Connecting Osaka with Kansai Airport, Wakayama and Koyasan
Founded in 1885, Nankai Railway is Japan's oldest privately owned railway company, with lines running south from downtown Osaka along the shore of the Osaka Bay. Operating out of its main hub at Namba Station, the railway connects Osaka with Koyasan, Kansai Airport and Wakayama City.
The Nankai Main Line travels along the coast through the port city of Sakai and further south to Wakayama, with a small branch line providing access from Kansai Airport to Namba Station in central Osaka without the need for changes. The Koya Line turns inland towards the popular side-trip destination of Koyasan, extending as far as Gokurakubashi from where a cable car takes visitors on to the top of the mountain.
Travel highlights
Sakai
Located in the southern part of Osaka Prefecture, Sakai City is both one of the region's major shipping ports and an important commercial center, known for its knife, textile and incense making. It's also home to a cluster of ancient monumental tombs, including one of the world's largest.
Koyasan
The center of the Shingon school of Buddhism and a registered UNESCO World Heritage site, Koyasan is a monastic community located on a remote, wooded mountain plateau in Wakayama Prefecture. A popular destination for visitors and pilgrims alike, the site is known for its rich atmosphere and contains the mausoleum of Kukai, founder of the Shingon sect, while many of its many sub-temples offer overnight accommodation.
The capital of Wakayama Prefecture, Wakayama City is home to an impressive reconstructed castle, historic temples and shrines and unique sightseeing trains, while the nearby coastline boasts some very attractive views.
