A new way to reach the base of the UNESCO-listed area has been revealed.
The country widely regarded as one of – if not the – best in the world for train transport, has once again unveiled plans to improve its offerings. From April this year, the Gran Tenku train is set to take visitors from buzzy Osaka to the base of the sacred Mount Kōya area, offering a luxury experience to one of the most sacred areas of Japan.
The latest project from Nankai Electric Railway will be a premium sightseeing experience, taking 90 minutes between Osaka’s Namba Station and Gokurakubashi Station.
What to expect on the Gran Tenku journey
Buzzy Osaka is famous for its street food and casual dining. (Image: Getty/ Mlenny)
Travellers will experience the unique transition from the urban energy of Osaka to the mountainous tranquillity of Mount Kōya, passing through dense residential neighbourhoods, 24 tunnels, Kii River, traditional villages and cedar-filled forests.
The four-carriage locomotive is swathed in dark red with gold ornamentation and seats just 70 guests. Each of the luxurious carriages (the interiors of which are yet to be revealed) will offer something different, from reclined seats positioned to maximise the views through large windows to a lobby lounge area that will offer seasonal light snacks and coffee for guests to purchase.
Upon arrival at the base of the mountain, passengers can then transfer to the Nankai Cable Line funicular for the final ascent to Mount Kōya.
Where is Mount Kōya?
Mount Kōya was founded in 816 by the monk Kobo Daishi. (Image: Getty/Imre Cikajlo)
Mount Kōya (Koyasan) is a sacred mountain town located in the Wakayama Prefecture of Japan, south of Osaka and east of Nara. Famed as the 1,200-year-old headquarters of Shingon Buddhism, the 800-metre-high mountain is home to over 100 Buddhist temples and ancient forests. Visitors can stay in overnight temple lodgings (shukubo) – such as Rengejoin Temple and Ekoin Temple – and enjoy vegetarian dishes prepared by monks and morning prayers. A visit to Japan’s largest cemetery, Okunoin, is a must.
When will the train start operating?
The Gran Tenku will begin operation from April 24, 2026, with bookings opening March 24.
Details
The most beautiful time to visit the town is in autumn. (Image: Getty/Rui T Guedes)
Journey: Osaka’s Namba Station to Gokurakubashi Station. Note that guests will need to purchase a separate ticket for the Nankai Cable Line funicular.
Service launch date: 24 April, 2026
Ticket pricing: Available from 25 March, 2026
Length of journey: 90 minutes/20 kilometres
Capacity: 70 people
Frequency: Tworound-trips daily (except Wednesdays and certain Thursdays). Namba Station: 9am and 12:45pm. Gokurakubashi: 10:46am and 2:58pm.
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Rachael Thompson is a freelance travel journalist, editor and hotel addict based in the UK. She was formerly International Traveller's Evergreen Editor and was responsible for the foundational content ahead of its website relaunch, as well as managing and growing the brand’s destination guides. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to creating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love and Bed Threads. Next on her travel wish list is Malta.
Iconic destinations, unforgettable adventures and thrilling onboard adventures; say hello to your next Asia holiday with Royal Caribbean.
When you want to explore the gleaming skyscrapers of Shanghai and the bars of Singapore, but also embrace centuries-old traditions in Japan before traipsing through the lush jungles of Malaysia, a conundrum presents itself: how do you do it all seamlessly without the stress of flying (or repacking)? Enter, Royal Caribbean.
With a brand designed around maximising your holiday time, sip cocktails by the pool or watch Broadway-style performances on board as the ship glides effortlessly from one atmospheric port to the next.
Now that you have Asia at your fingertips with minimal effort, the big question is: which all-inclusive experience (and itinerary) is best for you?
Japan
The itinerary
Prepare for a show, on and off the ship.
The Land of the Rising Sun has never been hotter, and Royal Caribbean has a vast array of unforgettable Japanese itineraries – these range from eight-night adventures to 14-night holidays circumnavigating the country’s islands.
The eight-night Best of Japan sailing is memory-making perfection, kicking off in Shanghai (Baoshan) on 24 October 2026. Stop at fascinating ports to soak in the sweeping landscapes and seascapes of Saikaiminato, Kyoto, Niigata and Hakodate while enjoying incredible dining and adventurous activities onboard Spectrum of the Seas®. Complete your journey back in Shanghai, ‘the Paris of the East’.
Port highlights
See iconic vistas of Japan.
Off the ship, hike the dramatic volcanic peaks of Sakaiminato’s Daisen-Oki National Park, explore the iconic temples of Kyoto, enjoy traditionally brewed sake made in Niigata (the birthplace of many quality sake brands), and taste local flavours at Kanemore Red Brick Warehouse, a premier dining and shopping district in Hakodate.
Don’t miss Royal Caribbean’s Amanohashidate Highlights shore excursion in Kyoto, an exhilarating experience that features a cable car ride up to Kasamatsu Park and includes a visit to Nariaiji Temple, a hillside Buddhist site.
The ship
Step on board Spectrum of the Seas®.
Aboard Spectrum of the Seas®, days at sea are just as action-packed as those on land. Here, 17 dining venues, along with eight bars and lounges, take guests on the ultimate global dining tour. Stop into Sichuan Red, designed specially for this ship, where you can savour a rich tapestry of authentic spices and Asian-influenced flavours. Start with the chef-recommended royal sea cucumber, then move on to a hot and savoury bowl of mapo tofu simmered in a traditional spicy sauce, or authentic pickled radish and duck soup.
Fancy a little post-dinner entertainment? Talk salsa lessons, or book front row seats to Showgirl, a multisensory spectacular that pays homage to the ultimate siren of the stage. You can also take a visual journey into the exotic cultures of the Far East with The Silk Road at Two70®.
Kids (and kidults), as always, are well-catered for, with aqua park Splashaway Bay℠ and the largest indoor active space at sea, SeaPlex®, which offers everything from laser tag to bumper cars. Those looking to relax can find peace in the adults-only solarium, as well as a wealth of treatments at Vitality℠ Spa.
Thailand and Malaysia
The itinerary
Sit down to hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki℠.
Royal Caribbean’s Southeast Asia sailings deliver the perfect fusion of culture, cuisine and coastlines, and the four-night Penang & Phuket cruise is proof that short escapes can still feel spectacularly rich.
Kick off with Royal Caribbean’s iconic Sail Away Party as Ovation of the Seas® departs from Singapore on 27 February 2026. The itinerary then weaves through two of the region’s most mesmerising destinations: Malaysia’s melting pot of cultures in Penang and Thailand’s sun-soaked island of Phuket.
Each port stop is layered with history, flavour and natural beauty, while each moment spent onboard Ovation of the Seas® is filled with fun and excitement.
Port highlights
Zoom around the ‘James Bond Island’.
In Penang’s George Town, a maze of heritage architecture, vibrant murals and street stalls serving sizzling char kway teow and aromatic laksa come together, blending past and present. Visit the Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple to soak up its peaceful energy, ride the century-old funicular to the forested summit of Penang Hill for panoramic views, and wander Batu Feringhi Beach, where the Andaman Sea laps gently against golden sand. Jet skis? Why not?
Then it’s north to Phuket, where both adventure and relaxation beckon. Make the most of the local beach scene at Kata Noi and wander up Monkey Hill for sweeping vistas (and mischievous company). Be sure to book Royal Caribbean’s thrilling shore excursion here – you’ll zip along in a three-engine speedboat to the iconic ‘James Bond Island’ made famous in The Man with the Golden Gun. After a day of exploration, you’ll have enough time to enjoy a sunset cocktail on the waterfront before returning to your ship for another unforgettable evening.
The ship
Experience thrills aboard Ovation of the Seas®.
Of course, life on board Ovation of the Seas® is just as exhilarating as your adventures off it. Sit down to 16 flavoursome finds, from Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver® to theatrical hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki℠.
Build up an appetite with Royal Caribbean’s iconic onboard activities, from the FlowRider® surf simulator to soaring sky-high on RipCord® by iFLY® and zipping around in bumper cars in SeaPlex®. You can really choose your own adventure.
End the night with Spectra’s Cabaret at Two70®, a fascinating fusion of music, robotics and light that redefines entertainment at sea.
