To Amanohashidate by Kounotori & Tango Relay! Plus the Tango Kuromatsu Train — A Birthday Rail Trip Fully Enjoyed Even in the Rain [With Booking Tips]
Hello, this is mascots! This time, I’m sharing a special rail journey to celebrate my birthday. Our destination: Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s three most scenic views. The weather turned out rainy, but thanks to some wonderful sightseeing trains, it became an unforgettable day. 🚃
From Shin-Osaka to Fukuchiyama on the Limited Express “Kounotori”
Our journey began at Shin-Osaka Station, where we boarded the limited express “Kounotori.”
Connecting Shin-Osaka with Fukuchiyama, this train is an essential gateway to the Kita-Kinki region. Watching the scenery gradually shift from cityscape to lush countryside through the window, our excitement for the trip steadily grew.
What is the Limited Express “Kounotori”? Operated by JR West, it connects Shin-Osaka/Osaka with Fukuchiyama, Toyooka, and Kinosaki Onsen. It’s a key means of access to the Kita-Kinki area.
Changing to the “Tango Relay No. 3” at Fukuchiyama
At Fukuchiyama Station, we transferred to the Kyoto Tango Railway’s “Tango Relay No. 3” to continue toward Amanohashidate.
And what luck — the train we boarded was the popular “Tango no Umi” (Sea of Tango)! Designed by Eiji Mitooka, this beautiful train wears a deep indigo color known as “Tango Blue.” The elegant interior, generously finished with wood, feels almost like a moving drawing room. The slightly gloomy mood from the rain instantly lifted the moment we stepped aboard. ☂️✨
Glancing up, I noticed the mascots all frozen in place, staring at the ceiling. “What’s wrong?” I wondered, following their gaze upward — and there it was: a stunning ceiling design that drew me right in.
The refined decoration highlighting the wood grain, combined with carefully arranged geometric patterns. We usually only look down at our feet or out the window, so it’s easy to miss — but sightseeing trains are crafted with care right up to the ceiling. Thanks to the mascots’ “Look up!” discovery, I was able to appreciate a whole new charm of the train.
What is “Tango no Umi”? A sightseeing train of the Kyoto Tango Railway. Known for its calm indigo exterior and warm, wood-filled interior, it runs as the limited express “Hashidate” and as relay services.
Amanohashidate in the Rain — A Scenic 6-Minute Chairlift Ride
When we arrived at Amanohashidate, the rain was still falling. But giving up isn’t the mascots’ style (laughs).
Umbrellas in hand, we took on the chairlift overlooking Amanohashidate! The roughly 6-minute aerial ride was thrilling even in the rain. Looking down at the pine-covered sandbar and the dreamy, mist-shrouded scenery, the mascots were absolutely thrilled. Experiencing a serene beauty different from a sunny day may well be a privilege unique to rainy weather. 🌧️
💡 Travel Tip: Coin Lockers Are a Lifesaver! Amanohashidate has coin lockers where you can store suitcases. They require ¥100, but it’s the type that returns your coin when you retrieve your bag — so it’s effectively free. Being able to drop off heavy luggage and explore hands-free is wonderful, and we especially appreciated it on a rainy day. 😊
The Highlight! The “Bar” Journey on the Tango Kuromatsu Train
And now, the main goal of this trip — riding the sightseeing train “Tango Kuromatsu“!
We joined the evening “Bar” plan, savoring special dishes served aboard the moving train. The chic, dignified black carriage and the high-quality interior packed with attention to detail made the time feel truly extraordinary.
What impressed me most was how brilliantly the service makes use of the Kyoto Tango Railway’s “one train per hour” schedule. The relaxed timetable typical of a local line is instead elevated into “special time” — a clever approach that left me deeply impressed.
What is the Tango Kuromatsu Train? A restaurant train operated by the Kyoto Tango Railway. Of the three siblings — “Kuromatsu,” “Akamatsu,” and “Aomatsu” — it’s the top-tier, fully reservation-based carriage. Its meal-inclusive plans let you enjoy dishes made with seasonal local ingredients.
The Key to Success: Book Early for Sightseeing Trains
The reason we were able to fully enjoy the meal aboard the Kuromatsu was that we booked a month and a half in advance.
Popular sightseeing trains — especially meal-inclusive plans on weekends — sell out quickly. I was reminded once again that the moment you think “I want to ride this,” the most important thing is to check the reservation status right away.
Meal-inclusive plans are especially competitive
Check operating days and availability early on the official website
Book as soon as your travel dates are set
Summary: A Birthday Rail Trip That Was Wonderful Even in the Rain
Leg
Train
Shin-Osaka → Fukuchiyama
Limited Express “Kounotori”
Fukuchiyama → Amanohashidate
Tango Relay No. 3 “Tango no Umi”
Amanohashidate
Sightseeing (chairlift, coin lockers)
Departing Amanohashidate
Tango Kuromatsu Train “Bar”
It started with unexpected rain, but it became the best birthday trip — full of beautiful sightseeing trains, the dreamy scenery of Amanohashidate, and heartfelt cuisine.
Above all, it became a journey that made me genuinely think, “I want to keep booking and riding sightseeing trains all across Japan.” Which train should we ride next? I can hardly contain my excitement already. 🚃✨
If you’ve been hesitating about traveling on a rainy day, please find the courage to head out. A special memory — different from a sunny day — is surely waiting for you. 😊
