Inside the GRAN Tenku

The GRAN Tenku is Japan's newest luxury sightseeing train by Nankai Railway. Starting on April 24, 2026, the luxury train connects Namba in central Osaka to Gokurakubashi Station at the base of the 1200 year old temple mountain of Koyasan. There are two round trips daily except on Wednesdays and the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.

At Nankai Railway's Namba Station, the journey begins at the GRAN Tenku's dedicated platform, Platform 0 (zero). The dark tiles and wooden seats give an air of elegance, making it stand out from the rest of the train platforms. The GRAN Tenku comprises of four cars - three seating cars and one cafe car - and elevates the popular 90 minute journey with a range of luxury seating options.

Newly renovated area of Nankai Namba Station
GRAN Tenku pulling into Namba Station
GRAN Tenku's dedicated platform, Platform 0 (zero)
First look at the train wrapping
GRAN Tenku and Platform 0

Starting with the most premium seat option, the Grand Seat and Grand Seat Plus are plush sofa-style booths, each accommodating up to four passengers. Passengers in the Grand Seat or Grand Seat Plus can also add a specially prepared meal - breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea - to enjoy during the journey.

There are only three Grand Seats and one Grand Seat Plus on the train
This reminds me of plane seating
An example of the breakfast meal served on board
An example of the lunch meal served on board

The Scenic View Seat is a mid-range option with nice window views, while the Relax Seat is the standard seating option. Rounding up the train carriages is the cafe car, also known as the lobby lounge, where passengers can purchase light refreshments and souvenirs.

Scenic View Seats
Relax Seats
Close up of the Relax Seat
Counter where passengers can purchase light refreshments and souvenirs
Spacious area to stand around and enjoy the views and light refreshments
Coffee with a view

Throughout the GRAN Tenku, passengers can appreciate the elegant interior design. Traditional craftsmanship by artisans along the Nankai Line can be seen in the finer details like washbasins, wall decoration and partitions. Even former train tracks have been repurposed as handrails, a nice touch rail fans will surely appreciate.

Repurposed rail tracks that are now handrails
Intricate wood design
The staff uniform is by the prolific fashion designer Koshino Junko, who was born along the Nankai Line
Gokurakubashi Station at the base of Koyasan is the terminal station for the GRAN Tenku
Don't forget to look up and see the nice ceiling at Gokurakubashi Station

How much does it cost

The one way fare from Namba to Koyasan on the GRAN Tenku consists of the base fare of 1430 yen plus an additional limited express fare of 1700 yen. This limited express fare is higher than for normal limited express trains and is not covered by the Koyasan World Heritage Ticket; only the base fare is covered by the Koyasan World Heritage Ticket.

An additional fee applies to the premium Grand seats (6000-9000 yen per sofa which can be used by a group of 2-4 people) and the drink or food plan, which is breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea depending on the train, costing 880 yen/person for the drink plan, 6600 yen/person for a breakfast or afternoon tea or 8800 yen/person for lunch.

GRAN Tenku
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