"Spacia Kinugawa" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the JR-Tobu connecting limited express train "Spacia Kinugawa," which operates directly between JR Shinjuku Station and Tobu Kinugawa Onsen Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, how to buy tickets, whether tickets need to be issued, and IC card compatibility. This connecting limited express train, operated using Tobu Railway's 100 series "Spacia" trains, summarizes key points to check before your trip. A physical ticket is required for boarding.
*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 "Spacia Kinugawa" is a limited express train that runs directly from JR Shinjuku Station to Kinugawa Onsen Station, via the JR Saikyo Line, Shonan Shinjuku Line, and Tohoku Main Line (Utsunomiya Line), and then connecting to the Tobu Nikko Line and Kinugawa Line at Kurihashi Station. The train uses Tobu Railway's 100 series "Spacia" trains and, like the "Spacia Nikko," has been operating as a JR-Tobu connecting limited express train departing from and arriving at Shinjuku and Ikebukuro stations since 2006. All seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required to board. Previously, there were many more trains running in conjunction with the "Nikko" and "Kinugawa" limited express trains, but the number of trains was reduced in the March 2023 timetable revision.
Item Content Train Name "Spacia Kinugawa" 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 Kinugawa Line) Main Starting and Ending Stations Shinjuku Station (some trains also serve Ikebukuro Station) / Kinugawa Onsen Station Number of Trains 1 regular round trip (mainly on weekends and holidays) Estimated Travel Time Shinjuku to Kinugawa Onsen: Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes Seating All seats reserved 
Table of Contents
- What is "Spacia Kinugawa"?
- Timetable for "Spacia Kinugawa"
- Operating Sections of "Spacia Kinugawa"
- Stations Where "Spacia Kinugawa" Stops
- Fares for "Spacia Kinugawa"
- How to Buy Tickets for "Spacia Kinugawa"
- Is a Physical Ticket Required?
- Can I Use IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payment?
- Seating Information for "Spacia Kinugawa"
- Ekiben and In-train Dining on the "Spacia Kinugawa"
- Points to Note When Riding the "Spacia Kinugawa"
- Summary
What is "Spacia Kinugawa"?
The "Spacia Kinugawa," like the "Spacia Nikko," is a JR-Tobu connecting limited express train jointly operated by JR East and Tobu Railway since 2006. It is designed to provide a route to Kinugawa Onsen without transfers from sub-centers such as Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Omiya, as well as Saitama Prefecture. The train uses Tobu Railway's 100 series "Spacia" trains and passes through a crossover track connecting the JR Utsunomiya Line (Shonan Shinjuku Line) and the Tobu Nikko Line at Kurihashi Station.
Train Features and Highlights
The appeal of the "Spacia Kinugawa" lies in its convenience, allowing direct access to Kinugawa Onsen from sub-centers such as Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Omiya, as well as Saitama Prefecture, without transfers. While there is a stop at Kurihashi Station for crew changes, passengers cannot board or alight there. The 100 series "Spacia" has been Tobu Railway's flagship limited express train since 1990, characterized by its traditional running performance and comfortable seating. Because it follows a different route than the "Spacia X" and "Kinu" limited express trains that depart from and arrive at Asakusa and Kita-Senju, it has a strong advantage in providing access from sub-centers.
Timetable for "Spacia Kinugawa"
*The "Spacia Kinugawa" train mainly operates on weekends and holidays, and its service was reduced in the March 2023 timetable revision.
Downbound (Towards Kinugawa Onsen) Timetable
| Stations Where the Train Stops | "Spacia Kinugawa" (Example) |
|---|---|
| Shinjuku Dep. | Morning |
| Ikebukuro Dep. | ― |
| Omiya Dep. | ― |
| Kurihashi Arr. (Operational Stop) | ― |
| Shimo-Imaichi Arr. | ― |
| Kinugawa Onsen Arr. | Approx. 2h 10m later |
Upbound (Towards Shinjuku) Timetable
| Stations Where the Train Stops | "Spacia Kinugawa" (Example) |
|---|---|
| Kinugawa Onsen Dep. | Afternoon |
| Shimo-Imaichi Dep. | ― |
| Kurihashi Arr. (Operational Stop) | ― |
| Omiya Dep. | ― |
| Shinjuku Arr. | Approx. 2h 10m later |
*This is a representative example.
The "Spacia Kinugawa" operates on the same service pattern as the "Spacia Nikko," with one round trip scheduled per day as a regular service. During high season such as weekends, additional related extra trains may be operated. 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 there.
Important Notes on Operating Days and Service Suspensions
The "Spacia Kinugawa" service was reduced in the March 2023 timetable revision and currently operates mainly on weekends and holidays. 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 "Spacia Kinugawa"
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/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 Where "Spacia Kinugawa" Stops
Main Stops
- Shinjuku Station
- Ikebukuro Station (some trains)
- Omiya Station
- Kurihashi Station (operational stop; passengers cannot board or alight)
- Shimo-Imaichi Station
- Kinugawa Onsen Station
*Stopping stations vary depending on the train.
Fares for "Spacia Kinugawa"
Fares for Representative Sections
| Section | Total Fare (Adult, Estimated) | Basic Fare | Limited Express Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku Station to Kinugawa Onsen Station | 4,140 yen | 2,040 yen | 2,100 yen |
*Because this is a connecting service that spans both JR and Tobu lines, the fares will be the sum of the basic fare and limited express surcharge for the JR section and the Tobu section, respectively.
Breakdown of Basic Fare and Limited Express Surcharge
The fare for "Spacia Kinugawa" 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). Compared to limited express trains that run only on JR lines or only on Tobu lines, the fare tends to be slightly higher because it is a connecting limited express train. Within the connecting service section of the JR and Tobu lines, it may be possible to purchase a single through ticket, but depending on the section and the point of purchase, tickets may be issued separately.
Special Discount (Early Bird Discount) Availability
Eki-net's "Limited Express Tokudane 1" may offer discounts on ordinary car reserved seats for the "Spacia Nikko" and "Kinugawa" limited express trains. Since there are limitations on the number of trains and seats available, early booking is recommended.
How to Buy Tickets for "Spacia Kinugawa"
Eki-net (Online Reservation)
Tickets for the "Spacia Kinugawa" limited express train are sold through JR East's reservation system "MARS," so they can also be purchased through "Eki-net." However, ticketless boarding using IC cards is not supported, and you will need to pick up a physical ticket.
JR East and Tobu Railway Ticket Offices
You can purchase limited express tickets at the Midori-no-madoguchi and reserved seat ticket vending machines at major JR East stations, as well as at the ticket offices at major Tobu Railway stations. They can also be purchased at the Midori-no-madoguchi at some major JR Central and JR West stations.
Travel Agencies
You can also purchase tickets at travel agencies equipped with JR's MARS terminals. However, in areas outside the scope of connecting service, it may be necessary to purchase separate tickets for the JR section and the Tobu Line section.
How to Buy for International Tourists
The "Spacia Kinugawa" is a connecting limited express train operated by JR East and Tobu Railway. Therefore, the JAPAN RAIL 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. The basic fare and limited express surcharge for this section must be purchased separately.
Is a Physical Ticket Required?
Tickets for the "Spacia Kinugawa" limited express train are not compatible with ticketless boarding using IC cards; a physical 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 reserved seat ticket vending machine before boarding.
Can I Use IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payment?
When riding the "Spacia Kinugawa," 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 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 physical 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 an IC card. You will need to prepare a physical ticket in advance.
Seating Information for "Spacia Kinugawa"
Seat Types (All Seats Reserved)
The "Spacia Kinugawa" is operated using Tobu Railway's 100 series "Spacia" trains, and all seats are reserved. There are no non-reserved seats.
| Seat Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Ordinary Car Reserved Seat | Standard 2+2 seating with reclining function. |
| Private Compartment | Private compartments are available in car number 6 (availability varies depending on the train set). |
| Non-reserved Seat | None (All seats reserved) |
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. The ability to travel seamlessly between JR and Tobu sections on the same train is a unique appeal of this train. As it is a different train from the state-of-the-art "Spacia X" that debuted in 2023, it is also recommended for those who want to experience the traditional Spacia atmosphere.
Large Luggage Storage Area
There is space provided within the train for storing large luggage.
Barrier-Free Facilities
Some 100 series "Spacia" trains have wheelchair-accessible seating. If you wish to use this service, it is recommended that you consult with Tobu Railway or your point of purchase in advance.
Ekiben and In-train Dining on the "Spacia Kinugawa"
While the "Spacia Kinugawa" train previously offered a buffet and onboard 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 "Spacia Kinugawa"
Since all seats on the "Spacia Kinugawa" are reserved, it is recommended to make a reservation early if you have decided on your travel dates. As the number of trains is limited, please check the operating dates and times carefully in advance. Also, please note that the start date of sales and purchase methods may differ depending on whether you purchase your limited express ticket at a JR line station or a Tobu line station.
Please note that while the train will make a stop at Kurihashi Station for a crew change, passengers will not be able to board or alight there. Also, since travel on sections spanning both JR and Tobu lines cannot be done using only IC cards, please prepare a physical ticket in advance.
Summary
The "Spacia Kinugawa" is a JR-Tobu connecting limited express train that runs directly between JR Shinjuku Station and Tobu Kinugawa Onsen Station. Its appeal lies in its convenience, allowing passengers to access Kinugawa Onsen from Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Omiya without changing trains. All seats are reserved, so both a basic fare and a limited express surcharge are required, and the fares for the JR and Tobu lines are added together. The JAPAN RAIL PASS can be used on the JR line section, but not on the Tobu line section. Since its launch in 2006, it has been a popular and unique connecting limited express train linking the Tokyo metropolitan area and Saitama Prefecture with Kinugawa Onsen.
Enjoy the "Spacia Kinugawa," which provides direct access to Kinugawa Onsen from the Tokyo metropolitan area and Saitama Prefecture without any transfers.
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