Perfect for Weekend Trips Along the Kintetsu Line! A Weekend Journey with the “Kintetsu Weekend Free Pass”♪
Kintetsu (Kinki Nippon Railway) is Japan’s largest private railway company, connecting the two major cities of Osaka and Nagoya. The Kintetsu rail network stretches an impressive 501.1 km, spanning across two prefectures and three administrative regions: Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, and Aichi. Recently, limited express trains such as “Hinotori,” “Shimakaze,” and “Aoniyoshi” have been introduced, drawing considerable attention from railway enthusiasts.
For trips along the Kintetsu line, the highly recommended ticket is the “Kintetsu Weekend Free Pass.” This fantastic free pass allows unlimited rides on the entire Kintetsu network for three consecutive days—either Friday to Sunday or Saturday to Monday.
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Perfect for Weekend Trips Along the Kintetsu Line! A Weekend Journey with the “Kintetsu Weekend Free Pass”♪
Overview of the "Kintetsu Weekend Free Pass"
The “Kintetsu Weekend Free Pass” is available for 4,400 yen for adults and 2,200 yen for children (as of April 2023; until March 31, the price was 4,200 yen for adults and 2,100 yen for children). It offers unlimited rides on all Kintetsu lines (excluding the Katsuragiyama Ropeway, which has a discount) for either Friday to Sunday or Saturday to Monday.
The pass must be purchased from one month to one day before the start date of travel. You can buy it at major Kintetsu stations or Kinki Nippon Tourist offices nationwide.
A Hidden Station You Can Visit with the “Kintetsu Weekend Free Pass”! Nishi-Aoyama Station (Mie Prefecture)
Trains stop here about once every 30 minutes, but the station itself is unstaffed and there's virtually nothing in front of it. Only a handful of people use this station daily—sometimes as few as several passengers, rarely more than 30. Occasional users include visitors to the nearby horseback riding club (Horseback Riding Club Crain Mie) or hikers heading to Aoyama Highlands.
Originally, Nishi-Aoyama Station was located near the riding club. However, advancements in tunnel excavation technology led to the creation of the Shin-Aoyama Tunnel, and with the new shortcut route, the tracks were rerouted and the station was relocated to its current location.
Thanks to Kintetsu’s vast rail network, such hidden and remote stations can exist.
A Living Piece of History You Can Ride with the “Kintetsu Weekend Free Pass”: The Kintetsu Tawaramoto Line
While looking at the Kintetsu route map, you may notice an unusual line—the Kintetsu Tawaramoto Line. It runs between Shin-Ōji Station and Nishi-Tawaramoto Station, and is disconnected from the rest of the Kintetsu network.
However, if you look at a map, you’ll see that Shin-Ōji Station is within walking distance of both Kintetsu and JR’s Ōji Station, while Nishi-Tawaramoto Station is similarly close to Tawaramoto Station, another Kintetsu station.
This reflects Kintetsu’s history of acquiring various railway companies. The Tawaramoto Line was originally operated by Yamato Railway. As both Shigi-Ikoma Electric Railway (which served Ōji) and Osaka Electric Tramway (which served Tawaramoto) were absorbed into Kintetsu, these lines remained as separate stations, reflecting their original histories.
Though it appears isolated on the route map, the Tawaramoto Line does intersect with the Kintetsu Kashihara Line near Nishi-Tawaramoto Station, allowing for train transfers and vehicle movements.
Train to Ride with the “Kintetsu Weekend Free Pass” No.1: Limited Express “Shimakaze”
This popular limited express connects Osaka-Namba, Kyoto, and Kintetsu Nagoya with Kashikojima. It features premium seats known for their comfortable recline, observation cars offering panoramic views, and Japanese- and Western-style private rooms for groups. Wi-Fi is also available on board.
You can enjoy light meals such as curry made with Matsusaka beef, original-label beer, and buy “Shimakaze” exclusive souvenirs as mementos.
Why not take a trip to Ise-Shima on the “Shimakaze”?
*Additional limited express and “Shimakaze” special charges apply.
Train to Ride with the “Kintetsu Weekend Free Pass” No.2: Limited Express “Aoniyoshi”
The limited express “Aoniyoshi” debuted in 2022 and operates between Kyoto Station and Osaka-Namba Station via Kintetsu Nara Station. The route itself suggests it’s not just for transportation—it’s for enjoying the journey itself.
The elegant interior features luxurious twin and salon seats, providing a relaxing experience.
This train often sells out, so it is strongly recommended to purchase a reserved seat ticket in advance.
*Additional limited express charge required.
Train to Ride with the “Kintetsu Weekend Free Pass” No.3: Limited Express “Blue Symphony”
The limited express “Blue Symphony” runs between Osaka Abenobashi Station and Yoshino Station. It is also known for its difficulty in securing reserved seats.
With its classical exterior and interior, passengers can enjoy gourmet offerings from local restaurants, sake breweries, and wineries while heading to Yoshino, a famous cherry blossom destination.
*Additional limited express charge required.
Uncover the Story of the Kintetsu Line with the “Kintetsu Weekend Free Pass”
Kintetsu grew through the merger of many different railway lines, resulting in unique attractions and trains that are exclusive to its network.
With new services like the limited express “Hinotori,” Kintetsu continues to evolve. Stay tuned for more exciting developments!
