THE HINOTORI Limited Express
A luxurious limited express train service linking the urban centers of Osaka and Nagoya – offering an efficient and economical alternative to the shinkansen
Rail travel for the traveller in Japan is typically a pleasurable experience, particularly if you can avoid the busy, congested commuter trains. Japanese trains are known for their pinpoint punctuality and extreme cleanliness and, given the country’s population density and sophisticated infrastructure, there’s no end of options to get from point A to point B. The railway companies are constantly upgrading their services and releasing new trains and routes with facilities offering ever more comfort and convenience. A veritable paradise for lovers of train travel!
Kintetsu’s sleek HINOTORI
Kintetsu Railway runs a luxurious limited express service between Osaka-Namba Station and Kintetsu-Nagoya Station, a journey that takes around 2 hours with over 15 daily departures. If you’re not pushed for time, you can travel between these two urban centers at a more competitively priced alternative to the shinkansen. The HINOTORI (which means “phoenix” in Japanese) is designed in shades of red with the phoenix symbol and stops at six stations (maximum) on the journey: Osaka-Namba, Osaka-Uehommachi, Tsuruhashi, Yamato-Yagi, Tsu and Kintetsu-Nagoya. (If you want to get off the train mid-way and explore the Nara region, you can alight at Yamato-Yagi, though double-check your particular service stops there.)
Services and facilities
The train is built with comfort and privacy in mind, with a lot of room between the seats. Large glass windows create light-filled carriages and the ability to sit back and enjoy the world passing by – tiny farming hamlets, lush forests, built-up cityscapes and residential areas, and mountains forever in the distance. Free WIFI is available throughout the train, along with power outlets in all seats. The premium carriage has seats with electric reclining chairs, with leg and arm-rests and an adjustable head-rest, all neatly designed within a sleek shell. Premium class offers three single seats (two plus one) per row. Standard seats feature reclining chairs as well and are configured four seats per row, for a slightly lower price.
The train is equipped with individual lockers (usage is free) to store suitcases and other luggage. And just to make sure you don’t miss your stop, there’s a liquid crystal display unit at the front of each carriage with multilingual information about upcoming stops.
The HINOTORI has wide windows to enjoy the passing view, and vending machines supplying freshly-brewed coffee and other hot and cold drinks as well as snacks. The train also has a separate smoking room.
Hygiene
As with all Kintetsu trains, rigorous antiviral and antibacterial processes are implemented throughout the train, with seats, straps, handrails, grip bars and restroom areas regularly cleaned and disinfected. The trains also use ventilation systems to clean the air in the carriages.
Reservations
If you’re interested in checking schedules or purchasing tickets to the HINOTORI, take a look at Kintetsu’s English-language website.
Destination gateways
The HINOTORI shuttles between the big urban centers of Osaka and Nagoya on an hourly basis. Though slightly smaller than Tokyo, both cities have the same vibrant big-city edge and a whole host of cultural attractions and experiences to enjoy. Both cities are also jumping-off points to sites further afield: the former imperial capitals of Kyoto and Nara, feudal castles and samurai strongholds, rustic high-mountain villages, and sacred Buddhist retreats and pilgrimage routes.
Osaka
In Osaka, head to Osaka-Namba Station to board the HINOTORI. The station is located in the busy heart of Osaka, right in the middle of the vibrant street life and flashy neon signs that typically symbolise the city. It's here that you’ll find Dotombori with its canals, restaurants and street-food, as well as the famous Glico running man sign. Head across Dotombori’s main canal into Amerika-Mura for more cafes and bars and a hip retro-clothing scene or along covered shopping arcades to Shinsaibashi. Alternatively, head south and explore Kuromon Ichiba, a fresh food market and place to pick up Japanese bowls and kitchen equipment.
Nagoya
On the Nagoya side, the station of Kintetsu-Nagoya in the city center is where the HINOTORI departs. Nagoya is a manufacturing powerhouse, most famous for being the headquarters of Toyota. The main commercial area is located between Sakura-dori and Nishiki-dori streets, just east of the station complex. If you have time, you might like to explore the vibrant Osu district near Atsuta-jingu Shrine, which remains one of Japan’s oldest and most sacred shrines, despite its modern-day reconstruction. For those interested in Japanese art, consider a visit to the Tokugawa Art Museum to peruse the beautiful treasures once owned by the powerful Tokugawa shoguns. And keep an eye out for Nagoya Castle in the distance as you tour the city, an authentic 1959 replica of the original 17th century fortress.
Access Information
Osaka: Osaka-Namba Station
Nagoya: Kintetsu-Nagoya Station
Louise Fraser
Louise Fraser is a freelance writer based in Kyoto. From Australia originally, Louise loves exploring the Kansai area, both the quiet backblocks of its countryside with its web of hiking trails and hamlets as well as its fascinating cities layered with over one thousand years of history and contemporary culture.