5 Days with the Kintetsu Rail Pass: exploring the best of Japan made easy!
Shimakaze train by Kintetsu
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Use the Kintetsu Rail Pass to explore some of the best Japan has to offer over the course of five days!
The Kintetsu Railway is one of the largest transportation networks in all of Japan, servicing major locations within the western part of the country. Major cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya are accessible via the Kintetsu Railway, but so are destinations like Ise-Shima in Mie Prefecture and Nara, not as populated or bustling yet hugely significant to the island nation’s cultural and spiritual history. Indeed, what makes Japan the dichotomy of bustling metropolitan cities and ancient sanctuaries is accessible with the Kintetsu Railway, and the Kintetsu Rail Pass is the best deal for unlocking everything the namesake transportation network has to offer!
Some of the best transportation networks in Japan all with one pass!
Train on the Kintetsu Railway
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The Kintetsu Rail Pass 5-day plus is a 5-day travel pass that grants full access to the Kintetsu Train Lines that go throughout Kansai, Mie, and Aichi, as well as the Iga Tetsudo Line in Mie Prefecture, a number of buses in Nara and Mie Prefectures, and even select cable cars throughout the area! What’s more, the Kintetsu Rail Pass has recently been revamped as a digital e-ticket. With the new ticket, the process is simpler and more streamlined:
- Purchase your Kintetsu Rail Pass from here and receive an e-voucher via email.
- Open the ticket from the URL on the e-voucher and activate the pass on the first day of use.
- Read the QR code on your phone toward the scanner attached to a station gate when boarding / getting off Kintetsu trains.
- Show the appropriate pass to bus drivers to use bus services or selected facilities that offer special discounts or deals!
With the ease of use and wide-ranging access of the Kintetsu Rail Pass, an amazing traveling itinerary is all one needs to fully experience this region of Japan. Take a look below at our suggested itinerary using the Kintetsu Rail Pass to inspire your next trip out to Japan!
Purchase the Kintetsu Rail Pass and start exploring some of Japan's most beloved destinations!
5 Days with the Kintetsu Rail Pass!
Day 1- Depart from Nagoya and ascend Mount Gozaisho via Cable Car
Take the Kintetsu train from Kintetsu-Nagoya Station to Yunoyama-Onsen Station to begin your trip. From there, take a picturesque cable car ride up Mount Gozaisho, which is also accessible at a discounted price when handing Kintetsu Rail Pass!
Ascending the mountain via cable car entails breathtaking views of the surrounding area, with landscapes made up of jagged mountain peaks, rolling valleys, and the sparkling Ise Bay. Enjoy hiking routes at the top that range from easy strolls to challenging endeavors, ideal for discovering seasonal highlights like spring cherry blossoms, summer greenery, fall foliage, and even winter ice trees. You can also hike this mountain on foot as well, as a lot of routes are available with various levels.
After sightseeing for the day, unwind at the neighboring Yunoyama Onsen, where you can relax in natural hot springs amid tranquil mountain surroundings. Or there is a hotel Aquaignis in a few minutes-walk from Yunoyama-Onsen Station, which has relaxing spas and rooms. Mount Gozaisho is a wonderful vacation spot all year round because of the mix of breathtaking views, outdoor sports, and leisure.
Gozaisho Ropeway Cable Car
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Yunoyama Onsen
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View from Mount Gozaisho in winter
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Day 2- Explore the wonders of Ise-Shima, a cultural pillar of Japan!
The Kintetsu Rail Pass makes it easy to explore the Ise-Shima region of Mie Prefecture, an absolute must-see destination. Take a local train from Yunoyama-Onsen Station, then transfer at Kintetsu-Yokkaichi Station to a Limited Express train (to board a limited express train, an additional ticket must be purchased beforehand.). In one hour from Kintetsu-Yokkaichi Station, you will arrive at Ujiyamada Station, the gateway to Ise-Shima area.
Explore the quaint streets of Oharai-machi and Okageyokocho, which are lined with traditional stores and restaurants. Of course, the crown jewel of the area is the famous Ise-Jingu Shrine. This is one of Japan's most respected Shinto shrines, historically known for housing Amaterasu-Omikami, one of the gods of creation in Japanese Shinto. For many Japanese people, this cultural significance makes the shrine a place of pilgrimage.
Dining in Okageyokocho
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The greater Ise area is filled with gorgeous nature, with the crystal blue ocean waters crashing into formidable rock formations on the coast. The “Meoto Iwa,” or “the married rocks” in English, which can be seen from Futami-Okitama Jinja Shrine, is a well-recognized icon for Japanese , considered the first place for the gods to reach terrestrial. This site is accessible via bus, which is rideable with the Kintetsu Rail Pass from Ujiyamada Station or Toba Station.
Day 3- Exploring the best of Mie Prefecture’s gorgeous coastal scenery!
Take the opportunity to explore the rest of the Ise area on day 3! A standout attraction in Toba is Mikimoto Pearl Island, where the eponymous jeweler first cultivated pearls commercially. For admirers of fine pearls, it is a must visit! The island is only a 5-minute walk away from Toba Station, a major stop in the area that is accessible with the Kintetsu Rail Pass!
Matsusaka is another great area to check out, especially for culinary professionals who may be familiar with the area’s signature wagyu beef. Indulging in a serving of the beef during your stay is a necessity! Just next to the castle ruin, the former buildings operated by merchants of the past still stand—a glimpse into the history of the area!
From Matsusaka, a journey out to the Akame 48 Falls provides visitors with an immersive time with the area’s rich nature! These falls are most well-known for being the former training grounds for ninja warriors of the past as well. These days, they are a renowned retreat for nature lovers looking for a nice hike! The falls are reached most easily by getting off at Akameguchi Station on the Kintetsu Line, followed by a short bus ride with the benefit of the Kintetsu Rail Pass!
Day 4- Discover the ancient history of Asuka
Asuka is one of Japan’s most historically significant destinations. Located in the middle of Nara Prefecture, it is one of the island nation’s earliest capitals, serving as such from 538–710 AD and cited as the beginnings of Japan as an established state. From Asuka Station, the Takamatsuzuka area is easily accessible, with the Asuka Historical National Park being a free attraction with great insight into the area’s history.
Emblematic of Asuka is Okadera Temple in the Iwaido area, located atop a hill that overlooks the surrounding area. The gardens on the premises are often praised, but in addition, the temple is host to a number of famous legends regarding Japan’s past, such as the temple’s founder defeating a dragon here at its founding. Okadera Temple is formatted much like a larger complex, like a formation of historic-style buildings all around.
To get around Asuka, we recommend renting a bicycle around Asuka Station. Here is a central travel junction for the town, a key stop on the Kintetsu Line that is easy to get to from Kintetsu-Nara Station.
Okadera Temple in Asuka, Nara Prefecture
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Day 5- From the mountains to skyscrapers, Mount Shigi in Nara to Osaka!
Mount Shigi is a gem of Nara, home to the locally famous Chogosonshiji Temple. This temple is dedicated to Bishamonten, the Buddhist deity of warriors and fortune. To get to the temple, visitors will go to Shigisanguchi Station, where they will take a cable car, which Kintetsu Rail Pass can be used for a free ride! At the temple, statues of tigers will be on display, representations of spirit animals in ancient times.
To end your journey, a trip out to Osaka can be done with the Kintetsu Rail Pass, allowing for exploration of one of Japan’s most populated and eclectic cities. With the Kintetsu Line, destinations like Hozenji-Yokocho or Dotonbori around Namba is accessible, and the EXPO2025 venue in Yumeshima is accessible as well with another fare for boarding Osaka Metro.
Chogosonshi-ji Temple on Mount Shigi, Nara Prefecture
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Osaka, Japan
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Discover Japan like never before with the new-and-improved Kintetsu Rail Pass!
With the Kintetsu Rail Pass easier to buy and use than ever before, unlimited access to one of Japan’s most prominent transportation networks around Kansai Area is more rewarding than ever! From gorgeous nature to rich history to major cities, the variety of destinations that the Kintetsu network and the Kintetsu Rail Pass offer is hard to beat! Take the opportunity to see some of the island nation’s best hits for a unique trip of a lifetime!
