"TANGO AKAMATSU" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the "TANGO AKAMATSU", a sightseeing train operated by the Kyoto Tango Railway connecting Nishi-Maizuru Station and Amanohashidate 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. As it serves as an access train to Amanohashidate and the Tango region along the Sea of Japan, 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, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service.
The "TANGO AKAMATSU" is a reservation-only sightseeing train operated by the Kyoto Tango Railway, connecting Nishi-Maizuru Station and Amanohashidate Station. Passengers can enjoy the scenic coastal views, including the Yuragawa Bridge and Nagu Coast. Seating is unreserved and capacity-limited, and in addition to the basic fare, a boarding pass is required to board. There is no assigned seat number; passengers will use any available seat after boarding.

What is the "TANGO AKAMATSU"?

The "TANGO AKAMATSU" is a sightseeing train operated by the Kyoto Tango Railway. The Kyoto Tango Railway is a railway company that operates lines from northern Kyoto Prefecture to northern Hyogo Prefecture. In addition to the "Akamatsu," there are also sister trains called "Aomatsu" and "Kuromatsu." The "Akamatsu" is a train that can be ridden with a boarding pass, while the "Kuromatsu" is a restaurant train that includes meals. The design is by Eiji Mitooka, who has designed many sightseeing trains in Kyushu.

Train Features and Popular Points

The appeal of the "TANGO AKAMATSU" lies in its high-quality interior, allowing passengers to enjoy the Tango coastline. The train's interior is a calm space with abundant use of wood, providing a relaxing atmosphere. Counter seats facing the sea are available, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the scenery outside the window. The train may slow down in sections with particularly good views. Amanohashidate is a sandbar lined with pine trees, considered one of Japan's three most scenic views. Looking at Amanohashidate through your legs from Kasamatsu Park is a classic way to enjoy the scenery. The boathouses of Ine are known for their unique row of houses built facing the sea. Local snacks and local sake may be sold on board. Checking the stations where the train stops and travel time before boarding will make it easier to plan an itinerary that includes stops along the way. The impression of the scenery outside the window changes greatly depending on the season, so it is recommended to choose the time of year according to your purpose. Amanohashidate is a scenic spot that was also depicted in Sesshu's ink painting "Amanohashidate-zu". The coastline of the Tango Peninsula is part of the San'in Kaigan Geopark. In Miyazu Bay, you can also view Amanohashidate from the sea by taking a sightseeing boat.

Timetable for the "TANGO AKAMATSU"

*The "TANGO AKAMATSU" operates only on specific days.

Downbound (towards Amanohashidate Station) Timetable

Upbound (towards Nishi-Maizuru Station) Timetable

The "TANGO AKAMATSU" operates only on limited days (mainly weekends and holidays). Since the schedule may change depending on the season and timetable revisions, it's best to check the latest schedule on the Ekitan website before boarding. There are more trains during the morning and evening rush hours, but the intervals between trains may be longer during the daytime. If you have connecting trains or buses, it's advisable to choose connections that allow ample time before your arrival.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - ekitan

Operating Days and Service Suspension Information

The "TANGO AKAMATSU" operates mainly on weekends and holidays. Operating days are announced in advance, so please be sure to check if you plan to ride it. Operating sections and times are subject to change.

Operating Sections of the "TANGO AKAMATSU"

Main Sections

• Nishi-Maizuru Station to Kurita Station (Miyama Line / Miyatoyo Line)
• Kurita Station to Miyazu Station (Miyatoyo Line)
• Miyazu Station to Amanohashidate Station (Miyatoyo Line)

Amanohashidate Station is the gateway to Amanohashidate, one of Japan's three most scenic views. Amanohashidate is a sandbar lined with pine trees stretching for approximately 3.6 kilometers. Kasamatsu Park can be accessed by cable car or lift. When viewed through your legs, Amanohashidate looks like a bridge to the heavens. Chionji Temple is known as a temple that bestows wisdom. The boathouses of Ine can be accessed by bus from Amanohashidate. Miyazu is a port town that once flourished as a port of call for Kitamae ships. As getting to the surrounding tourist spots mainly involves buses and walking, it is a good idea to check the local transportation options in advance. There are often tourist information centers around the station where you can obtain maps and brochures. For lines with limited service, it is reassuring to check the return train and bus schedules as well. The Yuragawa Bridge is a photogenic spot as an iron bridge that crosses just above the surface of the river. Tango is also known as a production area for Tango Chirimen, a type of silk fabric.

Stations Where the "TANGO AKAMATSU" Stops

Main Stops

• Nishi-Maizuru Station
• Miyazu Station
• Amanohashidate Station

*Stations where the train stops may vary depending on the train.

Fares for the "TANGO AKAMATSU"

Representative Section Fares

Breakdown of Fares

To ride the "TANGO AKAMATSU", you will need a basic fare ticket (fare) to your destination and a boarding pass. Seating is reservation-based and capacity-limited unreserved seating; there is no assigned seat number. As it is not a Limited Express train, Limited Express fares or Limited Express tickets are not required.

Regarding Boarding Passes and Seating

You can reserve your boarding pass online. Seating is not assigned; it's a reservation-based, capacity-limited, unreserved seating system. You'll use any available seat after boarding. If you want to guarantee a seat, please reserve early.

How to Buy Tickets for the "TANGO AKAMATSU"

Advance Reservations and Purchase at Ticket Offices

Boarding passes can be purchased at Kyoto Tango Railway ticket offices or through their official reservation website. When making a reservation, you specify the date of travel, section of travel, train, and number of passengers; you cannot choose your seat location (window, aisle, etc.). You will use any available seat after boarding.

 

 

Same-Day Purchase

If there are seats available, you may be able to purchase a boarding pass on the day of travel. However, since the number of seats is limited, trains may be fully booked during high season. Ticket machines are often multilingual, making them easy to use even if you don't understand Japanese. At the ticket office, simply tell the staff your destination and desired departure time, and they will guide you to the appropriate train. Ticket offices can get crowded during high season, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies offer travel packages that combine accommodation in Amanohashidate with train travel.

How to Purchase for International Visitors

The "TANGO AKAMATSU" is operated by the Kyoto Tango Railway and is therefore not covered by the JAPAN RAIL PASS. A separate basic fare and boarding pass must be purchased to ride it. Some station ticket offices offer information in foreign languages. Special tickets for international tourists may have limited purchase conditions and sales locations, so it's advisable to check before traveling.

Is a Physical Ticket Required?

You must receive your boarding pass before boarding. If you have made a reservation, please pick up your ticket/boarding pass using the specified method by the day of your journey. If you are receiving a paper ticket, it is best to pick it up with plenty of time to spare, rather than right before boarding. Tickets cannot be reissued if lost, so please keep them safe during your journey.

Can IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payments Be Used?

The Kyoto Tango Railway has limited coverage for IC cards. It's best to prepare for cash payments. While IC cards can sometimes be used across regions due to the nationwide interoperability service, the usable area is determined by each railway company, so be sure to check in advance whether your journey is within their service area.

Contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding at ticket gates.

*Please note that you cannot board using only an IC card. A boarding pass must be purchased separately.

Seat Information for the "TANGO AKAMATSU"

Seat Types

The "TANGO AKAMATSU" is a reservation-based, capacity-limited train with unreserved seating. Seat numbers are not assigned; passengers will use any available seat after boarding. Even if you wish to sit next to a companion, seating cannot be guaranteed.

Distinctive Seating

The interior of the train is a calm and relaxing space with plenty of wood used in its design. There are counter seats and sofa seats facing the sea, but seat location cannot be specified in advance. Please use any available seat after boarding, and be considerate of others when it is crowded.

Luggage Storage

Dedicated space for large luggage is limited. Large items will need to be placed in the space at your feet.

Accessibility Features

If you will be using a wheelchair, it is recommended to contact Kyoto Tango Railway in advance. Multipurpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the train car and configuration.

 

 

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

On the "TANGO AKAMATSU", snacks, drinks, and local sake may be sold on board. Tango is known for its local dish, Tango Bara-zushi. Around Amanohashidate, you can enjoy dishes made with seafood from the Sea of Japan. In Ine, there are restaurants where you can savor local fisherman's cuisine. Onboard sales vary depending on the train and time of year, so it's best to prepare drinks and snacks before boarding. Some stations along the route have shops selling local specialties. When eating or drinking on board, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors to ensure a pleasant experience. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on board or at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding the "TANGO AKAMATSU"

The "TANGO AKAMATSU" operates only on limited days. In addition to a basic fare ticket, a boarding pass is required to board. Seating is reservation-based and capacity-limited unreserved seating, and seat numbers are not assigned. The fare system and usage methods differ from the "Aomatsu" and "Kuromatsu" trains, so please check the train name before purchasing.

The availability of in-train sales may vary depending on the train and time of year. Please check the operating status on the day of travel using Ekitan or the railway company's official website before boarding.

Summary

The "TANGO AKAMATSU" is a sightseeing train operated by the Kyoto Tango Railway, connecting Nishi-Maizuru Station and Amanohashidate Station. It operates only on limited days, and a basic fare ticket and a boarding pass are required to ride. Seating is reservation-based and capacity-limited unreserved seating, so you cannot choose your seat.

Enjoy a journey through the Tango region aboard the "TANGO AKAMATSU", which heads towards one of Japan's three most scenic spots.

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 to Japan.
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.