The West Express Ginga is a semi-luxury overnight train that runs occasionally in western Honshu and down into Wakayama Prefecture.
West Express Ginga in the mountains – image © Rail Man Photo Office
The West Express Ginga is a semi-luxury overnight train that runs occasionally in western Honshu and down into Wakayama Prefecture. Because of its irregular operation and the difficulty of getting tickets, this is one of the harder trains to get tickets for.
West Express Ginga Route Map
This map summarises the different routes taken by the West Express Ginga. You can also find an interactive Google map further down the page.
Visit the West Express Ginga official website for timetables, images of the seats and compartments, information about destinations, and more (in Japanese).
West Express Ginga private compartment – image © Rail Man Photo Office
Schedules
- Kyoto 21:15 → 09:37 Shingu
- Shingu 13:02 → 20:53 Kyoto
This is the schedule for the Nanki (Southern) Route that is in effect from September 1, 2023 to March 3, 2024.
West Express Ginga Google Map
You can zoom into this Google map of the different West Express Ginga train routes, as well as using it to get directions to different points along the route.
Reservations and Tickets
Book yourself at a JR Midori no Madoguchi ticket window up to 1 month in advance.
Sample Fares
The following are fares on the Nanki (Southern Route: Kyoto – Shingu):
- Premium private compartment (Green car private room): ¥15,380
- First class seat (Green car reserved seat): ¥12,330
- Regular car reserved seat: ¥8670
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
