07/09/2026
A Path to Ancient Japan: Kintetsu Railway's New Limited Express
Travel to a World Heritage Site while feeling the romance of ancient Japan, aboard Kintetsu Railway's new limited express. Nara is home to two World Heritage Sites: the Asuka-Fujiwara area, which was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2026, and Mount Yoshino. And now a new limited express train has joined the Kintetsu Railway line that connects these two areas, and few travelers know about it yet. Its name is the Shijin Liner.
The Shijin, mythical guardian beasts that preside over the four cardinal directions of east, west, south, and north, are featured on each of the train's four cars, with both the exterior and interior designed around motifs tied to each guardian and the Asuka-Fujiwara area.
Along the Shijin Liner's route are Yoshino Station, the final stop, and Asuka Station, allowing visitors to visit both World Heritage Sites on a single journey. This new limited express train packs the romance of ancient Japan into its very design. Let your curiosity about Japan's history and mysteries build during the ride, then enjoy sightseeing once you arrive.
The Shijin Liner departs from Osaka Abenobashi Station, home to two hotels directly connected to the station and operated by Miyako Hotels & Resorts: Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel and Miyako City Osaka Tennoji, both an ideal base for exploring Nara's World Heritage Sites.
*Please note that depending on the schedule, a different limited express train may run instead of the Shijin Liner, so check the Kintetsu Railway website for details.
Share this special train journey with someone you would love to explore these World Heritage Sites with, and start planning your trip together.
For more information on Miyako Hotel & Resorts, click here:
https://en.miyakohotels.ne.jp/