Japan's New Luxury Tourist Train Gran Tenku Connects to Sacred Koyasan
Nankai Electric Railways is set to launch a new luxury tourist train, the Gran Tenku, on Friday, 24 April 2026, connecting visitors from Osaka to the sacred Buddhist temple settlement of Koyasan. This innovative service aims to enhance the travel experience for tourists seeking to explore Japan's rich cultural heritage.
Luxury Features and Gourmet Dining
The Gran Tenku train will consist of four cars, each with its own distinctive character. Passengers who book tickets for the fourth car will enjoy a premium dining experience, with meals served by chef Atsushi Motokawa. Depending on the journey time, guests can savor breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea.
The spring menu highlights local ingredients, featuring dishes such as Kawachi duck and Senshu octopus, sourced from the surrounding areas. Complimentary soft and alcoholic drinks will accompany the meals, adding to the luxurious ambiance.
Eco-Friendly and Upgraded Infrastructure
In a move towards sustainability, the crimson-coloured Gran Tenku trains will operate on solar-powered renewable energy. As part of the launch, Namba Station in Osaka will undergo renovations, with Platform 0 upgraded exclusively for this service.
The platform has been enhanced with wooden cladding and modern feature lighting to reflect the train's luxury experience. This upgrade replaces an older tourist service that has shuttled visitors to Koyasan from Hashimoto Station since 2009, which will cease operations on 20 March 2026.
Destination: Koyasan's Sacred Heritage
Koyasan, also known as Mount Koya, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its over 2,000 Shingon Buddhism temples nestled in a forested mountain setting. It offers a peaceful retreat for visitors interested in monastic life, with options for vegetarian cuisine and temple lodging.
This new train service comes at a time when many tourists are seeking to escape Japan's urban centers, which have seen a record influx of 42.7 million international arrivals in 2025. The Gran Tenku provides an ideal gateway to more rural and spiritually significant destinations, promoting sustainable tourism and cultural appreciation.
