Overview
There are two JR companies that run trains into the Kii-hanto Peninsula, JR West (from Kyoto/Osaka) and JR Central (from Nagoya). They overlap on the section of track between Kii-Katsuura and Shingu.
Many of the train stations in the Kii-hanto peninsula use the prefix “Kii” to distinguish them from other stations in Japan with the same name. For example Tanabe becomes “Kii-Tanabe” and Katsuura becomes “Kii-Katsuura”.
JR West, Kyoto/Osaka
From Osaka take the express Kuroshio
- Tennoji -> Kii-Tanabe (1hr 45min)
- Shin-Osaka -> Kii-Tanabe (2 hrs)
※Some trains terminate at Shirahama, others Kii-Kastuura.
From Kyoto take the express Kuroshio
- Kyoto ->Kii-Tanabe (2 hrs 35min)
Not all trains run to/from Kyoto, but begin/end in Shin-Osaka. There are many trains that run between Shin-Osaka and Kyoto.
Overview on how to use JR West >>
JR Central, Nagoya
From Nagoya take the express JR Wideview Nanki
- Nagoya -> Kii-Katsuura (approx. 4hrs) (stops in Shingu)
To get from the Kii-Katsuura, Shingu area to Ise-jingu shrine, transfer at Taki.
Overview on how to use JR Central >>
Nankai (train between Osaka and Koyasan)
Trains from Osaka (Namba station) to Koyasan are run by the Nankai train company.
The train stops at Gokurakubashi station, connecting to a short cable car ride to Koyasan station.
NOTE: This is not a JR line, so JR passes cannot be used.
Timetable Search Engines
There are some very convenient search engines online that provide routes and times for trains across Japan.
These search engines do not cover busses in the region. For bus timetables please visit the bus page.
NOTE: Trains times sometimes change for various reasons. Please double-check at the train stations as these temporary changes are not registered efficiently on these search engines.
Jorudan
Search for Kii-Tanabe and Kii-Katsuura with or without hyphens.
www.jorudan.co.jp/english
NOTE: Remember the KII at the beginning of the search as there are other stations in Japan with the names Tanabe and Katsuura.
JR West Japan Railway Company
Timetables and Route Finder created by the JR West Japan Railway Company
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/timetable/
NOTE: Remember the KII at the beginning of the search as there are other stations in Japan with the names Tanabe and Katsuura. Please search for Kii-Tanabe and Kii-Katsuura.