Embark on a journey to "Kyoto by the Sea"! #TangoRailwayGuide - Fukuchiyama, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
#JanuaryDestinations2026 To truly explore the charm of "Kyoto by the Sea," the Kyoto Tango Railway (Tango for short) is the soul of the entire journey. This private railway line connects northern Kyoto Prefecture with northeastern Hyogo Prefecture. It's not only a key transportation route to the Three Views of Japan, Amanohashidate, and the mysterious Ine Funaya, but it's also a "moving tourist museum" in itself.
🌊 A Dreamlike Railway Connecting the Sea and Mountains: The Kyoto Tango Railway
The Tango Railway has three main lines: the Miyamai Line (Nishi-Maizuru – Miyazu), the Miyatoyo Line (Miyazu – Toyooka), and the Miyafuku Line (Fukuchiyama – Miyazu). These lines link the magnificent coastline of the Sea of Japan with the tranquil rural landscape.
🎨 Railway Aesthetics: The Design Magic of Eiji Mitooka
Tanetsuki is most famous for its three sightseeing trains, each named after a color, imbuing railway travel with a distinct soul:
🖤 Tango Kuro-matsu: "A Moving Restaurant." The entire train is by reservation only, offering exquisite local cuisine set meals (breakfast, lunch, dessert, or sake options), allowing you to enjoy your meal while admiring the sea views.
❤️ Tango Akamatsu: "Seaview Cafe." A small reservation fee applies. The train features a bar and sofas and slows down as it travels through stunning scenic spots.
💙 Tango Ao-matsu: "Affordable Sightseeing Train." No reservations required, all seats are unreserved, and you can enjoy master-level wooden interior design for a regular fare.
📸 Must-See Along the Line: Two Unmissable Sights
1. Yuragawa Bridge: The Real-Life Scene of Spirited Away
This is one of the most iconic views on the Dantetsu Railway. As the train crosses the Yuragawa Bridge on the Miyamai Line, the 550-meter-long railway tracks hug the water's surface, with the vast ocean on both sides. Looking out from inside the train feels like traveling on the sea – a dreamlike experience.
2. Nagu Coast: The Azure Sea of Japan
Located on the Miyamai Line, as the train passes through a tunnel, the view suddenly opens up, revealing the magnificent reefs and azure waters of the Sea of Japan. Drivers usually slow down here to allow passengers to take photos.
🗺️ Key Stops and Nearby Highlights
Amanohashidate Station: A major station on the Dantetsu Railway, the starting point for trains heading to the Three Views of Japan, Hiryu-kan and Chion-ji Temple.
Nishi-Maizuru Station: An important hub for transferring to JR lines; also the starting point for the Akamatsu sightseeing train.
Miyazu Station: A junction of three lines, where you can sample the famous "curry yakisoba" (fried noodles with curry).
Fukuchiyama Station: The entrance to Kyoto by transferring to the Tango Railway after arriving from Kyoto or Osaka by limited express train.
🎫 Smart Travel: Ticket Recommendations
If your itinerary includes multiple Tango Railway trips, we recommend using the following tickets:
JR West Kansai Wide Area Pass: This amazing pass includes unreserved seats on Tango Railway's local, rapid, and limited express trains—a great deal!
Tango Railway One-Day Pass: If you don't have a JR Pass, you can purchase a one-day pass at the station for unlimited Tango Railway rides.
💡 Summary: Why Take the Tango Railway?
The Tango Railway is more than just transportation; its slow-paced operation allows you to completely relax. From the shimmering water outside the window to the warm wooden atmosphere inside the train, this is a railway designed for enjoying beautiful scenery.
#TangoRailway