Osaka – Nagoya. Kintetsu Limited Express Hinotori Experience Guide

Stop stations (All 9 Stops)

1. Osaka-Namba(大阪難波)
2. Osaka-Uehommachi(大阪上本町)
3. Tsuruhashi(鶴橋)
4. Yamato-Yagi(大和八木)
5. Tsu(津)
6. Shiroko(白子)
7. Kintetsu-Yokkaichi(近鉄四日市)
8. Kuwana(桑名)
9. Kintetsu-Nagoya(近鉄名古屋)

Fare, Ticket Price & Charges

Premium Seat

–	Osaka-Namba
Osaka-Uehommachi	(180) 520 300	Osaka-Uehommachi
Tsuruhashi	(240) 520 300	(180) 520 300	Tsuruhashi
Yamato-Yagi	(760) 520 300	(680) 520 300	(680) 520 300	Yamato-Yagi
Tsu	(2,040) 1,340 600	(2,040) 1,340 600	(2,040) 1,340 600	(1,530) 1,340 600	Tsu
Shiroko	(2,170) 1,340 600	(2,170) 1,340 600	(2,170) 1,340 600	(1,670) 1,340 600	(360) 520 300	Shiroko
Kintetsu-Yokkaichi	(2,430) 1,640 800	(2,430) 1,640 800	(2,310) 1,640 800	(1,880) 1,340 600	(590) 520 300	(430) 520 300	Kintetsu-Yokkaichi
Kuwana	(2,560) 1,640 800	(2,560) 1,640 800	(2,560) 1,640 800	(2,040) 1,340 600	(830) 920 400	(590) 520 300	(360) 520 300	Kuwana
Kintetsu-Nagoya	(2,860) 1,930 900	(2,860) 1,930 900	(2,860) 1,930 900	(2,430) 1,640 800	(1,210) 920 400	(1,000) 920 400	(760) 520 300	(530) 520 300	Kintetsu-Nagoya

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Regular Seat

–	Osaka-Namba
Osaka-Uehommachi	(180) 520 100	Osaka-Uehommachi
Tsuruhashi	(240) 520 100	(240) 520 100	Tsuruhashi
Yamato-Yagi	(760) 520 100	(680) 520 100	(680) 520 100	Yamato-Yagi
Tsu	(2,040) 1,340 200	(2,040) 1,340 200	(2,040) 1,340 200	(1,530) 1,340 200	Tsu
Shiroko	(2,170) 1,340 200	(2,170) 1,340 200	(2,170) 1,340 200	(1,670) 1,340 200	(360) 520 100	Shiroko
Kintetsu-Yokkaichi	(2,430) 1,640 200	(2,430) 1,640 200	(2,310) 1,640 200	(1,880) 1,340 200	(590) 520 100	(430) 520 100	Kintetsu-Yokkaichi
Kuwana	(2,560) 1,640 200	(2,560) 1,640 200	(2,560) 1,640 200	(2,040) 1,340 200	(830) 920 100	(590) 520 100	(360) 520 100	Kuwana
Kintetsu-Nagoya	(2,860) 1,930 200	(2,860) 1,930 200	(2,860) 1,930 200	(2,430) 1,640 200	(1,210) 920 100	(1,000) 920 100	(760) 520 100	(530) 520 100	Kintetsu-Nagoya

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Timetable

The departure times for each station are generally every hour, but depending on the season or time of day, trains may also depart at 20 or 25 minutes past the hour.

Additionally, the time for the first train varies depending on the season, with departures sometimes starting at 6:00 AM and other times at 7:00 AM. Please be sure to check the latest timetable on the official website before boarding.

Kintetsu Limited Express Hinotori Official Website

Reservation Method

The reservation methods are available through ticket counters, internet reservations.

If you wish to make a reservation online, you will need to register as a free member of Kinki Nippon Railway.

The appeal of this method is the ability to make reservations smoothly without having to wait in line at the ticket counter. It is especially recommended for those who want to secure seats in the Premium Car, which are highly popular and quickly fill up.

HINOTORI Limited Express tickets can be bought at the Limited Express ticket counters, which are clearly marked with a Limited Express ticket sign, at major stations such as Osaka-Namba, Osaka-Uehommachi, Yamato-Yagi, Tsu, and Kintetsu-Nagoya.

Kintetsu Limited Express Hinotori Official Website Reservation Page

Seat Types

Premium Seat

Kintetsu Limited Express Hinotori Premium Seat Area

photo by mitemil

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Regular Seat

Kintetsu Limited Express Hinotori Regular Seat Area

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A brief explanation of the Kintetsu Limited Express Hinotori.

The Kintetsu 80000 series train “Hinotori” began operation on March 14, 2020. It is known as a “premium express” connecting Osaka-Namba and Kintetsu Nagoya.

The name “Hinotori” was chosen to evoke the image of the firebird with its wings spread wide as it flies. The train features a sleek, speed-oriented body design and a deep, glossy metallic red exterior. It was designed as an elegant vehicle, offering spacious interiors and high-quality service.

Interior Map

▼Kintetsu Limited Express Hinotori Official Website Leaflet.
https://www.kintetsu.co.jp/senden/hinotori/imgs/pdf/leaflet.pdf

Introduction to the Interior of the Hinotori

Cafe Spot

6-car formation (Car 1, Car 6) / 8-car formation (Car 1, Car 8)

Kintetsu Limited Express Hinotori cafe spot

photo by mitemil

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Bench Space

6-car formation (Car 2, Car 5) / 8-car formation (Car 2, Car 5, Car 7)

Kintetsu Limited Express Hinotori bench space

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Luggage storage space

6-car formation (Car 4) / 8-car formation (Car 4, Car 6)

Upper luggage storage space on the Kintetsu Limited Express Hinotori

photo by mitemil

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Vending Machine

Car 2

Vending machine on the Kintetsu Limited Express Hinotori

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Locker

6-car formation (Cars 1–3, 5–6) / 8-car formation (Cars 1–3, 7–8)

Locker on the Kintetsu Limited Express Hinotori

photo by mitemil

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Washbasin

6-car formation (Car 1, Car 4, Car 6) / 8-car formation (Car 1, Car 4, Car 6, Car 8)

Washbasin on the Kintetsu Limited Express Hinotori

photo by mitemil

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Restroom / Multi-purpose Restroom

6-car formation (Car 1, Car 4, Car 6) / 8-car formation (Car 1, Car 4, Car 6, Car 8)

Men's restroom on the Kintetsu Limited Express Hinotori

photo by mitemil

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Multi-purpose restroom: 6-car formation (Car 4), 8-car formation (Car 6)

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Latest Information and Operating Status

The operating status of the Kintetsu Limited Express “Hinotori” can be checked on the official website.

▼ Latest operating status of the Kintetsu Limited Express Hinotori

https://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/hinotori/index.html

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the travel time of the Kintetsu Limited Express Hinotori?

The travel time from Osaka-Namba to Kintetsu Nagoya is 2 hours and 9 minutes.

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Is there onboard sales on the Kintetsu Limited Express Hinotori?

There is a vending machine corner between Cars 2 and 3. The vending machines offer light snacks that pair well with coffee, as well as instant onion soup and other items.

The instant soup you purchase can be filled with hot water from a kettle located at the cafe corner.

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Can I board the Kintetsu Limited Express Hinotori without a reservation?

Yes, you can.

The “Limited Express Hinotori” operates daily, and if there are available seats, you can purchase a ticket at the window on the day of travel. However, as it is a very popular train, especially the Premium Seats, it is often difficult to secure a seat without a reservation. It is recommended to make a reservation in advance for peace of mind.

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How can I check the reservation status and availability for the Kintetsu Limited Express Hinotori?

You can check the seat availability on the internet reservation page.

Reservations can only be made if seats are available. On the detailed page for the car you plan to board, the seat status will be displayed in the following order: “◯ Available,” “△ Few seats left,” “□ No seats available.”

Kintetsu Official Website Internet Reservation Page

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Ride Experience (Impressions and Events from Actually Riding the Train).

I boarded the “Hinotori” from Osaka-Namba to Nagoya. For this trip, I selected the Premium Seat for the Nagoya-bound train and a regular seat for the return trip to Osaka-Namba.

Upon entering the Premium Seat area, the red carpet covering the entire floor and the spacious seats created an atmosphere of luxury.

Sitting down, I was amazed by the comfort of the electric reclining seats. They recline deeply, and the seat cushion slides, making it easy to relax. The space around my feet was also wide, which made it comfortable even for long rides.

Due to the relaxing design, many passengers were indeed relaxed, which led to some snoring disputes… (I guess I was just unlucky).

After the meal, I purchased a coffee at the cafe spot. With little shaking and the quiet interior, drinking coffee while enjoying the view was an exceptional experience.

On the return trip in the regular seat, the reclining angle was shallower compared to the Premium Seat car.

That said, the seating wasn’t uncomfortable, and the regular seat was still very comfortable. There was also one wide seat reserved for wheelchair users in the regular seat area.

As expected, since all seats are of the back-shell type, there’s no need to worry about disturbing the passengers behind, which was really great.

Before I knew it, I had arrived in Nagoya. While it takes longer than the Shinkansen, I felt that the charm of the Hinotori is in the relaxed travel time it offers.

Advantages and Disadvantages