Kintetsu Railway Monthly News in June 2025

Jul 07, 2025

Clip

Kintetsu Railway Monthly News in June 2025

Welcome back to Kintetsu Railway Monthly News in June 2025 ❤️🌸 Get ready for an exciting adventure in Merchant Town “Matsusaka” Discover the vibrant streets and the enchanting “Hydrangea Garden” at Yata Temple in Nara. And don’t miss the breathtaking “48 Waterfalls of Akame,” hidden in lush greenery, and more!

1. Discover a Unique Experience in the Merchant Town “Matsusaka” [ 2 June 2025 ]

During the Edo period, Matsusaka in Mie Prefecture thrived as a prosperous merchant town, known primarily for its production of “Matsusaka cotton.” The fabric, characterised by its straight-line patterns and indigo colours, was extremely popular among the people of Edo. Remarkably, it could be worn even during periods of austerity laws, making it a fashionable choice.

At the “Matsusaka Momen Teori Center”, you can engage in a hands-on weaving experience, transporting you back to an era when fabrics were crafted by hand. This activity is perfect for creating unforgettable memories of your trip.

Strolling around the historic castle town is another highlight of your visit to Matsusaka. The area surrounding the Matsusaka Castle ruins is home to beautifully preserved old houses, and simply walking through it makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

When it comes to Matsusaka, indulging in its famous beef is a must. If you plan to travel by train and want to enjoy a bento on the way, we recommend trying the delightful “Moo-Tarou Bento”, which is shaped like a Wagyu cow’s face!

When you open the lid of this bento box, it plays a cute melody, providing a delightful visual and auditory experience. And of course, the taste of the Wagyu beef sukiyaki is simply delicious!

※Photo taken in early May.

More information

👘 Join the Matsusaka Cotton Weaving Experience at the Matsusaka Cotton Weaving Center (reservation required at least 3 days in advance):

Short Orihime Course: Approximately 1 hour (weaving a cloth measuring about 11×20 cm).
All-day Orihime Course: Approximately 5 hours (weaving a cloth approximately 1 meter long).

How to get there:

From Kintetsu “Matsusaka” Station”, a 10-minute walk will take you to the Matsusaka Cotton Weaving Center. (Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from Osaka).
From Kintetsu “Matsusaka” Station” to Arajtake (a “Motaro Bento” shop) is just a 2-minute walk away. (Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Osaka).

2. “Hydrangea Garden” is open to the public again! At Yata Temple in Nara Prefecture 🪻🌿 [ 6 June 2025 ]

Yatadera Temple, also known as “Yata no Ojizo-san,” enshrines the oldest Jizo deity in Japan. During this time, the temple is also famous as the “Hydrangea Temple,” with 60 varieties and over 10,000 plants for visitors to enjoy.

※ During the hydrangea garden opening period, there is an admission fee of 700 yen.
※ The photo is from last year.

More about Hydrangea Garden At Yata Temple

Address:

3506 Yatacho, Yamatokoriyama, Nara 639-1058, Japan

How to get there:

Take the Kintetsu Line and get off at Kintetsu Koriyama Station then take the shuttle bus to the temple.

※ It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Osaka.

Map:

3. Visit the “48 Waterfalls of Akame” amidst the lush greenery! 🍃 [ 11 June 2025 ]

As June brings warmer weather, it becomes essential to refresh your body while traveling. Why not explore the “48 Waterfalls of Akame” to enjoy a cool and rejuvenating experience?

The “48 Waterfalls of Akame” is located in a beautiful, deep valley, just about an hour’s drive from Osaka. There’s a nature trail approximately 3 kilometers long that connects several waterfalls, allowing everyone to enjoy hiking while taking in the stunning views. ✨

Let’s immerse ourselves in a rejuvenating experience filled with the tranquility of nature, the refreshing scent of the forest, the soothing sound of flowing water, and the mesmerizing cascades of waterfalls hitting the rocks.

More about 48 Waterfalls of Akame

Address:

Nagasaka-671-1 Akamecho, Nabari, Mie 518-0469, Japan

How to get there:

Get off at Kintetsu “Akameguchi” Station and take the Mie Bus for about 10 minutes.

*It takes about 1 hour from Osaka and about 1 hour and 50 minutes from Nagoya.

Map:

4. Experience the rare and premium “Iga Wagyu” at “Iga Ninja Village” 🐂 [ 16 June 2025 ]

One of the greatest joys of traveling is tasting delicious local cuisine. Today, we’d like to introduce you to “Iga Beef (Iga-gyu)”, a renowned Wagyu beef from Iga City in Mie Prefecture, which is known as the birthplace of the Iga Ninja.

While “Matsusaka Beef” from Mie Prefecture is widely famous, “Iga Beef” is equally top-quality! However, its limited production means that over 80% is consumed locally, making it truly “legendary” and hard to find in other regions.

We highly recommend visiting the 120-year-old restaurant “Kanaya,” located just a few minutes’ walk from Kintetsu Hirokoji Station, to enjoy their delicious sukiyaki menu.

At this restaurant, you can savor the fragrant, mellow sweetness of the finest Iga beef, which is expertly cooked fresh in front of you by the staff

More about Iga Ninja Village

Address:

117 Ueno Marunouchi, Iga-shi, Mie-ken, Japan.

How to get there:

Get off at Kintetsu “Hirokoji” station and walk for 1 minute to “Iga Original Beef Kanaya” Main Branch, Iga Ueno.

※ Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from Osaka

Map:

5. 🦈 Kaiyukan Aquarium is celebrating its 35th anniversary! 🐧 [ 25 June 2025 ]

Located in Osaka Bay, this renowned aquarium has been a favorite since 1990. In 2025, it will unveil a major renovation of the “Great Barrier Reef” exhibit, recreating the vibrant environment of the world’s largest coral reef in a six-sided aquarium spanning three floors. This exhibit will showcase the life cycle of coral, from birth to regeneration.

Don’t miss the giant “Pacific Tank,” featuring two whale sharks, including the popular “Jinbe.” The aquarium’s spiral ramp offers visitors a unique view of the aquatic life, from top to bottom, in the 9-meter-deep tank.

To celebrate, a giant “Wall Art” will be created on the seawall, where artists depict life in the aquarium, and visitors can help color the coral. Join us in bringing this beautiful ocean scene to life!

Be sure to check out these exciting features on your next visit!

More about Kaiyukan Aquarium

Address:

1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan

How to get there:

Get off at Kintetsu “Osaka-Namba” and take the Hanshin Line to “Kujo” Station.
Then change to the Osaka Metro and get off at “Osakako (Kaiyukan-mae)” Station, and walk for about 5 minutes.

※ About 25 minutes from Osaka-Namba

Map:

6. ☕“Limited Express Cafe” event is back after July!🍰 [ 27 June 2025 ]

“Limited Express Cafe” which started in April, is a popular cafe where you can experience the atmosphere of a sightseeing train ride even at the station! After receiving overwhelming feedback, it has now been announced that it will continue until the end of July!

Those who use the cafe can sit inside the limited express train and enjoy their time in their favourite seat.

Newly updated special menus and limited goods♪ This is a great opportunity for everyone to see Kintetsu’s famous limited express trains with beautiful and unique designs such as “Shimakaze”, “Aoniyoshi”, and “Blue Symphony” up close.

※Photos from previous years’ events