Japan's largest private railway network, Kintetsu Railway, is giving travel agents fresh opportunities to sell regional Japan in 2027, with a new gourmet train, access to newly designated UNESCO World Heritage sites and anniversary celebrations for its luxury sightseeing fleet.
New for November 2026 is Les Saveurs Shima, a gourmet restaurant train connecting Nagoya with the coastal Ise-Shima region. Combining scenic rail travel with French fine dining, the experience features menus created by MICHELIN-starred chef Hiroe Higuchi, showcasing local ingredients including abalone and Mie wagyu.
Two dining options are available, starting from £106pp for a set menu or £185pp for a multi-course tasting experience. The journey can be combined with visits to Ise-Shima's traditional Ama (female free-diver) seafood huts and Toba, the birthplace of cultured pearls.
For culture, Kintetsu's Kashihara and Yoshino Lines and the heritage-inspired Blue Symphony sightseeing train provide access to the Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara in Nara Prefecture, awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in July.
The collection of 19 archaeological sites offers an alternative to Japan's busier heritage destinations, with ancient temples, archaeological remains and rural villages to explore. The opening of the 35-room luxury HOSHINOYA Asuka retreat in July 2027 within the Special Historic Preservation Area will provide a new accommodation option for visitors to the region.
The Blue Symphony is also marking its 10th anniversary, with celebrations continuing into 2027. Travelling from Osaka-Abenobashi to Yoshino, the vintage-inspired train offers comfortable lounge-style seating and opportunities to sample sake from Nara's historic breweries.
The journey provides access to Mount Yoshino, renowned for its 30,000 cherry trees, as well as the region's spiritual heritage, traditional towns and mountain landscapes.
Kintetsu Railway's routes connect Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya with destinations across the Kansai region and beyond.
