room fee of 1,050 yen per room is required. Private rooms are only available if your journey includes the section between Yamato-Yagi Station and Ise-shi Station or between Kintetsu Yokkaichi Station and Ise-shi Station. Salon seats (for 4-6 people) are available at the same price as premium seats without any additional charge.

How to Buy Tickets for the "Shimakaze"

Kintetsu Railway Internet Reservation and Ticketing Service

By registering as a member of Kintetsu Railway's internet reservation and ticketing service, you can reserve seats from your smartphone or computer. Payment is made by credit card, and you can choose between a ticketless service that does not require picking up tickets at the station, or a method where you make a provisional reservation and pay and pick up your tickets at the station. Limited express tickets go on sale from 10:30 a.m. one month before the date of travel. Popular observation cars and private rooms often fill up immediately after sales begin, so early reservations are recommended. Another benefit of registering as a member is that you will be awarded points based on the purchase amount, which can be used for future limited express ticket purchases.

Kintetsu Station Ticket Counter (Limited Express Ticket Counter)

You can also purchase limited express tickets at the ticket counters of major Kintetsu stations starting at 10:30 a.m., one month prior to your travel date. Credit card payments are accepted at the counters. Another advantage of purchasing tickets at the counter is that you can specify your seat preference (window seat, aisle seat, etc.).

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies such as Club Tourism (including Kinki Nippon Tourist) and Nippon Travel Agency also sell limited express tickets and basic fare tickets. Please contact each travel agency for details.

How to Buy for Foreign Tourists

Since the "Shimakaze" is operated by Kintetsu (a private railway company), the JAPAN RAIL PASS cannot be used. There is a KINTETSU RAIL PASS for foreign tourists, but this pass allows unlimited rides on trains below the rapid express level, and does not include limited express trains. Even if you have a KINTETSU RAIL PASS, in order to ride the "Shimakaze", you will need to purchase a separate limited express ticket (limited express surcharge and "Shimakaze" special car surcharge) in addition to your basic fare ticket. Limited express tickets can be purchased through the internet reservation and sales service, the limited express ticket counter at the station, or through a travel agency.

Is Ticket Issuance Required?

If you complete the credit card payment process through the online reservation and purchase service, you can board the train simply by showing your smartphone screen as it is a ticketless service. On the other hand, if you purchase tickets at a station ticket counter or travel agency, or if you use a provisional reservation service, you will need to pick up a paper limited express ticket before boarding. Since the need for ticket issuance differs depending on the reservation method, be sure to check the ticket collection method when purchasing.

Can I Use Contactless Payment with an IC Card or Credit Card?

When riding the "Shimakaze", you will need separate tickets for the basic fare and the limited express ticket (limited express surcharge and "Shimakaze" special car surcharge). Nationwide mutually usable transportation IC cards such as ICOCA, Suica, and PASMO can be used as the basic fare on all Kintetsu lines. However, the limited express ticket cannot be paid using the balance on the IC card and must be purchased separately in advance.

Kintetsu offers contactless payment services using credit cards and other methods on all Kintetsu train lines. However, this service is not available on the Ikoma Cable Car and the Katsuragi Mountain Ropeway.

Only the basic fare portion of the ticket can be paid for using contactless payment. If you are riding a limited express train, you will need to purchase a limited express ticket separately.

The types of cards accepted and the areas where they can be used may change.

Seating Information for the "Shimakaze"

Seat Types (All Seats are Reserved)

The "Shimakaze" has all reserved seats; there are no unreserved seats. There are five types of seats and private rooms: Premium Seats, Premium Seats (Observation Car), Salon Seats, Japanese-style Private Rooms, and Western-style Private Rooms.

Distinctive Seating

Car 1 and Car 6 are observation cars with a high-decker structure, raised 72cm above the floor, allowing passengers to enjoy panoramic views through large windows. Both the Japanese-style and Western-style private rooms are equipped with large tables and power outlets, and room service from the cafe car can be accessed via an attendant call button. The Salon Seats are semi-compartment type with partitions on the aisle side and are available at the same price as regular Premium Seats, making them popular for group travel. Car 2, Car 3, Car 4, and Car 5 are also equipped with toilets with washbasins, ensuring a comfortable journey even on long trips.

Large Luggage Storage Area

Car 1 and Car 6 are equipped with lockable lockers that can be used free of charge during your ride, allowing you to store large luggage such as suitcases.

Barrier-Free Facilities

Wheelchair-accessible seats are available in Car 2 on trains departing from or arriving at Osaka Namba and Kyoto, and in Car 5 on trains departing from or arriving at Kintetsu Nagoya. If you will be using a wheelchair, it is recommended that you consult with the Kintetsu Railway Telephone Center or station staff in advance.

Ekiben and In-Train Gourmet Food to Enjoy on the "Shimakaze"

The "Shimakaze" includes a double-decker cafe car (Car 3 or Car 4), where you can enjoy local delicacies such as clam seafood pilaf, Matsusaka beef curry, and Matsusaka beef rice bowls, as well as souvenirs like sweets sets and individual Akabuku mochi boxes. The cafe car is divided into upper and lower floor seating; the upper floor offers expansive views from the windows, while the lower floor provides a more relaxed atmosphere.

Points to Note When Riding the "Shimakaze"

Since all seats on the "Shimakaze" are reserved, if you have decided on your travel date, we recommend making your reservation as soon as it opens (10:30 AM, one month prior to your travel date). There are days when the train does not operate depending on the section (Tuesdays for departures and arrivals from Osaka Namba, Wednesdays for departures and arrivals from Kyoto, and Thursdays for departures and arrivals from Kintetsu Nagoya), so please check the operating calendar in advance. Also, since Kashikojima Station is the starting point for sightseeing in Shima, it will be helpful to plan your schedule in conjunction with the times for sightseeing boats and hotel transfers after disembarking.

If you wish to use a Japanese-style or Western-style private room, you must be accompanied by 3-4 people, and there are restrictions on the section of travel you can take. If you have large suitcases, it is recommended to check which cars (Car 1 or Car 6) have lockers.

Summary

The "Shimakaze" is a Kintetsu sightseeing limited express train connecting Osaka Namba Station, Kyoto Station, and Kintetsu Nagoya Station with Kashikojima Station in the Ise-Shima area, operating one round trip per day on each section. Since all seats are reserved, both a basic fare ticket and a limited express ticket (limited express surcharge and "Shimakaze" special car surcharge) are required, and advance seat reservation is essential. Tickets can be purchased through Kintetsu Railway's online reservation and sales service, station limited express ticket counters, and travel agencies. The JAPAN RAIL PASS cannot be used, and even if you have a KINTETSU RAIL PASS, you will need to purchase a limited express ticket separately. Travel with family or a group will be more comfortable if you use the Japanese-style private rooms, Western-style private rooms, or salon seats.

Enjoy your trip to Ise-Shima on the "Shimakaze," which offers excellent facilities including observation cars and cafe cars.

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.