Connecting Osaka with Osaka with Kyoto, Nara, Nagoya and Ise
Kintetsu Railway is a private railway company operating mainly in Japan's Kansai Region, connecting the major cities of Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Nagoya, as well as popular side-trip destinations like Yoshinoyama and Ise-Shima in Mie Prefecture. Extending over around 1000 kilometers of railtrack, it is notable for being the second largest rail network in Japan after the JR group.
Covering a wide range of destinations, the Kintetsu Railway is especially invaluable for travelers keen to get off the beaten track, opening up areas like Fushimi in southern Kyoto, Nara and Asuka where Japanese civilization began, the Iga region known for its connection to ninja and as far as Nagoya and Ise-Shima.
Travel highlights
Nara
Before Tokyo or Kyoto, Japan's first capital was Nara. Today, it's a small, laid-back city with a lot of greenery, packed with ancient temples and other cultural treasures - many located in and around Nara Park, just a short walk from Kintetsu Nara Station.
Yoshino
Known for centuries as Japan's premier cherry blossom viewing spot, Mount Yoshino is covered by around 30,000 cherry blossom trees, divided between four areas on its slope. The mountain is also home to a number of beautiful temples and shrines, and - as the base of the pilgrim trail to nearby Mount Omine - has long been a center of Shugendo mountain worship.
The capital of Aichi Prefecture and Japan's fourth most populated city, Nagoya tends to be seen as a center for business rather than tourism, but nonetheless boasts some first rate attractions including the Toyota Kaikan Museum, Atsuta Shrine and its spectacular reconstructed castle.
Ise-Shima
Located on the Shima Peninsula in Mie Prefecture, Ise is home to Ise Jingu - Japan's two most sacred shrine complexes, separated by a long aproach lined with traditional-style buildings housing shops and restaurants.
