A Worry-Free Winter Journey to HOSHINOOTO 🚆❄️
When you long to escape the noise of the city and refresh your mind and body in nature, the Amanohashidate area is the perfect retreat.
Yet in winter, the roads in such scenic places can be challenging — icy surfaces and heavy snow often make driving difficult.
That’s why traveling by train is such a convenient and relaxing choice.
With the train, you don’t need to worry about road conditions, traffic reports, or winter tires. Instead, you can simply sit back, enjoy the view from your window, and even savor local specialties such as station bentos along the way — pleasures unique to rail travel in Japan.
At HOSHINOOTO, we also offer a complimentary shuttle service from Amanohashidate Station (reservation required), making it easy and comfortable to enjoy your journey to Kyoto’s coastal paradise by train.
Getting to Amanohashidate by Train
Traveling from Osaka to Amanohashidate Station is straightforward, with just one transfer. The trip takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
Osaka Station
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Board the Limited Express Kōnotori from Platform 4 at JR Osaka Station (approx. 1 hour 30 min to Fukuchiyama Station).
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A limited-express ticket is required in addition to your regular fare. Because trains run roughly once an hour, it’s best to check the timetable in advance.
Transfer at Fukuchiyama Station
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Get off the Kōnotori and transfer to the Limited Express Hashidate bound for Amanohashidate.
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Conveniently, the Kōnotori arrives at Platform 4, and the Hashidate departs from the opposite Platform 3 — just a quick cross-platform change (about 40 min to Amanohashidate Station).
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If you take a different train such as the Tango Relay or Tango Aomatsu-gō, note that these depart from the Kyoto Tango Railway platform, which requires using the stairs to reach the dedicated track.
Amanohashidate Station
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Exit through the ticket gate, turn left, and continue straight ahead to the parking area where the HOSHINOOTO shuttle will be waiting.
Shuttle Service
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The ride from the station to HOSHINOOTO takes about 30 minutes.
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Shuttle service is free for overnight guests but must be reserved by phone at least three days in advance.
Make the Journey Even More Fun with the Tango Aomatsu-gō Sightseeing Train 💙
When traveling from Osaka, Kyoto, or Kobe, your transfer at Fukuchiyama Station is the perfect opportunity to board the Tango Aomatsu-gō, one of the delightful sightseeing trains operated by Kyoto Tango Railway.
Easily recognized by its striking blue body, the Aomatsu-gō requires no additional fee or reservation — it’s classified as a regular train, so anyone can hop aboard. Inside, you’ll find an elegant café-style interior with counter seats, sofas, and box seats for four, allowing you to enjoy the coastal scenery in comfort.
There’s even an on-board service offering coffee and sweets, including the exclusive Tantetsu Coffee, available only on the sightseeing trains or at cafés along the line.
If you’d like one of the popular counter seats, try to transfer early to secure your spot.
Sightseeing While You Wait — Explore Around Amanohashidate Station 🏞️
If you have time before your shuttle or return train, take advantage of it by exploring the sights near Amanohashidate Station — the area is full of attractions within easy walking distance.
Just a five-minute walk from the station you’ll find Amanohashidate View Land, offering panoramic views of the sandbar, and Chion-ji Temple, dedicated to Monju Bosatsu, the Buddha of Wisdom.
Lockers are available inside the station, so you can store your luggage and enjoy a carefree stroll through this scenic area.
Whether you’re gazing out the train window, sipping coffee on the Aomatsu-gō, or taking in the sea breeze at Amanohashidate, your journey to HOSHINOOTO will be as memorable as your stay itself. 🚆🌊✨
