The country widely regarded as one of – if not the – best in the world for train transport, has once again improved its offerings.

From April, the Gran Tenku train will take visitors from buzzy Osaka to the base of the sacred Mount Kōya area, one of Japan’s most historic Unesco World Heritage sites andone of the country’s most sacred areas.

The latest project from Nankai Electric Railway will be a premium sightseeing experience, taking 90 minutes between Osaka’s Namba Station and Gokurakubashi Station.

The journey is likely to appeal to booming number of Australians visiting Japan. Last year, for the first time, that tally topped 1 million people.

But it’s not only Australians discovering Japan. Last year, its tourist numbers soared to a record 42.7 million international arrivals.

The growth is putting pressure on some of the country’s biggest cities and may make the serenity of Mount Koya even more alluring.

What to expect on the Gran Tenku journey

Travellers will experience the unique transition from the urban energy of Osaka to the mountainous tranquillity of Mount Kōya, passing through dense residential neighbourhoods, 24 tunnels, across the Kii River and through traditional villages and cedar-filled forests.

The four-carriage locomotive is swathed in dark red with gold ornamentation and seats just 70 guests.

Each of the luxurious carriages (the interiors of which are yet to be revealed) will offer something different, from reclined seats positioned to maximise the views through large windows to a lobby lounge area that will offer seasonal light snacks and coffee for guests to purchase.

Upon arriving at the base of the mountain, passengers can then transfer to the Nankai Cable Line funicular for the final ascent to Mount Kōya.

Buzzy Osaka is famous for its street food and casual dining. Photo: Pexels

Where is Mount Kōya?

Mount Kōya (Koyasan) is a sacred mountain town in the Wakayama Prefecture of Japan, south of Osaka and east of Nara.

Famed as the 1200-year-old headquarters of Shingon Buddhism, the 800-metre-high mountain is home to more than 100 Buddhist temples and ancient forests. Visitors can stay in overnight temple lodgings (shukubo) – such as Rengejoin Temple and Ekoin Temple – and enjoy vegetarian dishes prepared by monks and morning prayers. A visit to Japan’s largest cemetery, Okunoin, is a must.

When will the train start operating?

The Gran Tenku will begin operation from April 24. Bookings opened on March 24.

The upgraded train replaces another tourist service that has shuttled visitors to Koyasan from Hashimoto Station since 2009. It ended on March 20.

Mount Kōya was founded in 816 by the monk Kobo Daishi. Photo: Pixabay

Details

Journey: Osaka’s Namba Station to Gokurakubashi Station. Guests will need to purchase a separate ticket for the Nankai Cable Line funicular.

Service launch date: April 24

Ticket pricing: Available from 25 March, 2026, but expected to be about $15

Length of journey: 90 minutes/20 kilometres

Capacity: 70 people

Frequency: Two round-trips daily (except Wednesdays and certain Thursdays). Namba Station: 9am and 12.45pm. Gokurakubashi: 10.46am and 2.58pm.

Republished from International Traveller