For many visitors to Japan, Osaka’s vibrant energy and Kyoto’s historic charm are essential stops. Yet for those seeking a deeper encounter with Japan’s spiritual heart, there is another destination in Kansai you simply cannot miss: Koyasan, the sacred mountain founded by the monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai) and the center of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism.
Now, this World Heritage site is more accessible than ever, thanks to a new train that transforms your travel time into a calm, uplifting experience. Beginning April 24, 2026, Nankai Electric Railway will launch its new sightseeing train, “GRAN Tenku.”
Connecting Osaka’s bustling Namba Station with Gokurakubashi Station, the gateway to Koyasan, GRAN Tenku is designed to offer a serene atmosphere and heartfelt hospitality. Its goal is to deliver cultural discovery and moments of quiet inspiration even before you arrive at the mountain.

A Destination in Itself: Step Into the Special World of GRAN Tenku
GRAN Tenku consists of four cars, each offering distinct seating and spaces tailored to the passenger's travel style. The greatest appeal is the ability to choose how you spend the 90-minute ride

Car 1: Relax Seats
Designed with comfort in mind, this car features 24 reclining seats that are perfect for travelers recovering from long flights or anyone seeking a calm, comfortable ride.

Car 2: Wide-View Seats
This car is arranged to maximize panoramic views of the Kii River and the dramatic mountains that stretch along the north and west sides of the tracks. Settle into your seat and take in Japan’s changing natural scenery through the large, expansive windows.

Car 3: Lobby Lounge
Open to all passengers from Cars 1 through 4, the Lobby Lounge offers a relaxed shared space. Here you can purchase light snacks, coffee, and Koyasan-inspired souvenirs to remember your journey by. Sipping a freshly made coffee while gazing out from Car 2’s picture windows is an experience in itself.

Car 4: GRAN Seats & GRAN Seat Plus
This car features spacious sofa-style seating for up to four people, designed for relaxed in-car dining. Depending on the plan you choose, your seat may include meals with free-flowing drinks or a set that comes with a single complimentary drink. The GRAN Seat Plus offers an even more refined setting, with carefully designed tables and plush sofas that elevate the dining experience.

Writer’s Note
Starting your journey to Koyasan on an early-morning train, enjoying a beautifully prepared Japanese breakfast or bento while watching the scenery unfold outside your window… it is an extraordinary way to begin the day. This is the kind of moment that becomes a cherished memory of your entire trip.

This dreamy train directly connected to JR Osaka Station, providing excellent access for tourists.

●Route: Nankai Koyasan Line Namba Station to/fromGokurakubashi Station (approx. 63.6 km)

●Operating Days: Daily except Wednesdays and the 2nd/4th Thursdays (If Wednesday is a public holiday, the following day is suspended).

●Frequency: 2 round trips per day

●Fare Structure: Fares vary significantly by seating type and service content. (e.g., Car 1 & 2 seat fare is 1,700 yen for adults, excluding transport fare; Car 4 Gran Seat is a premium fare including meals/drinks and transport fare).

Koyasan has been a spiritual center of Japan for more than 1,200 years. Its majestic temples, the towering cedars of Okunoin, and the deep stillness of the surrounding mountains offer visitors a kind of peace and discovery far removed from the bustle of the city. For international travelers, it is an unforgettable encounter with Japan’s spiritual heritage.

GRAN Tenku is the perfect way to set the tone for this sacred journey. It transforms the trip itself into a comfortable, memorable experience, allowing you to arrive at Koyasan relaxed, inspired, and fully immersed in the atmosphere of the mountains.

With service beginning on April 24, 2026, consider adding this luxurious sightseeing train to your next Kansai itinerary.

(Source/Main Image: PR Times)