The WEST EXPRESS Ginga is JR West’s long-distance sightseeing train, designed for travelers who want the journey itself to feel like part of the trip. For summer 2026, the Kinan route runs between Kyoto and Shingu, giving passengers a chance to enjoy Wakayama’s seaside scenery, local foods, regional culture, and special station experiences along the way.

For the Kinan route, the southbound train toward Shingu runs overnight, departing Kyoto at 9:13 PM and arriving at Shingu at 9:35 AM the next morning. The northbound return service departs Shingu at 2 PM and reaches Kyoto at 8:53 PM, making it a daytime ride packed with local flavors and coastal views.

One of the biggest highlights of the overnight train is the stop at Wakayama Station, where passengers can enjoy special Ginga-exclusive meals during the late-night stop from 11:42 PM to 12:30 AM.

The “Ginga Special Wakayama Meat Soba” is described as a lesser-known local soul food, made with a sharp soy sauce-based soup and topped with pork belly. It is available by advance reservation through tabiwa by WESTER for 1,100 yen.

There is also a “Ginga Special Wakayama Ramen Premium Set,” which pairs Wakayama ramen with one piece each of saba sushi and a boiled egg, a combination loved by locals. The set costs 1,500 yen and also requires advance reservation.

After sleeping your way down the Kii Peninsula, the morning stop at Kushimoto Station comes with another local treat: a tuna cutlet burger set served with Wakayama mandarin orange juice. The burger set costs 1,750 yen and must be reserved in advance through tabiwa by WESTER by 6 PM three days before use.

The burger is based on a specialty from Shionomisaki Tourist Tower and comes with salad and fries, while the drink is the Ginga-original straight mandarin orange juice “Kiwami,” a favorite from the Ginga Kumano Marche.

At Kushimoto Station, passengers can also hop on the special Magutoru-go sightseeing bus to visit Hashigui-iwa, one of the Kinan route’s most photogenic coastal spots. The rock formation stretches for about 850 meters and is designated a national natural monument.

The bus runs between Kushimoto Station and Michi-no-Eki Kushimoto Hashigui-iwa, taking about 5 minutes each way. Fares are 500 yen one way or 1,000 yen for a two-day pass, though capacity is limited, so passengers should allow enough time to return to the train.

The daytime train from Shingu to Kyoto adds even more local flavor to the journey. At Kushimoto Station, passengers can browse local specialties such as Usukawa Manju and space-themed goods, a nod to the area’s growing rocket-related identity.

At Susami Station, Ginga’s original blend coffee will be available, giving passengers a relaxed pick-me-up while riding along the coast.

At Kainan Station, the focus shifts to hamo, or conger pike, a local specialty of Kainan City. Options include hamo bozushi for 920 yen, hamo kokera-zushi for 800 yen, and hayanare-zushi for 850 yen, each available by advance reservation through tabiwa by WESTER.

The hospitality continues onboard with experiences that introduce travelers to Wakayama’s scenery, history, and culture. These include a tour desk for Kinan travel tips, rocket-themed commentary, explanations of Kumano history using illustrated storytelling, and geopark guide sessions about the region’s natural landscape.

Passengers can also look out for the 2026 edition of “Umieru Map,” an original guide created by Wakayama University students to help travelers spot ocean-view highlights from the train window. Student-produced onboard announcements are scheduled on all services.

Once the train reaches Shingu, travelers can take advantage of several local experiences. One easy option is a guided walk to Kumano Hayatama Taisha, one of the Kumano Sanzan shrines, departing from Shingu Station at 10 AM on most operating days except July 4. Participation costs 500 yen and no advance application is required.

Passengers can also show their Ginga Passport or train ticket for a discounted E-bike rental in Shingu, reducing the usual 3-hour fee from 1,500 yen to 500 yen. There is also a same-day luggage delivery service from Shingu City Tourist Association to eligible accommodations for 2,500 yen per item, available from 9 AM to noon.

Tickets for the WEST EXPRESS Ginga Kinan route are sold from 10 AM one month before each travel date through JR West’s e5489 reservation service, and Midori no Madoguchi ticket offices. Some seaside seats and accommodation-included plans are also sold in advance through tabiwa Travel. View details at West Japan Railways Company's website.

Because many of the special food items require advance reservation by 6 PM three days before the date of use, travelers should check meal options as soon as their train booking is confirmed.

The WEST EXPRESS Ginga Kinan route is more than a way to get from Kyoto or Osaka to Wakayama. It turns the ride itself into a mini journey through the region, with midnight ramen, morning seaside scenery, local station stops, onboard cultural programs, and easy ways to explore after arrival.

For travelers who love scenic trains, regional food, and slower Japan travel, this is one of the more memorable ways to experience Wakayama in summer 2026!