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Nankai Koya Line “Koya Flower Railway”

A railway service to the world heritage site, Mt Koya. Throughout its course are various sights; and the sightseeing railway “Tenku” runs.

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The Nankai Koya Line bridges Namba, the center of Osaka Minami District, and Mt. Koya, the spiritual world heritage. The course between Hashimoto and Gokurakubashi (Heaven Bridge” is dubbed by locals as the “Koya Flower Railway”. Sceneries along the way include Mt. Kudoyama, where the samurai warlord, Yukimura Sanada studied. The “Tenku” sightseeing railway runs in this popular sightseeing course.

The “Koya Flower Railway” is Japan’s few mountain trains, and is filled with continuous sudden curves, as well as steep hills. stops include retro, wooden station buildings. Every station and bridge in the course is designated as “Mt. Koya Pilgrimage Related Heritage” as part of “Japan’s Modern Industrialization Heritage”, as chosen by the Ministry of Economy.

The sightseeing train “Tenku” is a special train that only accepts reservations. It runs a 45 minute course between Hashimoto and Gokurakubashi 2-3 times per day. On the train are large windows and observation decks, making it a popular destination to enjoy a grand mountainous view.

At the last stop, “Gokurakubashi” Station is where visitors can transfer to a cable car for Mt. Koya. In 2020, it was renewed as “Gokurakubashi, the first spiritual spot”. The concourse is laden with beautiful ceiling murals, and is popular as a photogenic spot.

Highlights

  • Japan’s few mountain railways with a grand view.
  • The sightseeing railway, “Tenku” is available.
  • Every station is Japan's Modern Industrialization Heritage”.
  • Gokurakubashi Station is a photogenic spot.
  • Lots of scenery in the course including Mt. Kudoyama.

Photos

  • Sightseeing Railway “Tenku”

    Sightseeing Railway “Tenku”

  • A grand view from the windows of “Tenku”.

    A grand view from the windows of “Tenku”.

  • Kudoyama station platform has the classic Onigiri shop, “Onigiri Stand Kudo”.

    Kudoyama station platform has the classic Onigiri shop, “Onigiri Stand Kudo”.

  • At “Kudo”, enjoy an Onigiri made with Mt. Kudo Town local rice cooked with a Japanese oven.

    At “Kudo”, enjoy an Onigiri made with Mt. Kudo Town local rice cooked with a Japanese oven.

  • The beautiful murals of Gokurakubashi Station.

    The beautiful murals of Gokurakubashi Station.

  • Transfer to a cable car to access Mt. Koya from Gokurakubashi Station.
©Toshinori Tarui

    Transfer to a cable car to access Mt. Koya from Gokurakubashi Station. ©Toshinori Tarui

Reviews

1
  • Y. Hsu

    天空號只有兩節車廂座位數也不多,列車中間還設置展望台,沒有玻璃窗戶的阻擋可以呼吸到外頭新鮮空氣,拍照也不會反光。

Details

Name in Japanese
南海高野線「こうや花鉄道」
Postal Code
648-0065
Address
Hashimoto City, Kosada1-4-51, Wakayama Prefecture (Hashimoto Station)
Telephone
Nankai Telephone Center: 06-6643-1005
“Tenku” railway reservation: 0120-151519 (9am - 5pm)
Access
44 minute train ride aboard rapid express “Koya” or “Rinkan” from Nankai Dentetsu Line Namba Station to Hashimoto Station. 50 minute ride on Rapid Train with the same course as above.
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)