Nankai Limited Express Koya 2 from Gokurakubashi (from Koyasan) to Osaka Namba Train Review
Heading back to Osaka for the last time on this Japan trip, I booked the Nankai Limited Express Koya for the comfort and timetable that I require in order to have a proper sit-down lunch before flying back to Singapore. The same set that brought me up to Gokurakubashi will form my Limited Express Koya 2 from Gokurakubashi (from Koyasan) back to Osaka Namba.
The Nankai All Line 2 Day Pass is a magnetic farecard, valid for 2 non-consecutive days, which was perfect for my itinerary to access the airport fro and to, and to go to Koyasan.
Gokurakubashi Station
The façade of Gokurakubashi Station.
I made a transit stop here instead of taking the Koyasan Cable Car through-connection from Koyasan so I have more time to spend at Gokurakubashi Station.
Heading to the ticket gates.
There was an issue with the machine reading my Nankai All Line 2 Day Pass, but the staff at the manual counter waved me through after seeing my ticket. The ticket gate also did not shut on me when walking through without a ticket.
The first departing train was a Local bound for Hashimoto at Platform 1. This train will just be serving the steep section of the Koya Line.
The interior of the Nankai 2300 series EMU. Transverse seating is provided in a 2+1 configuration, with seat backs that can be flipped to face the direction of travel.
Limited Express Koya 2
My Limited Express Koya 2 was also ready for boarding at Platform 2.
Limited Express Koya train information is also displayed on the side of the train cars.
The platform of Gokurakubashi Station was just nice to fit the Limited Express Koya Nankai Electric Railway 30000 series EMU 4-car set.
Looking out from the platform to the Koya Line towards Hashimoto and Namba.
Boarding my Limited Express Koya 2.
The interior of the Limited Express Koya Nankai Electric Railway 30000 series EMU.
Seats are in a 2+2 configuration throughout the train. All seats are reserved.
My window seat at 27.
I was assigned the same seat on my return journey, as my onward journey. With the seat rotated, I now have a full window view.
The legroom on board the Limited Express Koya Nankai Electric Railway 30000 series EMU.
A tray table is available on the seat back in front.
The rear cab is now the conductor’s room for the Osaka-bound journey.
The interior of the cab of the Nankai Electric Railway 30000 series EMU.
Since I had a private train for now, I did my walkabout while the train was still at the station.
A western-style sitting toilet cubicle is available on board.
A standing urinal cubicle is also available on board.
A separate washing up area with a curtain is also available.
There are 2 drinks vending machines available on board, but they were both out of order.
The station signs of Gokurakubashi Station.
The Local for Hashimoto departed first at 11.16am.
My tickets for the Limited Express Koya 2 from Namba to Gokurakubashi. The Nankai All Line 2 Day Pass is for the travel fare, and the reserved seat ticket is for my seat on board Limited Express Koya 1. The Nankai All Line 2 Day Pass covers the travel fare for all Nankai Electric Railway lines, including the Koyasan Cable Car.
The Nankai All Line 2 Day Pass can be used for any 2 days during the validity period which does not have to be consecutive. The ticket is stamped automatically by the ticket machine when first validated for the usage day.
My Limited Express Koya 2 departed from Gokurakubashi Station on time at 11.30am.
Passing by Gokurakubashi (Gokuraku Bridge).
Passing by the level escape routes from Gokurakubashi Station leading to buffer stops.
Counting down the tunnels from 23 to 1 when heading down to Hashimoto.
The conductor came round to check that everyone is in their assigned seats on her tablet.
There is a speed limit of 33km/h on the hilly line. On the descend, the motor power of the Limited Express Koya Nankai Electric Railway 30000 series EMU is not felt much as the train is just braking.
Heading along the hilly and foresty line.
Looking down at a small town.
Passing through Kami-Kosawa Station with a former line removed, now a single-track station.
Continuing on down.
Passing through Shimo-Kosawa Station with a trainspotter at work shooting my train.
Passing though the last of the 23 tunnels.
Passing by close to local buildings.
Passing through Koyashita Station.
Passing by a catenary maintenance vehicle.
Passing through Kudoyama Station.
Crossing with an opposing empty Nankai Electric Railway 30000 series EMU train at Kudoyama Station. Perhaps this was a test train in preparation for the ramping up of Limited Express Koya services.
Back at the foot of Koyasan with vast scenery ahead.
Making the big u-turn to Hashimoto Station.
Crossing over the Kinokawa River.
Arriving at Hashimoto Station.
Hashimoto Station
Making a brief stop at Hashimoto Station. Hashimoto Station is an interchange station for JR West Wakayama Line and Nankai Electric Railway Koya Line.
Splitting off from the JR Wakayama Line for the direct route to Osaka Namba.
Passing by Nankai Electric Railway Oharada Depot.
Rinkanden-Entoshi Station
Making a brief stop at Rinkanden-Entoshi Station.
Kawachinagano Station
Making a brief stop at Kawachinagano Station.
Kongo Station
Making a brief stop at Kongo Station.
Sakaihigashi Station
Making a brief stop at Sakaihigashi Station.
Crossing over the Yamato River.
Passing close by to people’s houses.
Merging with the Nankai Main Line after Kishinosato-Tamade Station.
Tengachaya Station
Making a brief stop at Tengachaya Station.
Shin-Imamiya Station
Making a brief stop at Shin-Imamiya Station.
Shin-Imamiya Station is a major interchange, functioning as a south-cross station on the Osaka Loop Line between the Nankai Main Line and Nankai Koya Line, and JR West Osaka Loop Line, JR West Kansai Main Line (Yamatoji Line), Hankai Tramway Hankai Line, Osaka Metro Midosuji Line, and Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line.
Looking out to Tsutenkaku Tower.
Passing by Nankai Namba 1st Building, the head office of Nankai Electric Railway.
Passing by Hotel Keihan Namba Grande and Centara Grand Hotel Osaka.
Approaching Namba Station.
Namba Station
My Limited Express Koya 2 arrived at Osaka Namba Station on time at 12.46pm.
Looking back at my Limited Express Koya 2.
Heading out of the alighting platform straight to the exit.
Heading out of the ticket gates with my Nankai All Line 2 Day Pass.
Heading down from the platforms to the ground level.
The façade of Nankai Namba Station.
Here, I had my last lunch in Osaka before heading back to my hotel to pick up my bags and head to Kansai Airport for my flight back to Singapore.