A new sightseeing train is bringing a fresh perspective to the journey to Mount Koya. Nankai Electric Railway's GRAN Tenku began operating on April 24th, 2026, running between Namba Station and Gokurakubashi Station. It replaces the long-running Tenku service, continuing a route that has been a favorite for travelers heading into the mountains for nearly two decades.
The journey gradually climbs away from the city, passing through forested valleys and quiet mountain scenery before reaching Mount Koya, a temple town set at around 900 meters above sea level. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it remains an important spiritual destination as well as a place to slow down and take in a different pace of life. GRAN Tenku has been designed with that in mind, offering comfortable seating and wide windows that frame the changing landscape over the 90-minute ride.
Behind the scenes, the train also reflects a growing focus on sustainability. Through a partnership with Kyocera EPA LLC and Kansai Electric Power Company, GRAN Tenku operates entirely on renewable energy. Electricity is supplied from a floating solar power system in Hyogo Prefecture, generating around 2,000 kW without requiring deforestation. The design also helps reduce water evaporation and limit algae growth in the reservoir.
This forms part of wider environmental efforts by Nankai Electric Railway, with the initiative expected to cut annual CO2 emissions by approximately 1,100 tons.
For those traveling to Mount Koya, the train journey has long been part of the experience. GRAN Tenku continues that tradition, offering a comfortable and considered way to arrive.
