A Nankai sightseeing train that runs toward Koyasan is coming to Kyoto. From Thursday, November 19 to Monday, November 30, 2026, the Kyoto Railway Museum will put Nankai Electric Railway’s 2200 series sightseeing train “Tenku” on display. It is the first time a Nankai train has been exhibited at the museum.
Nankai’s “Tenku” rolls onto JR West’s spur track
The Kyoto Railway Museum uses a spur track connected to JR West’s regular lines to display a variety of trains. Joining them this time is Nankai’s “Tenku”. The cars on show are 2208 and 2258, in the “Vehicle Mechanisms / Rolling Stock Workshop” area on the first floor of the main building.
“Tenku” ended regular service on March 20, 2026. It now runs irregularly as a charter train arranged through travel agencies. For anyone who knew it in regular service, this is a precious chance to see it up close.
Because the train is driven along commercial lines to reach the museum, the display may be cancelled for transport reasons. It is worth checking the museum’s latest information before you go.
Step inside and enjoy the mountain views
Interior access is available from 10:00 to 16:30 throughout the display period. On the first day, November 19, it starts at 13:00.
Photo: West Japan Railway Company
“Tenku” normally runs through mountain sections. Its features are “one-view seats” that open up the scenery and an observation deck space where passengers can feel the forest air (outside air) while the train moves. The train will be stationary here, but stepping inside lets you see how it is designed around the views.
On the first day, November 19, an arrival ceremony starts at 11:00 (about 30 minutes). With 吉田実 (Director of Rolling Stock, Railway Division, Nankai Electric Railway) and 松岡俊宏 (Director of the Kyoto Railway Museum) in attendance, it includes greetings, a look at the train rolling in, and a commemorative photo.
Successor “GRAN Tenku” and local mascots join in
There is also a promotion event for “GRAN Tenku”, which began service on April 24, 2026. It runs on Saturday, November 21 through Monday, November 23 (a national holiday), 10:00–16:45, with a mock-up display and a social media follow campaign, among other things. Following the official Instagram account earns you a novelty gift, and there is a prize draw for Tsutenkaku Tower observatory admission tickets. Quantities are limited each day and the gifts end when they run out. The “GRAN Tenku” train itself is not on display.
Photo: West Japan Railway Company
On Monday, November 23 (national holiday), there is also a promotion for the areas along the Nankai Koya Line, where “Tenku” runs. Expect panel displays from local governments and tourist brochures, plus mascot greetings (11:00, 13:30 and 15:00, about 10 minutes each) with Yukimura-sama (Kudoyama Town), Rikuboku-chan (Koya Town), Koya-kun (Kongobuji Temple), Kudon (Shirahama Town), Rapi:t-kun (Nankai Electric Railway) and Umetetsu (Kyoto Railway Museum). Local mascots will also present tourism promotion and a rock-paper-scissors contest (11:30, 14:00 and 15:30, about 30 minutes each). It falls on the last day of a three-day weekend, so it could suit a family outing.
Event details
- Display period: Thursday, November 19 – Monday, November 30, 2026
- Location: Kyoto Railway Museum, main building 1F, “Vehicle Mechanisms / Rolling Stock Workshop” area
- Train on display: Nankai 2200 series sightseeing train “Tenku” (cars 2208 and 2258)
- Arrival ceremony: Thursday, November 19, from 11:00 (about 30 min)
- Interior access: 10:00–16:30 during the period (from 13:00 on November 19)
- “GRAN Tenku” promotion event: Saturday, November 21 – Monday, November 23 (holiday), 10:00–16:45
- Koya Line area promotion: Monday, November 23 (holiday), 10:00–16:45
