Nankai Koya Line “Koya Flower Railway”

The Nankai Koya Line bridges Namba, the center of Osaka Minami District, and Mt. Koya, the spiritual world heritage. The course between Hashimoto and Gokurakubashi (Heaven Bridge” is dubbed by locals as the “Koya Flower Railway”. Sceneries along the way include Mt. Kudoyama, where the samurai warlord, Yukimura Sanada studied. The “Tenku” sightseeing railway runs in this popular sightseeing course.

The “Koya Flower Railway” is Japan’s few mountain trains, and is filled with continuous sudden curves, as well as steep hills. stops include retro, wooden station buildings. Every station and bridge in the course is designated as “Mt. Koya Pilgrimage Related Heritage” as part of “Japan’s Modern Industrialization Heritage”, as chosen by the Ministry of Economy.

The sightseeing train “Tenku” is a special train that only accepts reservations. It runs a 45 minute course between Hashimoto and Gokurakubashi 2-3 times per day. On the train are large windows and observation decks, making it a popular destination to enjoy a grand mountainous view.

At the last stop, “Gokurakubashi” Station is where visitors can transfer to a cable car for Mt. Koya. In 2020, it was renewed as “Gokurakubashi, the first spiritual spot”. The concourse is laden with beautiful ceiling murals, and is popular as a photogenic spot.