The Chizukyuko Line is a semi-public railway line run by Chizu Express between Kamigori Station in Hyogo Prefecture and Chizu Station in Tottori Prefecture.
The Super Hakuto Limited Express is a jointly operated JR West and Chizu Express service linking the Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe area with Tottori Station and Kurayoshi Station in Tottori Prefecture via the Chizukyuko Line. Kyoto has limited direct Super Hakuto departures. Some journeys from Kyoto require taking a JR train or Shinkansen connection to Osaka, Shin-Osaka, Himeji or another transfer station before boarding the Super Hakuto, so check the JR West Timetable & Route Finder for the date and time you plan to travel.
Super Hakuto route map
On Kyoto Station signage this route is referred to as the Chizukyuko Line although the train also follows JR rail lines before and after the Chizukyuko Line proper. Because the Super Hakuto is jointly run by JR West and Chizu Express, it is not fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass. The pass covers eligible JR sections, but not the Chizu Express section between Kamigori and Chizu.
The Super Hakuto is an all-reserved-seat train. Japan Rail Pass holders riding over the Chizu Express section need to pay the Chizu Express fare and limited express charge for that section. For the Kamigori-Chizu section, the current additional cost is:
- Ordinary reserved seat: 2,150 yen
- Green Car seat: 2,680 yen
There are no non-reserved seats on the Super Hakuto. When boarding at Kyoto Station, check the departure boards and ticket gate displays for the current platform and final destination.
The Super Hakuto Limited Express #3 bound for Kurayoshi Station
Key Destinations
You are most likely to take the Super Hakuto to travel to Tottori Prefecture, as it is the fastest rail route there from stations in Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe when the connection pattern works for your departure time. Direct morning services from Kyoto take about 3 hours to Tottori and about 3 hours and 40 minutes to Kurayoshi. Later Kyoto-origin itineraries may require a transfer before joining the Super Hakuto, and journey times vary by train number and connection.
The route includes the following principal stations, though not every Kyoto-origin itinerary will use a single through train:
Kyoto – Shin-Osaka – Osaka – Sannomiya – Akashi – Himeji – Kamigori – Sayo – Ohara – Chizu – Koge – Tottori – Kurayoshi
Of these you are most likely to visit the following locations.
Tottori Station
Among Tottori city’s many attractions are its castle ruins, the Jinpukaku, a French style mansion, Tottori Hot Spring, and Hakuto Beach. The city is most famous for its ancient sand dunes however, which cover a huge area on the coast and feature camel rides and a sand museum.
- Train Fare: 8,620 yen for an ordinary reserved seat from Kyoto
- Train Time: about 3 hours by direct morning service
Kurayoshi Station
Kurayoshi city is known for the traditional buildings of the Shirakabe Dozogun area. These kura, or warehouses, date from the Edo and Meiji periods, and are famous for their white plaster walls with burnt black cedar paneling and red tiled roofs. Many of these buildings have been renovated and converted into craft shops, galleries and cafes.
- Train Fare: 9,610 yen for an ordinary reserved seat from Kyoto
- Train Time: about 3 hours and 40 minutes by direct morning service
Exploring Tottori Prefecture
Both Tottori and Kurayoshi stations are good jumping off points for exploring the rest of Tottori Prefecture. Here are some other destinations you might like to visit.
Mount Daisen is a popular hiking destination 30 minutes’ drive from Yonago city. From either Tottori Station or Kurayoshi Station you can take the Sanin Line to Yonago Station, and from there take a bus or taxi. Check the Daisen Guide site for access details.
Sakaiminato is the hometown of famed manga artist Shigeru Mizuki. The town has both a Shigeru Mizuki Museum and Mizuki Shigeru Road, which features 178 yokai bronze statues of his most famous characters. Take the Sanin Line to Yonago Station and then transfer to the Sakai Line for Sakaiminato Station.
Misasa Onsen is famous for the therapeutic benefits of its mineral-rich hot spring baths. From JR Kurayoshi Station, take a local bus toward Misasa Onsen; the ride is about 20 minutes. Check the Hinomaru Bus timetable and fare before traveling.
Be sure to check your final destination before boarding the train.
Timetable
Do not rely on old printed departure tables for this route. Super Hakuto service patterns changed with the 16-Mar-2024 timetable revision, and direct Kyoto departures are limited. For current train times, transfer points, fares and platform information, use the JR West Timetable & Route Finder and confirm the final destination on station signs before boarding. As all Super Hakuto services are reserved-seat trains, plan to reserve your seat rather than looking for a non-reserved car.
Platforms 6 and 7 at Kyoto Station
Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved. Last updated 18-Jun-2026.
