Nankai Electric Railway has unveiled the exterior design of a new tourist train scheduled to begin operation on the Koya Line at the end of fiscal year 2025, and is holding a public vote to determine the train’s name.
A modified four-car 2000 series train will debut next spring
The train will replace the “Tenku” tourist train, which currently runs between Hashimoto Station and Gokurakubashi Station, and will expand its operating area to include Namba Station and Gokurakubashi Station. The unveiled exterior design features a subdued crimson base color scheme to “harmonize with the natural beauty of the Koya Road and stand out against the lush greenery.” The entire train features gold accents around the central connecting door and front windows, and a compass-shaped emblem pointing in the direction of Mount Koya adds a striking presence.
The four-car train, modified from a standard 2000 series train, features distinctive, luxurious interiors. Comfortable seats and panoramic views from the windows create a luxurious space away from everyday life. The train aims to provide attentive service from attendants and meals using ingredients from the area, making the ride itself a special experience, not just a sightseeing trip to Mount Koya.
Voters will also receive a gift inspired by the tourist train
In June, Nankai held an internal name contest, receiving 857 employee suggestions. Three proposals were selected: “GRAN Tenku,” “TENKU Zero,” and “Tenku – Miyabi.” The official name will be decided based on the results of a public vote via a dedicated form until noon on Friday, August 15th, and will be announced in the fall. Those who vote for the selected name will also be entered into a lottery to win a gift inspired by the new tourist train.
Renovation work is underway at Namba Station, the gateway to the tourist train. The second-floor central ticket gate will soon be renovated into a bright, futuristic space with a white base and gently curved design. Additionally, platform 1, which has been used for the Koya Line as a disembarking platform, has been closed since August 2 (Sat) to be renovated into “Platform 0 (tentative name)” exclusively for tourist trains. In time for the start of tourist train operations, the platform will be transformed into a high-quality, impressive space that expresses the “sacred atmosphere of Mount Koya” with guidance lighting and curved designs.
