The Gakkentoshi Line for Nozaki, Kyotanabe, and Kizu

The Gakkentoshi Line is a railway line operated by JR West that runs between Kyobashi Station in Osaka and Kizu Station in Kyoto Prefecture. The line is also sometimes called the Katamachi Line, but “Gakkentoshi Line” is more often used for station signage.

This line is completely covered by the Japan Rail Pass. At Kyobashi Station trains running on the Gakkentoshi Line depart from Platform 2. Kyobashi Station is 3 stops away from Osaka Station on the Osaka Loop Line.

There are many through services running on the Gakkentoshi Line that continue on the JR Tozai Line and extend its range westward as far as Amagasaki Station in Hyogo Prefecture. There are also a limited number of morning and evening rapid services that provide a direct connection between JR Nara Station and some stations on the Gakkentoshi Line.

Key Destinations

There are 24 stations on the Gakkentoshi Line. Below are the key destinations and transfer points with example train fares and travel times given from Kyobashi Station.

Kyobashi Station

Kyobashi is commercial and entertainment district in Osaka with many bars and restaurants. Kyobashi is also a major transportation hub in Osaka with three stations run by JR West, Keihan Railways and the Osaka Municipal Subway.

At JR Kyobashi Station transfer to the Osaka Loop Line and the JR Tozai Line. Many Gakkentoshi Line services are through trains that continue on the JR Tozai Line.

At Keihan Kyobashi Station transfer to the Keihan Main Line which runs between Osaka and Kyoto. Osaka bound trains diverge here for final destinations Yodoyabashi Station or Nakanoshima Station.

At the Osaka Municipal Subway Kyobashi Station transfer to the Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Subway Line.

Shigino Station

Transfer here to the Imazatosuji Subway Line.

Hanaten Station

Transfer here to the Osaka Higashi Line.

Nozaki Station

This station is a 13 minute walk from Jigenji Temple which is famous for its 11-faced statue of the goddess of mercy, Kannon, which is here called “Nozaki Kannon”. Nozaki Mairi is a popular Buddhist festival from May 1st to May 8th which has been held since the Genroku period (1688 – 1704). Every year at this time the road between Nozaki Station and the temple is packed with street stalls selling all kinds of festival snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and entertainments. People from all over the country visit the temple at this time and different musical, dance, and other performances are held each day. The temple is located at the foot of Mount Imori and there are hiking courses up the mountain with beautiful views over the Osaka Plain along the way.

Kawachi-Iwafune Station

Transfer at nearby Kawachi-Mori Station to the Keihan Katano Line.

Kyotanabe Station

Kyotanabe’s most famous sightseeing attraction is the Shuon-an Ikkyuji Temple which dates from 1288. The temple has beautiful grounds and gardens and is a 15 minute walk from Kyotanabe Station. Transfers can be made at nearby Shin-Tanabe Station to the Kintetsu Kyoto Line.

Doshishamae Station

This station serves the Kyotanabe campus of Doshisha University. The Doshisha University Historical Museum is located on this campus. The museum is free to visit and has exhibits related to archaeology, history, folklore, and the history of industry and technology.

JR Miyamaki Station

Transfer at the nearby Miyamaki Station to the Kintetsu Kyoto Line.

Hosono Station

Transfer at the nearby Shin-Hosono Station to the Kintetsu Kyoto Line.

Kizu Station

Kizu Station serves the city of Kizugawa in Kyoto Prefecture. The city’s most famous attraction is Joruriji Temple which has a beautiful Heian era garden. The temple pagoda, main hall and many of its statues are designated National Treasures. Joruriji Temple is a 14 minute taxi ride from Kizu Station. Transfer at Kizu Station to the Yamatoji Line and the Nara Line. Though most Gakkentoshi Line services terminate at Kizu there are some through services that connect directly with JR Nara Station.

Train fare: 760 yen
Train time: 1 hour by Rapid Service

Through Services

Though Kyobashi Station is the western terminus of the Gakkentoshi Line, many Osaka-bound trains continue beyond Kyobashi on the JR Tozai Line. This provides a direct link with locations in Osaka such as Osaka-Temmangu and Kitashinchi, and also beyond Osaka to Amagasaki Station and other locations in Hyogo Prefecture. For more information about these destinations, please see our article on the JR Tozai Line. At the eastern end of the Gakkentoshi Line there are six rapid commuter train through services in the early morning that begin at JR Nara Station, join the Gakkentoshi Line either at Kizu Station or Hanaten Station, and then run all the way to Amagasaki Station. In the evening there are six return rapid services that run from Amagasaki to Nara. For more information about these rapid services, please see our article: The Gakkentoshi Line – Rapid Services for Kyobashi and Amagasaki.

Useful Links

To see how the Gakkentoshi Line fits into the wider JR rail network, download the JR Line Route Map for the Kinki area.

To plan your journey on JR rail lines, use the JR West Timetable and Farefinder.

Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved.