Access Information

Trains

Train lines run along the coast of the Kii Peninsula. One line runs from Osaka on the west coast (JR West), and the other runs from Nagoya on the east coast (JR Central). They overlap between Kii-Katsuura and Shingu on the south east. The JR West express trains are called Kuroshio, after the ocean current that flow off the peninsula. The JR Center express trains are called Nanki Wide View. Trains are an efficient way to access the Iseji route.

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased at the Midori-no-Madoguchi counter at all major stations. An express train is the fastest way to travel to the area. For express trains two tickets are issued, a basic Fare Ticket and a Limited Express Ticket. Keep both tickets for the duration of the trip, as you will need them to exit the station on arrival.

Alternatively, the Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area Pass is an affordable choice for multi-day travel in the Kumano Kodo Iseji area.

JR Passes

Using transportation passes can be a convenient and reasonable way to get around the area. There are two regional JR passes that cover the Kii Peninsula: Kansai WIDE Area Pass, and lse-Kumano-Wakayama Area Tourist Pass.

NOTE: Not all bus lines are covered by these passes.

Stations

Train stations serve as access to trailheads on the Iseji. Some are smaller with no permanent staff servicing only local trains, while others are larger where both permanent staff servicing only local trains, while others are larger where both local and express trains stop.

It is best to check train times in advance and it is not a busy train line. It is best to check train times in advance and it is not a busy train.

Local Trians

At unstaffed stations serviced by local trains, tickets can be paid for on the train with the driver who is stationed at the front of the first carriage near the entrance and exit. These smaller local trains are called “wan-man ワンマン” or “one-man train” as the only staff onboard is the driver.

Timetable

Bus

Local Busses are the main form of public transport once you leave the coast and head into the mountains. Busses are limited (especially along the Kohechi), so it is best to plan ahead and check the timetables.

NOTE: Downloadable timetables are available online.

https://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/transport/bus/

How to Ride a Local Bus

Riding a local bus is easy once you learn the basic structure as outlined below.

1. Enter through rear door (or front door if only one)
2. Take number ticket
3. Push button to inform driver that stop is wanted (it is also good practice to tell the driver where you want to get off when you board)
4. Match number ticket to the electronic fare chart at the front of the bus to determine fare (prices change according to distance travelled)
5. Change money if needed
6. Put money and ticket in fare box (exact fare)
7. Exit through front door

NOTE: Only 1000 yen bills can be changed for coins. So make sure that you have enough smaller bills before you get on the bus.

Useful Words & Phrases

• I would like to buy a one way express train ticket to Iseshi station.（伊勢市駅までの特急切符を買いたいです）
• Reserved Seat（指定席）
• Non-Reserved Seat（自由席）
• Platform（プラットホーム）
• Transfer（のりかえ）
• Station（駅）
• I would like to go to the Naiku-mae bus stop.（内宮前バス停までお願いします。）
• Where is the Kumano Kodo trailhead?（熊野古道登山口はどこですか？）
• Bus stop（バス停）
• Transfer busses（バス乗り換え）
• Change money（両替）
• Number ticket（整理券）
• Bus fare（バス代）

Car Rental

Travelling by car is an option to see and visit the sites with more freedom, as public transportation can be limited in the countryside.

There are Rent-a-Car companies conveniently located at major train stations with a variety of vehicles types and price plans to meet almost everybody’s needs. It is also possible to rent the car at one station and return it at another to avoid backtracking to where you started.

1.Chubu Airport 2.Nagoya Sta. 3.Tsu Sta. 4.Matsusaka Sta. 5.Iseshi Sta. 6.Shingu Sta. 7.Kii-Katsuura Sta. 8.Kii-Tanabe Sta. 9.Wakayama Sta. 10.Kansai Airport 11.Shin-Osaka Sta. 12.JR Nara Sta. 13.Kyoto Sta.

NOTE: If you plan to rent a car in Japan, make sure to have a valid Japanese or International Driver’s License. Confirm that a Japanese translation is needed or not before you come.

Timetables