Sightseeing trains in Kansai offer some of the region’s most memorable rail experiences, from scenic mountain routes to elegant limited express trains linking Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and beyond.
From a classic trolley train through Kyoto’s Hozu River Gorge to elegant limited expresses linking Osaka, Nara and Kyoto, luxury journeys toward Ise-Shima and a brand-new sightseeing train to Mount Koya, these trains turn transportation into part of the trip itself.
5 Kansai Sightseeing Trains at a Glance
Sagano Romantic Train → AONIYOSHI → Shimakaze → GRAN TENKU → Tango AKAMATSU / KUROMATSU / AOMATSU
Some focus on scenery, others on luxury interiors, food or Japanese culture. Most require advance planning because operating days and reservation rules differ significantly.
Kansai Sightseeing Trains at a Glance
| Train | Main Route | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sagano Romantic Train | Arashiyama / Saga ↔ Kameoka | Hozu River Gorge and seasonal scenery |
| AONIYOSHI | Osaka ↔ Nara ↔ Kyoto | Elegant interiors and historic Kansai cities |
| Shimakaze | Osaka / Kyoto / Nagoya ↔ Ise-Shima | Luxury seating and Ise-Shima travel |
| GRAN TENKU | Namba ↔ Gokurakubashi | Mount Koya, mountain scenery and premium travel |
| Tango Sightseeing Trains | Northern Kyoto / Tango region | Coastal scenery, food and rural Japan |
Reservations Matter
These trains do not all work like ordinary local services. Some have reserved seating only, some operate on selected days, and premium or dining experiences may require separate bookings.
Check the official operating calendar before arranging hotels or other reservations around a sightseeing train.
Important 2026 Sightseeing Train Update
The Hello Kitty Shinkansen Has Retired
Older Kansai sightseeing-train guides may still recommend the Hello Kitty Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Hakata.
That train completed its final scheduled service on May 17, 2026 and can no longer be ridden.
New for 2026: GRAN TENKU
Nankai Railway’s new GRAN TENKU sightseeing train began operating on April 24, 2026 between Namba and Gokurakubashi, the railway gateway toward Mount Koya.
The approximately 90-minute journey combines scenic-view seating, premium seating, food and onboard hospitality, making it one of the newest sightseeing-train experiences in Kansai.
1. Sagano Romantic Train — Hozu River Gorge from Arashiyama
The Sagano Romantic Train is one of Kyoto’s most popular scenic railway experiences. The small sightseeing train follows the Hozu River Gorge between Saga-Arashiyama and Kameoka, passing through tunnels, forested valleys and dramatic river scenery.
The journey works particularly well as part of an Arashiyama sightseeing day rather than as a completely separate excursion from Kyoto.
Why Ride the Sagano Romantic Train?
- Beautiful views of the Hozu River Gorge
- Easy to combine with Arashiyama sightseeing
- Cherry blossoms and fresh greenery in spring
- Lush mountain scenery in summer
- Excellent autumn foliage
- A classic trolley-train atmosphere
Best Seasons
Spring and autumn are the most popular periods, but the route is scenic throughout the operating season.
Autumn foliage dates vary from year to year, so avoid planning your trip around one exact peak date far in advance.
How to Ride the Sagano Romantic Train
Torokko Saga Station
Torokko Saga Station is beside the JR Saga-Arashiyama area and is the easiest starting point for many visitors coming from central Kyoto.
You can also board at Torokko Arashiyama Station after exploring the Arashiyama area.
Typical Route
A common itinerary is:
Kyoto → Saga-Arashiyama → explore Arashiyama → Sagano Romantic Train → Torokko Kameoka → return toward Kyoto
You can also ride the train in the opposite direction.
Japan Rail Pass Is Not Valid on the Trolley Train
The Sagano Scenic Railway is a separate sightseeing railway, so the nationwide Japan Rail Pass does not cover the Romantic Train itself.
A JR Pass may still cover eligible JR travel between Kyoto and the Saga-Arashiyama area.
Sagano Romantic Train Tickets and Reservations
Book Ahead During Busy Seasons
Individual tickets can currently be purchased online beginning at midnight Japan time one month before the travel date.
Same-day tickets are also sold at Torokko Saga, Torokko Arashiyama and Torokko Kameoka stations when space remains.
Online Sold Out Doesn’t Always Mean Completely Sold Out
The railway may still release a limited number of same-day tickets at station counters even when online inventory has sold out.
However, relying on same-day availability is risky during cherry blossom season, autumn foliage and busy weekends.
One-Way Tickets
The railway does not sell a special round-trip ticket. If you want to ride in both directions, purchase the two one-way journeys separately.
2. AONIYOSHI — A Stylish Journey Between Osaka, Nara and Kyoto
AONIYOSHI is a luxury sightseeing limited express operated by Kintetsu Railway between Osaka, Nara and Kyoto.
Rather than being a sightseeing train built around dramatic mountain scenery, AONIYOSHI turns an ordinary journey between three historic Kansai cities into a more comfortable and distinctive rail experience.
Why Ride AONIYOSHI?
- Direct sightseeing-train links between Osaka, Nara and Kyoto
- Elegant interiors inspired by ancient Nara
- Spacious Twin Seats
- Salon seating for small groups
- Onboard food, sweets and drinks
- Easy to incorporate into a normal Kansai itinerary
Best Way to Use It
AONIYOSHI works especially well when you are already moving between Osaka, Nara and Kyoto.
Rather than making a special round trip solely for the train, use it to turn one of your existing intercity journeys into a sightseeing-train experience.
AONIYOSHI Seats and Current Fares
Twin Seats
Cars 1, 3 and 4 feature spacious Twin Seats arranged in a 1+1 layout. They are primarily designed for two people traveling together.
Solo travelers can use a Twin Seat, but must pay additional limited express and special-car charges for the unused seat.
Salon Seats
Salon seating is designed for groups of three or four travelers and is a particularly attractive option for families or friends traveling together.
| Journey | Adult Fare* |
|---|---|
| Osaka-Namba ↔ Kyoto | ¥2,270 |
| Osaka-Namba ↔ Kintetsu-Nara | ¥1,410 |
| Kintetsu-Nara ↔ Kyoto | ¥1,490 |
How to Reserve AONIYOSHI
Advance Reservation Required
AONIYOSHI requires the appropriate basic fare, limited express ticket and special-car ticket.
Reservations can be made through Kintetsu’s online reservation service, at participating Kintetsu station counters or through travel agencies.
Japan Rail Pass Is Not Valid
AONIYOSHI is operated by Kintetsu Railway rather than JR, so the nationwide Japan Rail Pass does not cover the journey.
Do not let that discourage you from riding it. Because the journeys between Osaka, Nara and Kyoto are relatively short, the train can be a worthwhile experience even when paying separately.
Check the Operating Day
AONIYOSHI does not operate every day and currently generally has no scheduled service on Thursdays.
Check the official Kintetsu timetable before arranging your Kansai itinerary around the train.
3. Shimakaze — Premium Sightseeing Train to Ise-Shima
Shimakaze is Kintetsu Railway’s premium sightseeing limited express, linking Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya with the Ise-Shima region.
It is designed to make the journey itself part of the experience, with spacious premium seating, private rooms, panoramic views and a dedicated café car serving meals, drinks and regional specialties.
Why Ride Shimakaze?
- Direct premium train from Osaka or Kyoto to Ise-Shima
- Spacious premium seating
- Japanese-style and Western-style private rooms
- Two-level café car
- Regional food, sweets, beer, wine and sake onboard
- Easy way to turn an Ise-Shima trip into a rail experience
Best for an Overnight Ise-Shima Trip
Shimakaze is most worthwhile when you are already planning to visit Ise Jingu, Toba, Shima or Kashikojima.
Rather than making a special round trip just for the train, use Shimakaze as your transportation to or from Ise-Shima.
Shimakaze Routes and Current Fares
| Route | Adult Fare to Kashikojima | Typical Non-Service Day |
|---|---|---|
| Osaka-Namba → Kashikojima | ¥5,460 | Tuesday |
| Kyoto → Kashikojima | ¥6,150 | Wednesday |
| Kintetsu-Nagoya → Kashikojima | ¥5,060 | Thursday |
The fares above include the basic fare, limited express charge and the additional Shimakaze premium charge.
Check the Operating Calendar
The three Shimakaze routes generally have different weekly non-service days, and schedules can also change for maintenance or special operating periods.
Check the official Kintetsu schedule before building an itinerary around a specific departure.
Shimakaze Onboard Experience
Café Car
Shimakaze includes a two-level café car where passengers can enjoy changing scenery while ordering meals, snacks and drinks.
Current onboard offerings include dishes using regional ingredients, sweets, local beer, wine, sake and juices.
Private Rooms
Japanese-style and Western-style private rooms are available for groups of three or four on eligible route sections.
A separate private-room charge currently applies in addition to the normal Shimakaze fare.
Reservations
Limited express tickets can be reserved online or purchased at major Kintetsu station ticket counters.
Popular seats and private rooms can sell out, so advance reservation is strongly recommended.
Japan Rail Pass Is Not Valid
Shimakaze is operated by Kintetsu Railway, not JR, so the nationwide Japan Rail Pass does not cover the train.
Kintetsu rail passes can cover the basic fare on eligible journeys, but the limited express and Shimakaze premium charges still need to be paid separately.
4. GRAN TENKU — New 2026 Sightseeing Train to Mount Koya
GRAN TENKU is Nankai Railway’s new sightseeing train between Osaka-Namba and Gokurakubashi, the railway gateway to Mount Koya.
Introduced in April 2026, the train combines mountain scenery, premium seating, local design elements and onboard food and hospitality during the approximately 90-minute journey.
Why Ride GRAN TENKU?
- Brand-new sightseeing train introduced in 2026
- Direct ride from Namba toward Mount Koya
- Mountain scenery along the Nankai Koya Line
- Scenic-view seating
- Premium sofa seating with food options
- Lobby lounge selling snacks and original goods
- Easy to combine with a Koyasan overnight stay
Important: The Train Does Not Reach Koyasan Station
GRAN TENKU runs to Gokurakubashi Station. From there, passengers transfer to the Nankai cable car for the final climb to Koyasan Station.
GRAN TENKU Seat Types
Rest & Relax Seat — Car 1
Car 1 has 24 reclining seats designed for a comfortable conventional limited-express experience.
Scenic View Seat — Car 2
Car 2 has 30 seats arranged to make it easier to enjoy the mountain scenery along the route.
Lobby Lounge — Car 3
The lobby lounge sells original GRAN TENKU merchandise and light refreshments and can be used by passengers throughout the train.
Grand Seat & Grand Seat Plus — Car 4
Car 4 contains just 16 seats in sofa-style arrangements designed for dining and a more premium journey.
Grand Seat and Grand Seat Plus are four-person sofa sections and are available for groups of two or more.
GRAN TENKU Schedule and Reservations
Operating Days
GRAN TENKU currently operates daily except Wednesdays and the second and fourth Thursdays of each month, with adjustments when those dates fall on public holidays.
Advance Reservations
All seats are reserved.
Standard reservations generally open at midnight Japan time 30 days before the travel date. Certain Grand Seat bookings open 40 days before departure.
Fares
For Rest & Relax and Scenic View seats, passengers need both the normal Nankai fare and the GRAN TENKU limited express ticket.
As a reference, the current regular one-way fare between Namba and Koyasan is ¥1,430 before the sightseeing-train limited express charge is added.
Grand Seat packages use a different pricing structure and can include rail travel, premium seating, meals and drinks.
Book Online If GRAN TENKU Is a Priority
Because the train has relatively few seats, especially in the premium car, it is better to reserve online rather than relying on same-day availability.
Japan Rail Pass Is Not Valid
GRAN TENKU is operated by Nankai Electric Railway rather than JR, so the nationwide Japan Rail Pass does not cover this journey.
5. Tango Sightseeing Trains — Coastal Kyoto by Rail
Northern Kyoto has its own family of sightseeing trains operated by Kyoto Tango Railway: the red AKAMATSU, blue AOMATSU and black KUROMATSU.
These trains explore the coastal and rural landscapes around Amanohashidate, Miyazu, Maizuru and the wider Tango region — an area of Kyoto Prefecture that feels completely different from central Kyoto.
Why Ride the Tango Sightseeing Trains?
- Beautiful coastal scenery in northern Kyoto
- Views around the Yura River Bridge and Nagu Coast on selected trains
- Distinctive interiors designed by Eiji Mitooka
- Easy to combine with Amanohashidate
- Options ranging from an ordinary-fare train to a dining experience
- A good way to explore a less-visited part of Kansai
Three Trains, Three Different Experiences
AOMATSU is the easiest and least expensive option, AKAMATSU provides a dedicated sightseeing experience, and KUROMATSU is the premium restaurant train.
AKAMATSU — Best Affordable Sightseeing Experience
AKAMATSU is a dedicated sightseeing train linking Nishi-Maizuru with Amanohashidate.
Its warm wood interior includes sofas, counter seats and group seating designed to make it easier to enjoy the scenery rather than simply travel from A to B.
Particularly attractive sections include the coastal scenery around Nagu and the Yura River Bridge, where the train appears to travel directly across the water.
Current Fare and Reservation
You need the normal Kyoto Tango Railway fare plus a ¥800 boarding ticket.
The boarding ticket can currently be reserved online through the official WILLER booking system.
Seating is capacity-controlled but not individually assigned, so passengers choose available seats after boarding.
Best Combination
AKAMATSU works especially well as part of an Amanohashidate trip. Rather than riding out and immediately returning, consider using it for one direction while exploring northern Kyoto.
AOMATSU — Best Budget Option
AOMATSU is the easiest of the three Tango sightseeing trains to ride. It operates as an ordinary service, so you do not need a special sightseeing-train reservation.
Simply pay the normal railway fare and board the applicable AOMATSU service.
Onboard Experience
The interior features sofas, counter seating and decorative displays, creating a much more distinctive atmosphere than an ordinary local train.
On selected services, a train attendant provides sightseeing information and onboard sales. However, attendant service is not guaranteed on every AOMATSU journey.
Best for Flexible Travelers
If you want to experience a Japanese sightseeing train without paying a large supplement or arranging a difficult reservation, AOMATSU is one of the easiest options in this entire guide.
KUROMATSU — Best Dining Train Experience
KUROMATSU is Kyoto Tango Railway’s restaurant train and the most luxurious option in the Tango sightseeing-train family.
Rather than simply purchasing a train ticket, passengers book a specific dining course combining the rail journey with meals based on regional ingredients.
Seasonal Dining Courses
KUROMATSU courses change during the year, so the exact route, menu, operating time and price should always be checked before booking.
Current 2026 programs include morning, lunch and regional seafood experiences, with routes linking places such as Fukuchiyama, Amanohashidate and Nishi-Maizuru.
More Than Transportation
KUROMATSU is best treated as a dining experience rather than simply a way to get from one station to another.
Some courses slow down at the Yura River Bridge or stop beside the scenic Nagu Coast, allowing passengers more time to enjoy northern Kyoto’s landscape.
Reservations
Advance reservations are required and are made through the official Kyoto Tango Railway / WILLER booking system.
Popular operating dates have limited capacity, so book early if the dining train is an important part of your itinerary.
Which Kansai Sightseeing Train Should You Choose?
| Train | Best For | Planning Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Sagano Romantic Train | Kyoto scenery and first-time visitors | Easy–Moderate |
| AONIYOSHI | Osaka, Nara and Kyoto sightseeing | Easy |
| Shimakaze | Luxury train travel and Ise-Shima | Moderate |
| GRAN TENKU | Mount Koya and a new premium experience | Moderate |
| Tango Sightseeing Trains | Amanohashidate, coastal scenery and food | Easy–Advanced depending on train |
Our Picks
For a first sightseeing train from Kyoto, choose the Sagano Romantic Train.
For luxury, choose Shimakaze.
For Mount Koya, GRAN TENKU is the standout new option.
For coastal scenery and a less-touristed side of Kyoto, head north for the Tango sightseeing trains.
How to Book These Sightseeing Trains
| Train | How to Reserve |
|---|---|
| Sagano Romantic Train | Official online booking or station ticket counter. Advance online sales currently begin one month before travel. |
| AONIYOSHI | Kintetsu online reservation service, Kintetsu station counters or participating travel agencies. |
| Shimakaze | Kintetsu online reservation service or Kintetsu ticket counter. Book early for premium seats and private rooms. |
| GRAN TENKU | Nankai’s official reservation system. Standard seats currently open 30 days ahead, while certain Grand Seat bookings open earlier. |
| AKAMATSU | Reserve the ¥800 boarding ticket online through WILLER, plus pay the normal railway fare. |
| AOMATSU | No advance reservation required. Pay the normal fare. |
| KUROMATSU | Reserve the complete dining course in advance through the official WILLER booking system. |
Book the Train Before Building the Day Around It
If a sightseeing train is one of the highlights of your trip, secure the reservation first and then arrange the rest of that day’s itinerary.
Operating days can be limited, and the most desirable seats may sell out well before ordinary transportation does.
Does the Japan Rail Pass Cover These Sightseeing Trains?
| Train | Operator | JR Pass? |
|---|---|---|
| Sagano Romantic Train | Sagano Scenic Railway | No |
| AONIYOSHI | Kintetsu Railway | No |
| Shimakaze | Kintetsu Railway | No |
| GRAN TENKU | Nankai Railway | No |
| Tango Sightseeing Trains | Kyoto Tango Railway | No on Kyoto Tango Railway sections |
Your JR Pass Can Still Help You Get There
Although these sightseeing trains themselves are operated by non-JR railways, a JR Pass may cover eligible JR journeys used to reach their starting points.
For example, eligible JR travel can take you from Kyoto to Saga-Arashiyama before riding the Sagano Romantic Train.
Kansai Sightseeing Train FAQ
What is the best sightseeing train near Kyoto?
The Sagano Romantic Train is the easiest choice for most first-time visitors because it can be combined naturally with an Arashiyama sightseeing day.
Which Kansai sightseeing train is the most luxurious?
Shimakaze is our pick for a premium conventional train journey, while KUROMATSU is the stronger choice if your priority is an onboard dining experience.
Which sightseeing train is best for Mount Koya?
GRAN TENKU is the new premium sightseeing train from Namba to Gokurakubashi. From Gokurakubashi, transfer to the cable car for the final journey to Koyasan.
Can I ride a sightseeing train to Amanohashidate?
Yes. AKAMATSU connects Nishi-Maizuru and Amanohashidate, while KUROMATSU also uses Amanohashidate on selected seasonal dining courses.
Do I need to reserve sightseeing trains in advance?
Usually, yes. Sagano Romantic Train, AONIYOSHI, Shimakaze, GRAN TENKU, AKAMATSU and KUROMATSU all benefit from advance booking.
AOMATSU is the main exception because it can currently be ridden with the normal fare without an advance reservation.
Which train is best during autumn?
The Sagano Romantic Train is particularly popular for autumn foliage through the Hozu River Gorge. Because peak foliage dates vary each year, check current seasonal conditions rather than relying on a fixed date.
Does the Hello Kitty Shinkansen still operate?
No. The Hello Kitty Shinkansen completed its final scheduled service on May 17, 2026, so older guides recommending it are now out of date.
Before You Buy a JR Pass
Compare the cost of your planned train journeys with the current JR Pass price. Depending on your route, individual tickets or a regional pass may offer better value.
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About Train Travel Japan
Train Travel Japan is written from firsthand experience traveling throughout Japan by rail. I am a Japanese native based in Canada and have traveled to all 47 prefectures of Japan over more than 30 years.
My goal is to make Japan train travel easier to understand, especially for international visitors planning JR Pass trips, regional rail journeys and independent itineraries.