Sightseeing Limited Express "GRAN TENKU" Timetable, Fares, and Ticket Purchasing Information

This article provides information about the Nankai Electric Railway's Sightseeing Limited Express "GRAN TENKU," which connects Namba Station and Gokurakubashi Station, including its timetable, fares, stations where the train stops, seating, ticket issuance requirements, and how to use IC cards. From Gokurakubashi Station, you will need to transfer to the Koyasan Cable Car to reach Koyasan Station.

The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the Nankai Electric Railway official website before using the service.

The "GRAN TENKU" is a Sightseeing Limited Express operated by Nankai Electric Railway, which began service on April 24, 2026. It connects Namba Station and Gokurakubashi Station in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and is designed to allow passengers to enjoy the journey itself from the urban center of Namba to the World Heritage site of Koyasan. There are multiple types of seats on board, so passengers can choose according to the scenery and the number of people in their group. A transfer to the Koyasan Cable Car is required from Gokurakubashi Station to Koyasan Station.

What is the Sightseeing Limited Express "GRAN TENKU"?

The "GRAN TENKU" is a Sightseeing Limited Express connecting Namba Station and Gokurakubashi Station. It differs from the conventional Sightseeing Train "TENKU" in terms of operating sections, fares, and reservation methods. For a trip to Koyasan, you will transfer to the Koyasan Cable Car at Gokurakubashi Station and then travel to Okunoin and Danjo Garan by route bus from Koyasan Station.

Train Features and Popular Aspects

Enjoy the ever-changing scenery from the large windows, ranging from the city of Osaka to the Kinokawa River basin and the mountainous landscape at the foot of Mount Koya. Reclining seats and Wide View Seats are available, and fares and purchase methods vary depending on the seat type. Onboard services and menus vary depending on the operating day and plan, so please check when making your reservation.

Sightseeing Limited Express "GRAN TENKU" Timetable

Downbound (Towards Gokurakubashi Station) Timetable

Upbound (Towards Namba Station) Timetable

The "GRAN TENKU" is a Sightseeing Limited Express with set operating days. Since it doesn't necessarily run at the same time or frequency every day, please specify your desired travel date to check the schedule.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

Important Notes Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The "GRAN TENKU" is a seasonal train with limited operating days. It may not operate during certain periods in winter, and may also be canceled due to weather conditions. Operating days are announced in advance, so please be sure to check if you plan to ride it.

Operating Sections of the Sightseeing Limited Express "GRAN TENKU"

Main Sections

• Namba Station to Hashimoto Station (Nankai Koya Line)
• Hashimoto Station to Gokurakubashi Station (Nankai Koya Line)
• Gokurakubashi Station to Koyasan Station (transfer to Koyasan Cable Car)

From Gokurakubashi Station, you can take the Koyasan Cable Car to Koyasan Station in about 5 minutes. Koyasan's Danjo Garan and Okunoin are registered as a World Heritage Site as sacred sites of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. In Kudoyama, there is Sanada-an, associated with Sanada Yukimura, and is a popular spot for fans of samurai warriors. Jison-in in Kudoyama is known as the temple where Kobo Daishi's mother stayed, as Koyasan was historically off-limits to women. The area around Koyashita Station was once a thriving area as a base for pilgrimages to Koyasan. The area around Hashimoto Station is a town along the Kinokawa River and a transportation hub connecting Osaka and Wakayama. Persimmons along the line are known nationwide as a representative specialty product of Wakayama Prefecture. As you will mainly be traveling to nearby tourist spots by bus or on foot, it is a good idea to check local transportation options in advance. There may be tourist information centers around the stations where you can obtain maps and brochures.

Stations Where the Sightseeing Limited Express "GRAN TENKU" Stops

Main Stops

The stations where the train stops vary depending on the train and operating day, so please check accordingly. The train connects Namba Station and Gokurakubashi Station, where you can transfer to the Koyasan Cable Car. Please check the latest station stops on the Nankai Electric Railway official timetable.

*The stations where the train stops vary depending on the service.

Fares for the Sightseeing Limited Express "GRAN TENKU"

Representative Section Fares

This is an example for one adult using cars 1 and 2. The cable car will be used for travel between Gokurakubashi Station and Koyasan Station. The fare for the Grand Seat in car 4 varies depending on the plan. Please check the latest fares on the Nankai Electric Railway official website.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

What is Included in the Fare

Pricing varies depending on the seat type and the number of people. For private rooms and group seats, the fare per person may change depending on the number of people. Please also check your purchase plan to see if it includes the Koyasan Cable Car.

Trains Requiring Reservations

All seats are reserved, so advance purchase is generally required. For some seats on the day of travel, reservations may be accepted if there are vacancies, and the limited express fare can be paid on board. Advance reservations are recommended to guarantee a seat.

How to Buy Tickets for the Sightseeing Limited Express "GRAN TENKU"

Online Reservations and Purchase

Purchase your tickets through Nankai Electric Railway's official "GRAN TENKU" reservation page by selecting your travel date, train, route, seat type, and number of passengers. Please check the information on the reservation screen as the sales conditions vary depending on the seat type.

For same-day travel, reservations for Relax Seats (Car 1) and Wide View Seats (Car 2) are accepted only if seats are available, and the limited express fare can be paid on board the train. The conditions differ from those for seats and plans that can be purchased in advance.

Purchase at Ticket Offices

You can also purchase reserved seat tickets at ticket offices at major stations such as Hashimoto Station, provided there are seats available. However, since the number of seats is limited, trains may be fully booked on the day of travel. Ticket machines often support multiple languages, making them easy to use even if you don't understand Japanese. At the ticket office, simply tell the staff your destination and desired departure time, and they will guide you to the appropriate train. Ticket offices can get crowded during high season, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies sometimes offer travel packages that combine accommodation at temple lodgings in Koyasan with sightseeing train rides.

How to Purchase for International Visitors

The "GRAN TENKU" is a Nankai Electric Railway train and is therefore not covered by the JR Pass. Even when using special tickets for international tourists, reserved seats and limited express fares may be required separately. Please check the included fare and additional charges on the reservation screen.

 

 

Is a Physical Ticket Required?

You must pick up your reserved seat ticket before boarding. If you have made a reservation, pick up your ticket at the designated ticket office by the day of your departure. If you are receiving a paper ticket, it is best to pick it up with plenty of time to spare, rather than right before departure. Tickets cannot be reissued if lost or damaged, so please keep them safe during your journey.

Can IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payments Be Used?

You can use transportation IC cards such as ICOCA and PiTaPa on the Nankai Line. However, you will need to purchase a separate ticket for seats and limited express fares for the "GRAN TENKU" train. If your purchase plan includes the base fare, please make sure you do not pay the fare for the same section twice using your IC card.

Nankai Electric Railway accepts contactless payments such as credit cards at some stations, but this only applies to the base fare portion of the ticket. Reservations and purchases for limited express trains and reserved seats must be made separately.

Seating Information for the Sightseeing Limited Express "GRAN TENKU"

Seat Types

The "GRAN TENKU" offers several seating options, including Relax Seats and Wide View Seats. Since seating arrangements, capacity, fares, and ticket sales methods vary, choose the option that best suits the number of people traveling with you and your preferred travel style.

Distinctive Seating

If you prioritize the view from the window, choose a Wide View type seat; if you want to relax comfortably, choose a reclining seat type. Please check the official seating chart for details on the features of each seat. Group seating may have different fare conditions depending on the number of people.

Large Luggage Storage

Space for large luggage is limited. Large items will need to be placed in the space at your feet.

Barrier-Free Facilities

There may be steps on the Observation Deck. If you are using a wheelchair, it is recommended to contact Nankai Electric Railway in advance. Multi-purpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the train car and train set.

 

 

In-train Dining on the Sightseeing Limited Express "GRAN TENKU"

On the "GRAN TENKU" train, you can enjoy meals and in-car services tailored to the train's concept. The services offered and reservation requirements vary depending on the plan and operating day, so please check when purchasing your ticket. In Koyasan, you can also enjoy local specialties such as vegetarian cuisine and sesame tofu.

Important Notes When Riding the Sightseeing Limited Express "GRAN TENKU"

All seats on the "GRAN TENKU" are reserved. Please check the operating days, seat type, and the sections included in the fare when making your reservation. You will transfer to the Koyasan Cable Car from Gokurakubashi Station to Koyasan Station. If you have large luggage, please check the onboard facilities and storage areas in advance and make sure not to block the aisle.

On the Observation Deck, please do not lean over the railings for safety reasons. Before boarding, checking the train status on Ekitan or similar sites will allow you to calmly deal with delays or cancellations.

Summary

The "GRAN TENKU" is a Sightseeing Limited Express operated by Nankai Electric Railway, connecting Namba Station and Gokurakubashi Station. Enjoy the changing scenery from the urban area to the foot of Mount Koya during the approximately 1 hour and 30 minute journey. There are multiple seat types and fare plans, so please check the operating days, seat availability, and included fares on the official reservation screen and purchase your tickets early.

Transfer to the Koyasan Cable Car at Gokurakubashi Station and head to Koyasan, a World Heritage Site.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors to Japan.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.