IMAGES: ALAMY; THE ASSOCIATION OF THE ISE-SHIMA NATIONAL PARK; TOSHINORI TARUI
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PAID CONTENT FOR EXPO2025 KANSAI TOURI SM COUNCI L
K I N T E T SU R A I LWAY JOURNEY TO A NATIONAL PARK With its island-studded coastline and abundant forests, Ise-Shima National Park stands as one of Japan’s most beautiful destinations — and also one of its most sacred. It’s home to one of the country’s most significant Shinto shrines, Ise Jingu. To make the journey there from Osaka,
hop on the premium sightseeing train operated by the Kintetsu Railway, which takes just 90 minutes. Evocatively named Shimakaze, meaning ‘Shima wind’, the train offers a comfortable ride, fully equipped with facilities such as massage chairs and a cafe serving Matsusaka beef. Upon arrival at Ise, tread the woodland
walkways surrounding the much-hallowed Ise Grand Shrine. Dating back to the third century, it’s an ancient site, yet, at the same time, remarkably modern, as it’s rebuilt from scratch every two decades. Next, continue on to the southern coast,
where you can experience the region’s ama culture and learn about the women who free-dive along the seabed where they harvest shellfish. Finally, before boarding the return train to Osaka, be sure to dine on the region’s signature Japanese spiny lobster, a local speciality.
K E I HAN R AI LWAY TRAVERSE CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES The Keihan Railway excels at transporting passengers between popular destinations in Osaka and Kyoto, as well as facilitating exploration to the lesser-known places in between. Northeast from Osaka, consider a stop at Uji — a quaint town recognised for its distinctive green tea and for the world heritage site, Byodoin Temple Phoenix hall. Riding the train for a few more stops will lead you to the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine. Trains also stop in Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha quarter.
N A N K A I E L E C T R I C R A I LWAY RIDE IN A RETRO-FUTURISTIC TRAIN One of Japan’s — if not the world’s — most visually striking trains is the Rapi:t, a limited express service connecting Kansai International Airport to Osaka’s Namba station. It boasts a retro-futuristic design, with sleek curves and modern circular windows. The Rapi:t covers routes south of Osaka and is operated by the Nankai Electric Railway, which also runs the more old-school Tenku sightseeing service. This train meanders from Hashimoto station to Koyasan, a ninth-century temple complex set on a mountaintop.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Multiple airlines fly from UK airports to Osaka Kansai International Airport. Each flight requires one stop en route in destinations such as South Korea, Shanghai or Dubai. Once in Kansai, there are excellent rail options to navigate the region. For Expo 2025, travel on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line travel on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line to Yumeshima Station. For more information, visit
the-kansai-guide.com
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