The ultra-premium Shimakaze connects Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya with the Ise Peninsula. The train boast ultra-comfortable premium seats, a dining car, and luxurious private compartments.
Kintetsu Shimakaze en route – image © Rail Man Photo Office
The Kintetsu Shimakaze (“Island Wind”) is a premium express train operated by the private Kintetsu Line in Kansai. It connects the cities of Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya with the Ise Peninsula, which is home to Japan’s most sacred shrine (Ise Jingu) and some spectacular coastal scenery.
The train boast ultra-comfortable premium seats, a dining car, and luxurious private compartments. Given the ease of getting tickets, the comfort on board and the wonderful destination of Ise, this may be our favorite special train in all Japan.
Kintetsu Shimakaze Route Map
This map summarises the different routes taken by the Kintetsu Shimakaze. You can also find an interactive Google map further down the page.
Visit the Kintetsu Shimakaze official website for timetables, images of the seats and compartments, information about destinations, and more.
Kintetsu Shimakaze premium seats – image © Rail Man Photo Office
Schedules
- There’s one train daily in each direction on the three Shimakaze routes (Kyoto-Iseshima/Kashikojima; Osaka Namba-Iseshima/Kashikojima; Kintetsu Nagoya – Iseshima/Kashikojima).
- Scroll down the following page on the official Kintetsu Shimakaze website for exact times and stops en route.
Kintetsu Shimakaze Google Map
You can zoom into this Google map of the different Kintetsu Shimakaze train routes, as well as using it to get directions to different points along the route.
Reservations and Tickets
First, buy an express fare “e-ticket” online from the official Kintetsu Shimakaze website and then buy your fare ticket at any Kintetsu train station in Japan.
Fares
These are the total fares (fare ticket plus express ticket for adults in regular cars):
- Osaka-Kashikojima: ¥5,460
- Kyoto-Kashikojima: ¥6,150
- Nagoya-Kashikojima: ¥5,060
Japan’s Special Trains
Here are the other special luxury, sleeper, cuisine and sightseeing trains:
- Gran Class Shinkansen (JR East)
- Saphir Odoriko (JR East)
- 36+3 (JR Kyushu)
- Aru Ressha (JR Kyushu)
- Fuji Excursion (JR East)
- Kyo Train Garaku (Hankyu Line)
- Resort Shirakami (JR East)
- Shimakaze (Kintetsu Line)
- Shikoku Cuisine Trains (JR Shikoku)
- Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumi (JR Central and West)
- Kurobe Gorge Railway (Kurobekeikoku Tetsudo)
- Sagano Romantic Train (Sagano Scenic)
- Train Suite Shiki-Shima (JR East)
- Twilight Express Mizukaze (JR West)
- West Express Ginga (JR West)
- Seven Stars in Kyushu (JR Kyushu)
- Japan Special Trains home page
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
