The Kintetsu Sightseeing Limited Express"SHIMAKAZE " is a limited express train that can take you to Ise Shima from Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya without changing trains. Let us introduce you to the comfortable Kintetsu The Sightseeing Limited Express"SHIMAKAZE"!
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Kintetsu Railway connects Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, and Aichi, linking a wide range of destinations where travelers can experience Japan’s rich history, beautiful natural landscapes, and distinctive food culture. This content features highlights along the Kintetsu lines, including must‑see sightseeing spots, recommended restaurants and hotels, as well as useful tips to make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable. The cover photo shows Ago Bay in Mie Prefecture. Known as the birthplace of cultured pearls, the bay is famous for its calm waters and scenic islands, and a leisurely cruise is a wonderful way to take in its tranquil beauty.
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Table of Contents
- Kintetsu Sightseeing Limited Express"SHIMAKAZE"
- SHIMAKAZE's Seats: Premium & Salon Seats
- Delicious Dishes on the Cafe Car
- Large Luggage Lockers Available Without Reservation! Comfortable Facilities
- How to make a reservation
Kintetsu Sightseeing Limited Express"SHIMAKAZE"
Kintetsu's sightseeing train "SHIMAKAZE" is The Sightseeing Limited Express that directly connects Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya to Ise-Shima. It boasts luxurious and comfortable premium seats with genuine leather and electric reclining. It also has private rooms, observation cars, and cafe cars, and has attendants on board to provide on-board service. If you are heading to Ise-Shima, this is a train you should ride at least once.
SHIMAKAZE's Seats: Premium & Salon Seats
SHIMAKAZE offers premium seats, salon seats, and private rooms (Western and Japanese style). Wi-Fi is also available on board, and there are many features designed to make your travel time comfortable. We will introduce each type of seat.
SHIMAKAZE Premium Seat
The "Premium Seats" have the most seats and are arranged in three rows, with a spacious design with 125cm of seat spacing between each seat. The soft seats are made of genuine leather and come equipped with an electric reclining function. Cars 1 and 6 at the front of the train are high-decker cars with raised floors, allowing passengers to enjoy a more impressive view.
SHIMAKAZE Salon Seat
The semi-compartment type has three salon seats equipped with large tables perfect for group or family trips. There is a partition on the aisle side, giving a sense of privacy.
SHIMAKAZE Private room (for 3-4 people)"
There is one Western-style and one Japanese-style private room. The Western-style room is equipped with an L-shaped sofa and a table, so you can relax. The Japanese-style room is a space where you can take off your shoes and relax.
Delicious Dishes on the Cafe Car
In the cafe car, you can enjoy a variety of dishes such as seafood pilaf, Matsusaka beef curry, and desserts. Enjoy your meal while taking in the scenery.
Large Luggage Lockers Available Without Reservation! Comfortable Facilities
The SHIMAKAZE has several free lockers where you can safely store large luggage. While you must make a reservation in advance on the Shinkansen, you can use the luggage space on the SHIMAKAZE without making a reservation.
Another great feature is that if you connect to the free Wi-Fi on board, you can enjoy unlimited magazine reading services. You can read magazines such as weekly magazines and travel guides, as well as business books, for free.
How to make a reservation
To use the Kintetsu Limited Express "SHIMAKAZE", you will need a "limited express ticket" in addition to a "board ticket" (paper tickets and IC cards such as ICOCA are acceptable). All seats are reserved, so you will specify your seat when purchasing the limited express ticket in advance. If you are using the "Kintetsu Rail Pass", which is available at a discount to foreign visitors to Japan, you will only need to purchase the "limited express ticket" to board the train.
"SHIMAKAZE" limited express tickets can be purchased at major Kintetsu stations, and can also be reserved and purchased through Kintetsu's limited express ticket web reservation service. (Limited express tickets can be purchased from 10:30 a.m. one month before the date of boarding.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to reserve a seat on the SHIMAKAZE on the day of departure?
Yes. You can purchase tickets on the day of travel via the internet, at station ticket counters, and at station vending machines. The "SHIMAKAZE" is a very popular train with limited service, only one round trip per day from Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya to the Ise Shima area. If you wish to ride it, we recommend making a reservation as early as possible, starting from the release date (one month before the travel date).
When are the SHIMAKAZE's service suspended?
The basic days when the service is suspended are Tuesdays for departures and arrivals in Osaka, Wednesdays for departures and arrivals in Kyoto, and Thursdays for departures and arrivals in Nagoya. Please note that suspension days may change during peak tourist seasons or on public holidays, so please check online or at station ticket counters for the latest information.
Are there any spots on the SHIMAKAZE where you can see the sea from the train window?
Because the distance traveled along the coast is short, you don't actually see much of the sea. You can see a bit of Toba Bay before and after Toba Station, and you can also catch a glimpse of the ocean just before arriving at Kashikojima Station.
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