[Bus Routes] September 19, 2026　Trial Operation of the Kumano Hongu Line and Partial Schedule Changes

Thank you for always using Ryujin Bus.

We are pleased to announce that, as part of the national subsidy program “Project for the Comprehensive Implementation of Redesign Initiatives to Eliminate ‘Transportation Gaps’ and More,” we will be operating the “Kumano Kodo Express Bus” and the “Onsen Extra Bus” for a limited time, as detailed below. The purpose of this initiative is to identify user needs and demand through pilot operations, while also improving transportation convenience for local tourism.
Please be sure to use Ryujin Bus for your trips to the Kumano Kodo, as well as for travel to Kumano Hongu and the hot spring resorts.

In addition, starting Saturday, September 19, 2026, we will be revising the schedules for some services on the Kumano Hongu Line and the Minabe Line.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our passengers and appreciate your understanding.

Regarding the Kumano Hongu Line Trial Operation

①Kumano Kodo Express Bus

Operating Period: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – Thursday, December 10, 2026
Route: (Outbound) Kii-Tanabe Sta. → Nakahechi Bijutsukan-mae → Hosshinmon-Oji
　 (Return) Hosshinmon-Oji → Nakahechi Bijutsukan-mae → Kii-Tanabe Sta.　　　　
　　　 　*As this is an express bus, it does not stop at all bus stops.
Frequency: One round trip per day (operates daily)
Fare: Express fare
Reservations: Not required
Vehicle: One large bus

②Onsen Extra Bus

Operating Period: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – Thursday, December 10, 2026
Route: Yunomine Onsen → Hongu Taisha-mae → Hasshinmon-oji
　　　　*The bus stops at every bus stop.
Frequency: One flight per day (operates daily)
Fare: Same as the Kumano Hongu Line
Reservations: Not required

・Click here for the Kumano Hongu Line (Kumano Kodo Express Bus and Onsen Extra Bus)
timetable starting September 19
・Click here for the Kumano Kodo Express Bus fare table
・Click here for the Kumano Hongu Line fare table

Regarding Schedule Changes on the Kumano Hongu Line

Effective Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026　
Affected Service: Service W1 (Route No. 81) *Change: Departure time moved back 10 minutes from the current schedule
(Starting September 19) Hongu Taisha-mae 9:30 → Hasshinmon-Oji 9:45
(Through September 18) Hongu Taisha-mae 9:20 → Hasshinmon-Oji 9:35
*There are no schedule changes for other services on the Kumano Hongu Line.

Regarding the Minabe Line Schedule Changes

Effective Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Affected Service: Service 41 *Change: Departure time moved up by 1 hour from current schedule
(From September 19 onward) Kii-Tanabe Sta. 16:30 → Minabe Sta. 16:50
(Through September 18) Kii-Tanabe Sta. 17:30 → Minabe Sta. 17:50

・Click here for the Minabe Line timetable