Gran Tenku Review & Booking Guide (2026) | Train to Mt Koya
The Gran Tenku is a premium sightseeing train operated by Nankai Electric Railway, running between Osaka Namba Station and Gokurakubashi Station, and then onto Koyasan via Cable Car. Launched in April 2026, it offers a more luxurious and scenic alternative to the standard train to Mt Koya, with elegant interiors, multiple seating classes, and panoramic views along the journey.
If you're looking for how to ride the Gran Tenku or how to book the Gran Tenku, this guide covers everything you need to know, including ticket prices, timetables, seat classes, and booking tips. With tickets often selling out soon after release, planning ahead is essential if you want to experience one of Japan's best trains.
Gran Tenku Train at Kudoyama Station
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Gran Tenku Quick Facts (2026)
Route: Osaka Namba Station → Gokurakubashi Station
Destination: Koyasan (Mt Koya)
Operator: Nankai Electric Railway
Journey time: Approximately 90 minutes
Best for: Travellers visiting Mt Koya from Osaka
Reservation: Required, fares from 1,700 yen
Ticket booking: Online or at Nankai stations
What is the Gran Tenku
On a recent trip to Osaka, I took a day trip to the UNESCO site of Mt Koya. Part of that journey was taken on the Gran Tenku train from Osaka Namba Station to Gokurakubashi Station. Having started service on April 24th 2026, it is one of Japan’s newest services and is aimed at tourists wanting to escape the bustle of Osaka and find peace in Koyasan; it’s the perfect day trip from Osaka.
Mt Koya in Winter (Samuel Berner)
How to Book the Gran Tenku
Booking is done directly through the Gran Tenku website or at a local station, which is operated by Nankai Electric Railway. I recommend booking online as soon as possible, as tickets sell out fast.
Fares can vary depending on the stations you choose or the class you travel in; I have included one-way fares from Namba to Mt Koya for 1 adult.
Rest and Relax Seat: 1,700 yen
Scenic View Seat: 1,700 yen
Grand Seat: 5,510 - 13,430 yen (varies depending on meal inclusion)
Grand Seat Plus: 6,260 - 14,180 yen (varies depending on meal inclusion)
For the Rest and Relax Seat and Scenic View Seat, the ticket only includes the limited express fare + Seat reservation; a separate fare ticket is needed. This can be paid with your IC card (Suica, Pasmo, etc) or by purchasing a paper ticket at the station or onboard. The fare price is 1,430 yen.
For Grand Seat or Grand Seat Plus, your ticket includes your limited express fare + seat reservation + fare ticket.
When booking the 9 AM departure, I found that Scenic View and Grand seats were sold out almost instantly, so I settled for Rest and Relax; I still had a wonderful time.
The official website is here.
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Departure sign at Osaka Namba Station
Why Can't I Book the Gran Tenku?
When purchasing from abroad, you may face issues when trying to purchase your ticket. Here are some of my recommendations.
Book for a weekday and avoid the Holidays.
Know when tickets go on sale. Rest and relax, and Scenic View tickets are released 30 days before your travel date (including the day of travel), while Grand Seat and Grand Seat Plus are released 40 days before.
Change your device's time zone to Japan Standard Time. When booking, I found that the date I wanted to travel was blocked, but when I changed my time zone, it became unblocked.
Train Schedule
If you are taking the Gran Tenku, there are 2 daily departures from Nankai Namba Station to Gokurakubashi Station; from Gokurakubashi, you ride the cable car up to Koyasan Station.
The departure times from Namba are as follows:
Gran Tenku No.1: 9:00 AM
Gran Tenku No.3: 12:45 PM
The return journeys from Gokurakubashi are as follows:
Gran Tenku No.2: 10:46 AM (10:47 AM on weekends & Holidays)
Gran Tenku No.4: 14:58 PM
The Gran Tenku departs daily except Wednesdays and the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of every month.
While the most common journey is from Namba Station to Gokurakubashi, you can also depart from or arrive at the following stations: Shin-Imamiya, Tengachaya, Sakaihigashi, Kongo, Kawachinagano, Rinkan-den-en-toshi, Hashimoto or Kudoyama.
Times are correct as of publishing
The Experience + Travel Classes
Departure from Namba Station is done at platform 0; this is an exclusive platform for the Gran Tenku. The atmosphere at the platform is lively, with passengers taking photos with the decorated train to celebrate the trip.
While onboard, there are 3 travel classes, as well as a standing bar area; classical music plays throughout the train for the journey. The journey is smooth and fast, with the train taking 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Gokurakubashi; there is also an included photo stop at Kudoyama station just before arrival.
Upon arrival at Gokurakubashi, you then take the Cable car up to Koyasan Station; this is themed similarly to the Gran Tenku and includes some amazing views as you reach the summit.
The train is split into 4 cars, which include the 3 types of seats;
Car 1: Rest and Relax seat, forward-facing reclinable seating
Car 2: Scenic view Seat, fixed seating with one side parallel to the window while the other is 2-person table seats.
Car 3: Standing Bar
Car 4: Grand seat and Grand Seat Plus, comfortable window-facing loungers with added benefits.
I rode in Car 1’s rest and relax seat as that is what was available at the time of booking. It was a comfortable and elegant way to start my trip. The seat itself was similar to a Shinkansen seat; it reclined and had great legroom. Upon departure, every passenger received a moist towel.
Service in Car 2 and Car 1 is the same; the only difference is the seat.
On the other hand, Car 4’s Grand seat and Grand seat plus are the best way to travel; this undoubtedly sells out fast, and I did not see any available when booking. Inclusions with a Grand seat and Grand seat plus can vary depending on what ticket you choose, but can include breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea as well as one drink
Gran Tenku Scenic View Seat
Best Time to Visit Mt Koya
While Mt Koya can be enjoyed year-round, there are some seasons which are better than others.
Winter:
Weather can often be snowy and below freezing; this can make getting there tricky. However, expect the lowest crowds and picture-perfect snow-covered temples.
Spring:
The peak time, particularly around Golden Week (last week of April) and Cherry Blossom Season; expect Mild weather and nature in bloom.
Summer:
Due to the elevation, Mt Koya is substantially cooler than Osaka; this makes it perfect if you are visiting Osaka in Summer and want to avoid the humid heat. I visited in late June and found it to be quiet and the weather pleasant.
Autumn:
Perfect for spotting Fall Foliage; expect busy crowds, especially on weekends.
Visiting Mt Koya and Beyond
My visit to Mt Koya was one of my highlights of this recent trip to Japan. The main draw is to see the Okuno-in Cemetery, visit the numerous temples, and, if you have time, stay overnight at a temple with monks.
You can read more about Mt Koya, including how to get around, travel passes, dining, as well as unique accommodations here.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Gran Tenku tickets can be booked through the official Nankai Electric Railway website or at selected stations in Japan. As tickets often sell out quickly, especially for weekends and Grand Seat classes, it's best to book as soon as reservations open.
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If you can't book the Gran Tenku, tickets may not have been released yet or your preferred departure may already be sold out. Standard seats are released 30 days before travel, while Grand Seat and Grand Seat Plus tickets are released 40 days in advance.
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Prices vary depending on your seat class. Rest and Relax and Scenic View seats cost 1,700 yen plus the regular train fare, while Grand Seat and Grand Seat Plus prices vary depending on whether meals are included.
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No. The Gran Tenku is operated by Nankai Electric Railway, so it is not included in the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass).
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The Grand Seat and Grand Seat Plus offer the most luxurious experience, with larger seats and optional meal packages. The Rest and Relax and Scenic View seats are more affordable while still providing a comfortable journey.
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The journey from Osaka Namba Station to Gokurakubashi Station takes approximately 90 minutes. From there, you'll transfer to the Koyasan Cable Car to reach Koyasan Station.
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The Gran Tenku operates daily except Wednesdays and the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Timetables may change, so check the official website before travelling.
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If you're planning to visit Koyasan, the Gran Tenku offers a unique sightseeing experience that's much more than just transportation. With comfortable seating, mountain scenery, and exclusive interiors, it's a memorable way to travel from Osaka to Mt Koya.
Continue Planning Your Japan Trip
Looking for more cultural destinations in Japan? Explore my Yamadera travel guide.
Planning a multi-city Japan itinerary? Add Kanazawa with my complete Kanazawa 3-day trip plan.
About the author
Having previously lived in Japan, I visited Osaka, Japan, in June 2026 during a month-long trip and personally travelled on the Gran Tenku from Osaka Namba to Gokurakubashi and onto Koyasan. This guide is based on my own experience, including booking, seating, and the journey to Mt Koya.