West Express Ginga Guide and Map

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. The trains depart from Kyoto station.

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:

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