KINTETSU Rail Pass 5 days PLUS

Energetic and easy to navigate, Osaka is a natural starting point for a journey on the Kintetsu network. The city brings together shopping streets, local food, nightlife, and strong transport connections. For a first visit, head to Osaka Castle before spending the evening around Dotonbori, one of the city’s most iconic districts.

With its temples, gardens, and historic neighbourhoods, Kyoto offers a more traditional side of Japan. It fits easily into a wider itinerary with the KINTETSU RAIL PASS 5day plus, especially for travellers interested in culture and heritage. A memorable stop is Kiyomizu-dera, followed by a walk through the surrounding preserved streets.

Yoshino is ideal for slowing down and enjoying mountain scenery away from the larger cities. Its calm atmosphere and natural landscapes make it a rewarding stop for travellers looking for a quieter experience. Spend time around Mount Yoshino, a destination especially appreciated for its seasonal beauty.

Once an ancient capital, Nara combines major historical landmarks with a peaceful park setting. It is one of the most accessible cultural stops on the Kintetsu network. Visit Nara Park to see the famous deer, then continue to Todaiji Temple, one of the area’s most important sites.

Iseshi serves as the main gateway to the Ise area, a destination closely linked to Japanese tradition and spirituality. It is a strong choice for travellers who want to add cultural depth to their itinerary. The main highlight is Ise Jingu, a major shrine complex surrounded by a calm and sacred atmosphere.

Facing the sea, Toba adds a coastal dimension to the trip. The area is well suited to travellers who want to combine ocean views with local culture in the Ise-Shima region. Mikimoto Pearl Island is a popular place to visit, offering insight into the area’s pearl heritage.

Modern, lively, and practical, Nagoya is one of central Japan’s major urban hubs. It works well as a city stop for shopping, museums, and regional connections. The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology is a worthwhile visit, especially for those interested in innovation and industrial history.

In the Iga area, Uenoshi offers a more local and historical atmosphere. It is a good option for travellers who want to go beyond the main tourist cities and discover a destination with a distinct identity. Visit Ueno Castle and the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum for a compact but engaging cultural stop.

Surrounded by the waters of Ago Bay, Kashikojima has a quieter, scenic character. It is a pleasant destination for travellers looking for sea views and a relaxed pace within the Ise-Shima area. For one of the best panoramas, go to Yokoyama View Point and look out over the bay’s islands.

Shiroko is a convenient access point for the Suzuka area and can add variety to a Kintetsu itinerary. The destination is especially relevant for visitors interested in motorsport or family-friendly attractions. From here, travellers can reach Suzuka Circuit, known for racing events and entertainment facilities.

Connecting Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya to the Ise-Shima Region, the Shimakaze provides a one-of-a-kind railway experience, themed after the area it services. Shimakaze translates to “island wind,” a fitting name for the picturesque coasts it rides along.

The train is outfitted with a sleek, yet eccentric interior, large windows for viewing the natural scenery, and even on-train dining, with a menu that features a luxurious seafood pilaf, Matsuzaka beef curry, and a variety of local refreshments. 

Ise-Shima consists of the eastern islands of Mie Prefecture that are home to the cities of Ise, Toba, and Shima. Here, visitors can stay at a luxurious resort or ryokan, enjoy beach and water activities, and visit the iconic Ise Jingu Shrine, said to be the home of Amaterasu, the Shinto Goddess of the Sun and overseer of all of Japan.

The Blue Symphony Train (青の交響曲) operates between Osaka-Abenobashi and Yoshino in Nara, a historic location right by the mountain of the same name. This town is famous for its gorgeous views of sakura blossoms during spring and remnants of the Japan of yesteryear, home to a collection of traditional artwork, artifacts, and an array of traditional shrines and temples. 

The train also stops at a number of stations in between, such as Shakudo, Asuka, and Shimoichiguchi for you to explore. 

Riding the Blue Symphony is like stepping back in time, designed as it is to be reminiscent of the most luxurious trains of the last century with an elegant, traditional interior. There’s even a bar and lounge inside for you to relax and enjoy a drink as you travel. 

For those traveling between the major cities of Osaka and Nagoya, the Hinotori Limited Express Train is the ultimate means of transportation. Hinotori in Japanese translates to “phoenix”, and the train interior is modeled after the legendary bird, with a sleek white, beige, and red design. 

Outside the train, passengers can see the full extent of the amazing views that central Japan has to offer, passing through major metropolitan areas with rows of skyscrapers as well as nature rich regions with forests and mountains abound. 

Osaka is the largest city in Kansai and boasts a lively and eccentric atmosphere with a strong nightlife. Head to Nagoya to see history first hand at Nagoya Castle, as well as indulging in the city’s rich food culture with delicacies such as unagi hitsumabushi (grilled eel on rice), tebasaki (peppery chicken wings), and a variety of red miso-based dishes. Between the two destinations, travelers can even stop in Nara to enjoy time in one of Japan’s oldest cities. 

The Aoniyoshi Train was created specifically for riders to take in the sites and attractions of Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara. Leisurely traveling between the three cities with a number of smaller stops on the way, the Aoniyoshi is the ultimate to get around Kansai and take in 1,300 years of the nation’s history. 

Each destination represents Kansai and the whole of Japan in a unique way. Osaka’s vibrance and warmth with its lively areas like as Umeda and Dotonbori, Kyoto’s long-lasting history with 17 different UNESCO sites, and Nara’s tranquility with its famous deer park and countless shrines and temples.  

With a royal purple design on the exterior with gold and green accents on the outside and interior, the train exudes elegance and class. The sales counter inside sells snacks from Nara Prefecture, along with a number of goods limited to sale on the train.