Japan's latest tourism offering, the Gran Tenku train, began operations in April, providing a scenic rail journey between Osaka and the pilgrimage town of Koyasan in Wakayama prefecture. The 90-minute trip offers passengers a blend of natural landscapes, traditional villages, and cultural heritage at accessible prices starting around £14.
The train connects two significant destinations on Honshu, Japan’s primary island. Osaka is a popular urban hub, while Koyasan is a mountainous town situated approximately 900 meters above sea level. Known for its spiritual significance, Koyasan has been a center of Shingon Buddhism since its founding in 816 by the monk Kukai, also known as Kobo-Daishi. The town hosts 117 temples, including notable sites such as the Okunoin Cemetery—Japan’s largest—and the Danjo Garan temple complex, featuring a prominent 48.5-meter pagoda.
The Gran Tenku’s name, meaning “heavenly sky,” reflects Koyasan’s elevated location. The train itself features deep crimson and burgundy exteriors adorned with gold lettering and intricate calligraphic designs. Despite being converted from a former commuter train, its interiors offer various seating options, including forward-facing reclining seats, cushioned armchairs, a premium dining car with wood paneling and wide windows, and a bar carriage that provides commemorative materials for travelers.
Daily departures, with two runs most days except Wednesdays and Thursdays, accommodate around 70 passengers per trip. The service has achieved an 80% occupancy rate, with approximately 10% of riders being international tourists. At the nearby Gokurakubashi station, passengers transfer to a five-minute cable car ride to reach Koyasan itself.
Tourism in Koyasan has been steadily growing, exemplified by a 7.8% increase in foreign overnight stays in Wakayama prefecture since 2019. The town accounts for nearly half of the British tourists’ overnight stays in the region. Despite this influx, Koyasan maintains a serene atmosphere, particularly outside peak seasons such as cherry blossom time.
Alongside the train journey, visitors can experience traditional elements of local culture, including shojin ryori, a Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. One such meal was offered at Eko-in Temple, where tourists can also stay overnight in lodgings within the temple grounds. Norihiro Fukayama, a Buddhist monk and temple administrator, noted the importance of families in maintaining the town’s cultural fabric amid concerns of gradual population decline. Locals cite young residents often relocating to urban centers for education and employment opportunities.
Koyasan’s environment presents seasonal challenges as well. Winters can bring enduring snow cover, impacting daily life in the mountain town. Visitors can explore the area’s spiritual landmarks, such as the bodhisattva statues at Okunoin Cemetery, offering insights into the region’s rich Buddhist heritage.
The Gran Tenku train thus combines accessibility, comfort, and cultural immersion, enhancing the experience of travelers seeking both natural beauty and historical depth on Japan’s Golden Route.