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Nankai Electric Railway will begin operating a new sightseeing train connecting Namba and Koyasan from April 24th.
On the 9th, the full details were unveiled to the press. The sightseeing train “GRAN Tenku,” which will begin operation on April 24th, appeared on the newly constructed Platform 0 at Nankai Namba Station. Characterized by its deep crimson body, it will connect Namba to Gokurakubashi, the entrance to Koyasan, in about an hour and a half. Monks from Koyasan prayed for safe operation.
Tomoshi Kajitani, President of Nankai Electric Railway, said, “We aim for passengers to enjoy the journey to Koyasan not merely as a means to an end, but as a time when the journey itself is the purpose, and we want to cherish heartfelt hospitality.” The train consists of four cars, all seats reserved. Car 1 has spacious relaxation seats. Car 2 has wide-view seats facing the windows. Car 3 is a lobby lounge where drinks and other items are sold. And now, in car number 4…
Report by reporter Sasuke Yamaguchi: “The sofa seats, limited to 16 seats, are incredibly comfortable, and what’s more, you can also enjoy a meal there.” Depending on the time of day, breakfast and afternoon tea using local ingredients from southern Osaka to Wakayama will be served in the sofa seats. This is the first time in about 100 years that Nankai Electric Railway has offered meals on board its trains.
About 120 years ago, during the Meiji and Taisho eras, dining cars were popular. However, as there was a need to strengthen transportation capacity, dining cars were deemed to limit speed and the number of passengers, and operations were discontinued in 1929. The reason for reviving the “dining car” after nearly 100 years is to encourage people to make the act of riding the train itself the purpose of the journey.
Tomoshi Kajitani, President of Nankai Electric Railway: “We hope that passengers will enjoy the scenery on the way to Koyasan and the food at the same time, and feel the charm of train travel even more.” A special 90 minutes connecting Osaka and Wakayama. Private railway companies in the Kansai region are fiercely competing to develop new services.
Nankai Electric Railway has unveiled its new sightseeing train, “GRAN Tenku.” Connecting Namba in Osaka to Gokurakubashi in Wakayama, it will elevate your journey to Koyasan. The uniforms, designed by Junko Koshino, a designer from Kishiwada, are also noteworthy. With 70 seats in total across 4 cars, including relaxation seats, lounges, and grand seats, it will offer a special railway experience. General service will start on the 24th of this month.
