Kintetsu Railway Monthly News in March 2026

Hello everyone! Today, we’re back with Kintetsu Railway Monthly News in March 2026

This time, we’ll be taking you on a journey by Kintetsu train convenient, fast, and perfect for everyone, whether you’re traveling solo or with a large family! We’ll explore a variety of interesting destinations, including Yoshino, a region with stunning cherry blossom covered mountains in spring, earning it the nickname “City of Wood” 

Or, we’ll visit ‘Tiger Temple’ 🐯 to see the cherry blossoms, where the world’s largest papier-mâché tiger statue awaits! And don’t miss the scenic spring cruise in ‘Fushimi’ the beauty and atmosphere will leave you amazed!

Index

• 1.Experience Sightseeing Limited Express “Shimakaze” to Ise-Shima this Spring!
• 2.Let’s explore the Yoshino foothills and the Yoshino River basin!
• 3.How about visiting the Tiger Temple to see the cherry blossoms? 🌸
• 4.Enjoy a cruise on the ancient Jingokubune and fully immerse yourself in Fushimi this spring!
  

1. Enjoy a cruise on the ancient Jingokubune and fully immerse yourself in Fushimi this spring! (19 March 2026)

Watch full video >> Kintetsu Railway Eng

As the scent of spring begins to fill the air, consider planning a trip to Japan during this beautiful season. We highly recommend traveling to Ise-Shima on the renowned “Shimakaze”

Enjoy the comfort of deluxe leather seats that are both soft and inviting throughout your journey. The elevated floors in the front and rear carriages provide stunning views through large windows, allowing you to fully appreciate the scenery.

Additionally, there are café carriages and private rooms designed in both Japanese and Western styles, perfect for groups. Trust us, the journey itself will become one of the highlights of your trip!

The café carriage is a two-story space with counter seating where you can enjoy the beautiful landscape while savoring delicious dishes from Mie, including Matsusaka beef. To top it off, you can indulge in a variety of delightful desserts.

So, take the opportunity to experience a truly special journey on Sightseeing Limited Express “Shimakaze” and immerse yourself in the charm of Ise-Shima this spring.

More information

The Sightseeing Limited Express Shimakaze

• Operates between Osaka Namba Station, Kintetsu Nagoya Station, Kintetsu Kyoto Station, and Kashi-Kojima Station.
• ※Please check the official website for the train schedule >> https://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/shimakaze

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2. Let’s explore the Yoshino foothills and the Yoshino River basin! (24 March 2026)

Yoshino is renowned for its cherry blossom-covered mountains in spring and is called the “Town of Wood.” The area around Yoshino-Jingū Station, the gateway to Yoshino, features lumberyards and sawmills. Visitors can enjoy a viewpoint to watch Kintetsu trains cross the river bridge, creating a stunning scene. 🚃

Heading east along the river, you’ll discover a viewpoint and archaeological remains in Miyataki. A bit further, Kuzu offers serene views, including the Tennobuchi Moat (天皇淵) and Kiyomihara Shrine (浄見原神社), built about 1,300 years ago to honor the emperor.

In the residential area of ​​Kuzu, if you walk up a slightly steep hill, you’ll find Fukunishi Washi Honpo (福西和紙本舗), where everyone can try making traditional washi paper. So, don’t miss this unique Japanese cultural experience found only in this town of wood!

Escape the hustle and bustle and breathe in the fresh, cool air of Miyataki and Kuzu in early spring!

How to get there

• Take Kintetsu train to Yamato-Kamiichi Station, then take a bus for about 30 minutes.

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3.How about visiting the Tiger Temple to see the cherry blossoms?🌸 (27 March 2026)

Mount Shigi is a sacred site in Japan, believed to be the first place where Bishamonten, one of the Seven Gods of Fortune, appeared. As a result, it has long been a revered location where people pray for family safety, business prosperity, good fortune, and the fulfillment of their wishes.

The main temple dedicated to Bishamonten is Shokozan Shiji Temple. Legend has it that over 1,400 years ago, Prince Shotoku encountered Bishamonten in the Year of the Tiger, on the Day of the Tiger, and at the Hour of the Tiger. This is how the temple earned its name, “Temple of the Tiger.” Inside the temple, visitors are greeted by the world’s largest papier-mâché tiger statue, which stands majestically.

During the spring season, another highlight that attracts tourists is the stunning cherry blossoms blooming all over the temple grounds, enhancing the beautiful atmosphere.

How about taking a walk in the mountains to experience the scent of spring? 🌸

※Photos are from last year.

More about Shokozan Shiji Temple

Address

• 2280-1 Shigisan, Heguri, Ikoma District, Nara 636-0923, Japan

Website

• https://www.sigisan.or.jp/en/

How to get there

• Get off Kintetsu train at Ōji Station and take Nara Kotsu bus to “Shikiouhashi” (approximately 22 minutes) or a taxi (approximately 13 minutes).
• Get off Kintetsu train at Shigisanshita Station and take a taxi (approximately 10 minutes) or a Nara Kotsu bus (approximately 15 minutes).
• Get off Kintetsu train at Shigisanguchi Station, take the cable car to Takayasuyama (approximately 10 minutes), then take the Kintetsu bus to Shigisanmon (approximately 10 minutes), and walk for another 10 minutes to reach the temple.

Map

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4. Enjoy a cruise on the ancient Jingokubune and fully immerse yourself in Fushimi this spring! (31 March 2026)

Fushimi is a town near Kyoto famous as one of Japan’s leading sake-producing regions. It was once a thriving port city with waterways as its primary means of transport.

“Jingokubune (十石舟)” is a replica of the Edo-era transport ships between Kyoto and Osaka, which has now been converted into a sightseeing boat, taking tourists on a cruise along the canals to admire the scenery of the sake-producing town.

Especially during this time of year, the cherry blossoms blooming along the canal banks droop to the water’s surface, creating a breathtaking scene perfect for relaxing and enjoying the cherry blossoms.

But that’s not all! After the cherry blossom season, you can still enjoy the beautiful views of each season, including lush greenery, hydrangeas, and autumn leaves. (The boats are closed during winter)

How to get there:

• Get off Kintetsu train at Momoyamagoryomae Station and walk 12 minutes.

※ From Kyoto, it takes about 15 minutes; from Osaka Namba, it takes about 1 hour.

Reference : Kintetsu Railway English

Read more articles from Kintetsu Railway 

• Stroll through traditional Japanese houses, explore hidden charming place in “Imaicho”
• Kintetsu Railway Monthly News in Febuary 2026
• “Toshijima” a hidden gem in Ise-Shima, Mie.

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