Japan’s railways have long been central to the country’s travel culture. A new addition to that legacy is set to debut in spring 2026. Nankai Electric Railway has announced the launch of its new sightseeing train, GRAN Tenku, which will begin operations on April 24, 2026. An unveiling ceremony is scheduled for March 29, ahead of the official rollout.
Replacing the existing "Tenku" service, the sightseeing service will run between Namba Station in Osaka and Gokurakubashi Station on the Koya Line. The new four-carriage marvel will offer travellers a curated rail journey to Mount Koya (Koyasan), a UNESCO World Heritage-listed spiritual destination in Wakayama Prefecture.
The approximately 90-minute journey will traverse nearly 20 km of mountainous terrain, passing through forested landscapes, rolling hills, traditional villages and 24 tunnels along the Koya Line. Designed as more than just transportation, GRAN Tenku aims to make the journey itself a key part of the experience.
Passengers can expect expansive windows framing Wakayama’s countryside, with views that shift dramatically across seasons; cherry blossoms in spring, verdant greenery in summer, fiery foliage in autumn and misty mountain backdrops in winter.
The train will operate two round-trip daily. Scheduled departures are as follows:
From Namba Station: 9:00 AM and 12:45 PM
From Gokurakubashi Station: 10:46 AM (10:48 AM on weekends and holidays) and 2:58 PM
The route includes stops at Shin-Imamiya, Tengachaya, Sakaihigashi, Kongo, Kawachinagano, Rinkan-Denen-Toshi, Hashimoto, Kudoyama and Gokurakubashi.
Upon arrival at Gokurakubashi, which is the final stop on the Koya Line, travellers can transfer to a cable car that ascends to Mount Koya, a revered centre of Shingon Buddhism.
The GRAN Tenku makes a striking first impression. Its exterior is finished in a deep forest red, accented with shimmering gold, a palette inspired by the lacquered gates and architectural heritage of the Shingon Buddhist temples it travels toward.
At the front, a gold compass-shaped emblem subtly incorporates the letters "K" and "W," representing Mount Koya and Wakayama. The train accommodates just 70 passengers, with each carriage meticulously themed:
Car 1: Features plush reclining seats for maximum relaxation.
Car 2: Offers window-facing "Wide-View" seats specifically designed to frame the Kii River and the dramatic mountain passes.
Cars 3 & 4: Houses a sophisticated lobby lounge and sofa-style dining sets, where passengers can browse for local souvenirs or enjoy a curated meal.
According to Nankai Railway, the objective is to offer a calm and elegant journey while enhancing tourism access to Mount Koya. The concept builds on Japan’s growing popularity of themed and sightseeing trains, which combine rail travel with culinary, cultural and design elements.
The journey begins at Namba Station, the heart of Osaka’s southern hub. As the train pulls away from the city, the landscape shifts from dense neighbourhoods to the rugged beauty of the Kii Mountain Range.
Over a nearly 20 km stretch of specialised track, the train navigates 24 tunnels and climbs steep, forested slopes. Passengers are treated to a ‘moving gallery’ of traditional farmsteads, persimmon orchards, and lush cedar groves. To heighten the experience, the train offers a seasonal menu, think Japanese breakfast boxes, refined lunches, or elegant afternoon tea, all overseen by expert chefs to reflect the culinary seasons of the region.
Tickets for GRAN Tenku will go on sale from March 24, 2026, via the official website of Nankai Electric Railway.
Base fares for the Koya Line are structured as follows:
From Namba, Shin-Imamiya, Tengachaya or Sakaihigashi to Gokurakubashi: JPY 790 (approximately INR 465) for adults and JPY 400 (approx. INR 235) for children
From Kongo, Kawachinagano, Rinkan-Denen-Toshi or Hashimoto to Gokurakubashi: JPY 520 (approx. INR 306) for adults and JPY 260 (approx. INR 153) for children
Additional charges for the sightseeing service and onboard dining experiences are expected to be detailed in the full operational announcement.
Mount Koya, also known as Koyasan, is the 1,200-year-old headquarters of Shingon Buddhism, founded by the monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi). Located on a forested plateau about 900 metres above sea level, the site is home to more than 100 temples and monasteries.
Among its most visited landmarks are Okunoin Cemetery, often described as Japan’s largest cemetery, Kongobu-ji, the head temple of Shingon Buddhism, and the Danjo Garan temple complex, a sacred monastic site central to the area’s spiritual heritage.
Pilgrimage routes link temple complexes and offer visitors a retreat from urban life. Many travellers choose to stay overnight in temple lodgings, also known as shukubo, participating in morning prayers and traditional vegetarian Buddhist cuisine.
With Osaka serving as a major international gateway, the introduction of GRAN Tenku strengthens the connection between the city and the sanctuary. For visitors seeking an immersive experience, the new train offers a way to explore one of Japan’s most significant religious landscapes.
As Japan continues to expand its portfolio of experiential rail journeys, GRAN Tenku positions itself not merely as transport to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but as an integral part of the pilgrimage to Mount Koya.
1. When will the GRAN Tenku sightseeing train begin operations?
Japan's GRAN Tenku train will begin operations on April 24, 2026.
2. Which stations does GRAN Tenku operate between?
GRAN Tenku train runs between Namba Station in Osaka and Gokurakubashi Station on the Koya Line.
3. How long is the GRAN Tenku journey?
The GRAN Tenku journey takes approximately 90 minutes and passes through mountainous terrain and 24 tunnels.
4. How many passengers can the train accommodate?
GRAN Tenku accommodates 70 passengers across four themed carriages.
5. How do travellers reach Mount Koya from Gokurakubashi?
Passengers transfer to a cable car that ascends to Mount Koya.