JR Limited Express Kuroshio 20 from Wakayama to Shin-Osaka Train Review (283 series EMU)

After lunch at Wakayama, I headed back up north to see where I could spend the rest of my afternoon. To start the journey, I reserved a seat on Limited Express Kuroshio 20 to Shin-Osaka, the last station of the train service. There, I had the option of exploring the northern part of Osaka city, or to transfer to other trains for more joyrides.

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Wakayama Station

The façade of Wakayama Station.

With my JR Sanyo-San’in Northern Kyushu Area Pass, reserved seats can be reserved for unlimited trips at the JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-madoguchi).

The first 6 seat reservations can also be made at the green ticket machines. Do note that this first 6 transactions include any transactions made at the JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-madoguchi).

Heading through the fare gates with my JR Sanyo-San’in Northern Kyushu Area Pass.

My Limited Express Kuroshio 20 will be departing at 1.50pm.

The Osaka-bound Limited Express Kuroshio will be conveniently departing from Platform 1 which is right at the main station building.

A Kishuji Rapid Service train will be departing 10 minutes earlier than my Limited Express Kuroshio 20, but the Kuroshio will definitely overtake it.

If travelling without a rail pass, the Kishuji Rapid Service train is the cheaper option with no Limited Express and reserved seat fee required, and takes just slightly longer than the Limited Express Kuroshio. The higher frequency of the Kishuji Rapid Service train also means that you don’t really need to check the timetable before using it.

For comfort, I decided to use the Limited Express Kuroshio. Door positions are marked on the platform.

Looks like I will be getting a 283 series EMU again. This is the same train set which bought me to Wakayama on the Limited Express Kuroshio 3 this morning.

283 series EMU Ocean Arrow

The 283 series EMU on the Osaka/Kyoto end on a basic formation has a rounded end with a gangway allowance to walk through to another 283 series EMU set if extended. The pointed end is on the Shingu end on a basic formation.

The Limited Express Kuroshio 20 is bound for Shin-Osaka.

The faded logo of the Ocean Arrow branding on the side of the 283 series EMU.

Boarding the Limited Express Kuroshio 20 at Car 6.

The interior of the Limited Express Kuroshio 283 series EMU. The rounded cab car is not a panoramic car, and has an opaque partition to the cab.

Seats are laid out in a 2+2 configuration.

The legroom available on board the Limited Express Kuroshio 283 series EMU.

A drinks holder and coat hook is provided on the seat back in front.

My Limited Express Kuroshio 20 departed from Wakayama on time at 12.50pm.

Heading on to the Kisei Line.

Crossing over the Kinokawa River.

Hineno Station

Making a brief stop at Hineno Station.

With a longer non-stopping stretch ahead, it’s time for a walkabout.

There is a sideways observatory area in the middle of the train, facing out to the coast, useful on the stretch between Wakayama and Shingu.

Sofa seats are available at the other side too, forming a theatre configuration.

The view out of the panoramic window from the rear observation seats.

Passing by Ōtori Depot.

Passing through Ōtori Station.

Heading towards Tennōji Station on the Osaka Loop Line. The track on the right leads to the end-on platforms at Tennōji Station.

Meeting the Osaka Loop Line.

Tennōji Station

Making a brief stop at Tennōji Station.

Passing by MEGA Don Quijote Shinsekai.

Passing through Shin-Imamiya Station.

Passing through Nishikujō Station on the Umeda freight line.

Heading down to ground level on the Umeda freight line, away from the Osaka Loop Line.

Crossing a level crossing in the busy downtown Osaka.

Works were ongoing to prepare for the switch to the new underground platforms at Osaka Station.

The Limited Express Kuroshio now serves Osaka Station at the new underground platforms.

At the time of my trip, my Limited Express Kuroshio bypassed Osaka Station as it used the Umeda freight line on ground level.

Passing by another level crossing along the Umeda freight line. Pretty surreal to be travelling on a Limited Express train through the busy city of Osaka on ground level and stopping traffic.

The new underground tracks now eliminates this experience.

Continuing along the Umeda freight line.

Meeting the JR Kyoto Line before approaching the Yodo River.

Crossing the Yodo River on the Kamiyodogawa Bridge on the sextuple-track railway alignment.

Approaching Shin-Osaka Station.

Shin-Osaka Station

My Limited Express Kuroshio 20 arrived at Shin-Osaka Station on time at 2.51pm, making this a journey of 1 hour and 1 minute.

Looks like there’s a Haruka train in 15 minutes going to Kyoto.

I headed upstairs to the concourse to reserve a seat on the Limited Express Haruka 30 to head to Kyoto seamlessly for a but of sightseeing and Ramen.

Conclusion

The Limited Express Kuroshio is a comfortable way to travel from Wakayama to Osaka in a reserved seat. Check if your rail pass covers the Limited Express Kuroshio so that you can use it without any additional charge. For an alternative without needing to pay the limited express fee and reserved seat fee, if not using a rail pass, use the Kishuji Rapid Service.