JR Limited Express Kuroshio 3 from Osaka Tennoji to Wakayama Train Review
The Limited Express Kuroshio (くろしお) is a limited stop train service with fully reserved seats connecting Osaka with Wakayama, Kii-Tanabe, Shirahama, and Shingu using the Hanwa Line and Kisei Line (Kinokuni Line). For this trip to Wakayama, I will be using the Limited Express Kuroshio 3 for the short hop, as my schedule was just to visit Nitama and Yontama on the Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line. Also, my JR Sanyo-San’in Northern Kyushu Pass does not cover the onward route from Wakayama to Shingu, but not that it mattered anyway.
Osaka Tennōji Station
Tennōji Station is a major railway hub at the southeastern part of the Osaka Loop Line. From my hotel at Shin-Imamiya, I decided to board the Limited Express Kuroshio 3 from Tennōji as it was a lot nearer and on the way to Wakayama.
Heading into the ticket gates.
My Limited Express Kuroshio 3 will be departing from Platform 15, after the Limited Express Haruka 11.
Platforms are well indicated from the concourse.
The route map of the Hanwa Line and Yamatoji Line with train service patterns indicated.
Heading down the stairs to the platform.
First up is the Limited Express Haruka 11. I’m on the right platform then.
Looking out to the various rolling stock operating on the Osaka Loop Line.
The stopping points for all types of Limited Express EMUs are the same. I wonder what I will be getting.
Alas, I will be getting a 283 series EMU. The Limited Express Kuroshio operates with 283 series, 287 series, and 289 series EMUS. The 283 series EMU is the oldest train operating on the Limited Express Kuroshio, launched on 31 July 1996.
The destination sign and name of the Limited Express Kuroshio on the 283 series EMU.
The interior of the 283 series EMU ordinary car.
Seats are facing the direction of travel.
The legroom available on board the Limited Express Kuroshio 283 series EMU ordinary car.
A small flip-out table is available in the armrest.
A bottle holder is also available on the seat back in front.
Perhaps the most interesting is the safety card in the seat pocket. It all looks normal until you see what the header says.
The Limited Express Kuroshio skirts around the Kii Peninsula on a coastal route, so a tsunami is quite possible to hit the Limited Express Kuroshio.
My Limited Express Kuroshio 3 departed from Tennōji Station on time at 9.19am.
Heading on the Hanwa Line after Tennōji.
Crossing over the Yamato River.
Passing by Ōtori Depot with a variety of rolling stock stabling in.
Passing through Tonoki Station after Suita Depot.
There is an observatory in the middle of the train with seats facing towards the coast, useful on the route between Kainan and Shingū.
A standing toilet for males is available.
There is also a unisex sitting cubicle.
If you just need to wash your hands or a mirror, there is a separate wash basin area.
Hineno Station
Making a brief stop at Hineno Station.
The Kansai Airport Line splits off after Hineno Station.
Passing by Hineno Depot.
The scenery changes to the countryside after passing by Hineno.
Crossing over the Kinokawa River.
Passing over the Kisei Line on the flying wye junction.
Descending into Wakayama Station.
Wakayama Station
My Limited Express Kuroshio 3 arrived at Wakayama Station on time at 10.05am. A quick 46 minutes limited express train ride.
The Ocean Arrow logo is quite faded on the side on the 283 series EMU.
The Limited Express Kuroshio 3 will continue on to Shirahama where it terminates.
Signs point to the connection with the Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line via the underground passage.
There are also arrows on the floor pointing to the connection which makes it easy for tourists.
Heading down to the underground passage. The connection is within the paid area of the JR West section of Wakayama Station.
The Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line departs from Platform 9. The Tama icon will also lead you to the train.
Otherwise, follow Tama along the underground passage towards Platform 9.
It’s quite hard to miss Platform 9 with many Tama icons, posters, and paw prints around, leading up the staircase to the Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line.
Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line
Conclusion
The Limited Express Kuroshio is a comfortable way to travel from Osaka to Wakayama in a reserved seat especially during the morning rush hour. 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, if not using a rail pass, use the Kishuji Rapid Service.
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