The Kinokuni Line is operated by JR West between Wakayama Station and Shingu Station, both of which are in Wakayama Prefecture.
The Kuroshio Limited Express is a JR West service for stations in Wakayama Prefecture and on the Kii Peninsula. Most Kuroshio services are boarded at Osaka or Shin-Osaka, so Kyoto passengers usually make a JR connection there first. From Osaka Station the Kuroshio uses the Umekita underground platforms before continuing via Tennoji toward Wakayama, Shirahama, and Shingu. On Kyoto Station signage this route is referred to as the Kinokuni Line, though the train doesn’t actually join the Kinokuni Line proper until it reaches Wakayama Station. The Kuroshio is a JR limited express within the normal Japan Rail Pass validity area, though passengers should follow the seat class and reservation rules for their pass.
Panda-themed Kuroshio Limited Express
Key Destinations
The Kinokuni Line follows the coastline of the Kii Peninsula. Beyond Wakayama Station the route is very beautiful as the train runs between the mountains and the sea. Seats on the right side of the train are recommended for the best views of the ocean.
Fares and travel times vary by departure, transfer point, and seat type. Use the JR West Timetable & Route Finder for the latest fare and schedule before travel.
Wakayama Station
Wakayama city’s biggest tourist attraction is Wakayama Castle. First built in the 16th century, the current castle is mostly a 1950’s reconstruction as the bulk of it was destroyed in the last world war. The Kuroshio Market in Wakayama Marina City is another popular attraction. Here you can buy fresh seafood, watch a whole tuna being filleted, or eat in one of many seafood restaurants.
Kii-Tanabe Station
Tanabe city is a key spot on the ancient pilgrimage route called the Kumano Kodo. Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine is in this city, and it is one of the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano as well as being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition the city has many hot spring baths, some of them in the open air by the Kumano river. Kii-Tanabe Station is also just five minutes walk from Ogigahama Beach, a popular recreation spot.
Shirahama Station
Shirahama is primarily a hot spring resort town. Many hot spring baths are located in the open air overlooking the sea. Shirahama is also famous for Shirarahama Beach, a broad white-sand beach facing the bay.
Shingu Station
Shingu’s main tourist attraction is Kumano Hayatama Taisha, one of the Kumano Sanzan, the three grand shrines of Kumano. Nearby Kamikura-jinja stands at the base of the sacred Gotobiki-iwa rock, halfway up Gongen Mountain, with a dramatic view over the city. Shingu is also regarded as the birthplace of Aikido, so many Aikido practitioners come to pay their respects at the Aikido Kumano Juku Dojo.
Direct Kuroshio services from Kyoto are limited
Timetable
Direct Kuroshio departures from Kyoto are limited. In the June 2026 timetable, JR West’s route finder showed the Kuroshio Limited Express #23 departing Kyoto at 17:47 and arriving at Shirahama at 20:55. For Shingu, and for most other Kuroshio departures, search from Kyoto to your destination and expect to connect at Osaka or Shin-Osaka. Timetables change, so confirm the service on the JR West Timetable & Route Finder before travel.
Kyoto Station Platforms 6 and 7
Article by Michael Lambe. Photos by (1) CarrieQ Studio/PIXTA and Michael Lambe. All rights reserved. Last updated 17-Jun-2026.
