There's a gorgeous new luxury tourist train from Osaka to the sacred Mount Koya

Slow travel is having a moment in Japan – and this April, it’s getting an upgrade in deep red and gold.

For those heading to Japan this year, take heed: there’s a new luxury tourist train departing from Osaka, and it’s launching in April. Nankai Electric Railway Co. is introducing the GRAN Tenku, a four-carriage sightseeing train running from Namba Station to Gokurakubashi Station on the Koya Line. It's the gateway to sacred Mount Koya.

Don’t forget to bring your cameras on this 90-minute journey. The train travels across nearly 20 kilometres of hills, forested valleys, traditional villages and 24 tunnels, turning the approach to Wakayama Prefecture’s UNESCO-listed Koyasan into a panoramic experience. Onboard, guests can tuck into seasonal breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea sets while watching the scenery unfurl beyond oversized windows.

The train’s design leans into classic luxury. Its exterior comes in a rich crimson tone, trimmed with gold accents, while its interiors are configured to enhance views. The first carriage features reclining seats for laid-back comfort, while the second is oriented specifically for sightseeing. Plans for the third and fourth cars are still underway, but they’ll most likely include a lounge space and sofa-style seating for dining. The train accommodates 70 passengers, keeping the experience relatively intimate.

Once you arrive at Gokurakubashi, a cable car carries you up to Mount Koya, one of Japan’s most revered Buddhist centres. Here, over 100 temples dot the mountain plateau. Wander through Okunoin Cemetery beneath towering cedar trees, where stone lanterns line the path to Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum, or visit Kongobuji Temple, headquarters of Shingon Buddhism, home to gilded sliding doors and Japan’s largest rock garden.

Tickets for GRAN Tenku go on sale from March 24, 2026 via Nankai Electric Railway’s official website. Departure begins April 24, 2026 – just in time for spring in the mountains.

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