How to Get to Koyasan by Train (2025 Guide)

Traveling to Koyasan by train is a beautiful experience—passing through mountain valleys and quiet towns before reaching this sacred destination. But if it’s your first time, buying the right ticket can be a bit confusing.

🎟️ Train Tickets You Need to Reach Koyasan

If you’re departing from Namba or Shin-Imamiya stations on the Nankai Railway, you’ll need two separate tickets if you’re taking the Limited Express “Koya” train:

• Regular Fare Ticket to Koyasan Station – ¥1,430 (includes cable car from Gokurakubashi)
• Limited Express Reserved Seat Ticket – ¥790 (required for reserved seating)

Note: The reserved seat ticket alone is not valid without the base fare ticket.

❗️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying a ticket only to Gokurakubashi Station
• Buying only the ¥790 seat ticket
• Assuming IC cards or VISA Touch cover everything – they don’t include reserved seats
• Using the Koyasan World Heritage Ticket for a stay of more than one night – the return portion becomes invalid

✅ Where and How to Buy Tickets

• Buy at Nankai Namba or Shin-Imamiya stations
• Use machines (English available) or ticket counters
• Base fare: IC card, VISA touch, or paper ticket
• Reserved seat: Must be purchased separately

📎 Useful Links

• Nankai Railway Timetable & Fares
• Buy the Koyasan World Heritage Ticket (1-night stay only)
• Google Maps Route: Namba to Koyasan

🧘 Other Train Options

You can take a regular express or rapid train instead. These do not require a seat reservation. Sometimes, you may need to transfer at Hashimoto Station, but:

• Transfers are usually on the same platform
• You typically have enough time to change trains

📩 Need Help?

If you’re staying with us and need help planning your route, feel free to contact us anytime. We’re happy to help make your journey to Koyasan smooth and enjoyable!