A must-see for JR-WEST RAIL PASS holders! A short trip from Kyoto Station!
If you have a JR-WEST RAIL PASS, why not take advantage of the discounts and explore "Another Kyoto "? Why not experience the Kyoto atmosphere that you can't find in Kyoto City in Maizuru, Ayabe, or Fukuchiyama , which can all be reached in under two hours from Kyoto Station?
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This is a voluntary tourism organization that promotes the attractions of the northern Kinki region of Tamba, Tajima, Tango, and Wakasa. The flavors of Northern Kinki are not limited to crab, a representative winter sea delicacy, but also include oysters, yellowtail, and pufferfish, as well as cockles, rock oysters, and white squid in the summer, and mountain flavors such as Tamba chestnuts and Tamba black beans, and the summer fruit sand dune melon, making this an area where you can enjoy gourmet food all year round. I would be happy to be able to visit the vast northern Kinki region many times and share information on railroad journeys.
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Required time
Day trip
Transportation
Train
1
Kyoto Station
We headed straight for Higashi-Maizuru on the Maizuru 1 express train.
Departs at 8:38 and arrives at 10:11 (as of August 2025)
Departs at 8:38 and arrives at 10:11 (as of August 2025)
From Kyoto to Higashi-Maizuru
If you take the limited express "Maizuru" from Kyoto Station to Higashi-Maizuru, you can travel smoothly without changing trains. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. To board the train, you will need a "board ticket" and a "limited express ticket", but if you have a JR-WEST RAIL PASS, you will need to purchase a reserved seat ticket at the automatic ticket machine at the station.
If you have a JR-WEST RAIL PASS, please refer to the video below.
For those with JR WEST RAIL PASS, how to receive express ticket seat reservations
When you arrive at Higashi-Maizuru Station
Once you arrive at Higashi-Maizuru Station, it's about a 15-minute walk to Maizuru Red Brick Park. On the way, you can enjoy a nostalgic stroll through the red brick tunnel on the pedestrian-only road.
2
Maizuru Red Brick Park
For more information on Aka Park, click here
Local train from Higashi-Maizuru to Ayabe, departing at 13:23, arriving at 13:54
7 minutes walk from Ayabe Station
A 7-minute walk from Ayabe Station takes you to Ayabe Gunze Square. In the birthplace of the global textile manufacturer Gunze, you can learn about the history and future of sericulture.
3
Ayabe Gunze Square
Rose festivals are held in spring and autumn!
Ayabe Rose Garden, located within Gunze Square, holds a rose festival in spring and autumn. 1200 roses of 150 varieties, tended by volunteers from the city, bloom in full glory. There is also "Anne's Rose," donated by Otto Frank, father of Anne Frank, author of "The Diary of Anne Frank," which conveys Anne's wish for peace.
Ayabe ⇒ Fukuchiyama: 15 minutes by JR
Take JR train from Ayabe Station to Fukuchiyama. Take local train from Ayabe to Fukuchiyama.
Departure 15:57 ⇒ Arrival 16:09
Departure 15:57 ⇒ Arrival 16:09
4
Fukuchiyama Station
Fukuchiyama Castle is about a 10-minute walk from the station and offers a great view from the castle tower.
After enjoying some Gyokuro tea at Aya Cafe, take the JR train from Ayabe Station to Fukuchiyama. Of course, if you have a pass, it's free. The journey takes about 15 minutes, so it goes by in a flash. Before arriving at Fukuchiyama Station, if you see Fukuchiyama Castle on your right, that's the landmark. When you arrive at Fukuchiyama Station, exit the north exit and head Higashi. After walking for about 10 minutes, Fukuchiyama Castle will come into view.
5
Fukuchiyama Castle Park
Take home some chestnut terrine as a souvenir
6
Adachi Otoemon
Did you enjoy the view of the Yura River and the city from Fukuchiyama Castle? Adachi Otoemon is located right next to the castle. From high-quality terrines made with chestnuts, a specialty of the Tamba area, to terrines made with seasonal chestnuts from around the world, your favorite terrine is perfect as a souvenir.
From Fukuchiyama to Kyoto by direct express train
Don't forget to reserve a seat on the express train from Fukuchiyama Station to Kyoto Station!
Departing Fukuchiyama at 17:49 ⇒ [Kinosaki 20] ⇒ Kyoto at 19:07 Departing Fukuchiyama at 18:54 ⇒ [Hashidate 8] ⇒ Kyoto at 20:21
Departing Fukuchiyama at 17:49 ⇒ [Kinosaki 20] ⇒ Kyoto at 19:07 Departing Fukuchiyama at 18:54 ⇒ [Hashidate 8] ⇒ Kyoto at 20:21
Arrived at Kyoto Station
*The JR timetables listed are based on the timetable as of September 2024. Please check the latest timetable before using the service.
Spots introduced in this itinerary
This is a voluntary tourism organization that promotes the attractions of the northern Kinki region of Tamba, Tajima, Tango, and Wakasa. The flavors of Northern Kinki are not limited to crab, a representative winter sea delicacy, but also include oysters, yellowtail, and pufferfish, as well as cockles, rock oysters, and white squid in the summer, and mountain flavors such as Tamba chestnuts and Tamba black beans, and the summer fruit sand dune melon, making this an area where you can enjoy gourmet food all year round. I would be happy to be able to visit the vast northern Kinki region many times and share information on railroad journeys.
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