The Nankai Main Line for Wakayama

The Nankai Main Line is a private rail line, operated by Nankai Electric Railway, that runs between Nankai Namba Station in central Osaka and Wakayamashi Station in Wakayama City. Because the Nankai Main Line is a private railroad it is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass, but there are some other discount options which we will examine at the end of this article.

Key Destinations

There are 43 stations on the Nankai Main Line between Nankai Namba and Wakayamashi. Through trains bound for Kansai International Airport follow the Nankai Main Line until they reach Izumisano Station, and are there diverted to the Nankai Aiport Line. For many destinations between Nankai Namba Station and Izumisano Station it may be quicker to use the Airport Express train for at least part of your journey. Limited Express trains also run between Nankai Namba and Wakayamashi but these require an additional surcharge for seat reservations. Use an English language online route finder like Jorudan or Hyperdia to find suitable trains and transfers for your journey. The key destinations and transfer points on the Nankai Main Line are listed below with fares and train times given from Nankai Namba Station.

Nankai Namba Station

Namba is a popular commercial and entertainment area in central Osaka and Nankai Namba Station is one part of a major city transportation hub. Nankai Namba Station is easily accessed, either directly via the Nankai Main Line, or indirectly via three other nearby stations: JR Namba Station, Osaka Namba Station, and Osaka Municipal Subway’s Namba Station.
JR Namba Station is accessed by the JR Yamatoji Line. Osaka Namba Station is accessed by the Kintetsu Namba Line and Hanshin Namba Line. And Osaka Municipal Subway’s Namba Station is accessed by the Midosuji and Yotsubashi lines.

Shin-Imamiya Station

This station in central Osaka can be accessed by the Osaka Loop Line or the Yamatoji Line. Dobutsuen-mae Station is nearby and can be accessed by the Midosuji and Sakaisuji subway lines.

Tengachaya Station

This station is in the Nishinari Ward of Osaka. All trains of the Nankai Main Line and Nankai Koya Line stop here and it is also the southern terminus of the Sakaisuji Subway Line.

Sumiyoshitaisha Station

Exit here for Sumiyoshi Park and for Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. This 3rd century shrine is famous for its graceful arched bridge, and its main building is a designated National Treasure.

Hamaderakoen Station

This station is convenient for Hamadera Koen Park which is famous for its pine trees and for its extensive rose garden. The station itself dates from 1907 and is a designated “tangible cultural property” as it was designed by the architect, Kingo Tatsuno who is best known for designing Tokyo Station. Transfers can be made at nearby Hamadera-ekimae Station to the tramway Hankai Line.

Hagoromo Station

Transfer here to the Nankai Takashinohama Line for Takashinohama Station.

Kishiwada Station

This station is convenient for the Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri, a famous float festival which is held every September and is famous for the reckless speed at which the giant floats fly through the streets.

Takojizo Station

This station is convenient for Kishiwada Castle which dates from 1334 and features an exhibition space and a traditional rock garden.

Izumisano Station

Transfers can be made here to the Nankai Airport Line for Kansai International Airport.

Misaki-koen Station

Exit here for Misaki Park, a zoo and amusement park, operated by Nankai Railway, which opens a large outdoor pool in the summer.

Kinokawa Station

Transfer here to the Nankai Kada Line.

Wakayamashi Station

Wakayamashi Station in the city of Wakayama is the southern terminus of the Nankai Main Line. Wakayama city’s biggest tourist attraction is Wakayama Castle. First built in the 16th century, the current castle is mostly a 1950’s reconstruction as the bulk of it was destroyed in the last world war. The Kuroshio Market in Wakayama Marina City is another popular attraction. Here you can buy fresh seafood, watch a whole tuna being filleted, or eat in one of many seafood restaurants.

Transfer here to the Nankai Kada Line, the Nankai Wakayamako Line, or to JR West’s Kisei Main Line.

Train fare: 920 yen
Train time: 65 minutes by Express

Discount Tickets

The Nankai Main Line is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass, but there are alternatives. If you wish to travel in Osaka and Wakayama using Nankai Railway lines, then the Kansai Thru Pass is your best option. This gives you unlimited rides on subways, private railways and buses in Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Wakayama and Shiga. Discount coupons for 350 tourist facilities are also included with the pass. A 2 day pass costs 4,000 yen for an adult and 2,000 yen for a child. A 3 day pass costs 5,200 yen for an adult and 2,600 yen for a child.

Two more discount passes are available that can be used on Nankai Railway lines in the Osaka area. The Yokoso! Osaka Ticket includes a one way ticket Limited Express Rapi:t between Kansai-Airport Station and Namba Station, and also unlimited rides for trams, buses and subways for 1 day’s travel in Osaka. Discounts for Osaka’s sightseeing locations are included with this ticket. This ticket is available for adults only and costs 1,500 yen.

The Nankai Expansion Version of the Osaka Amazing Pass covers all Nankai Railway lines in Osaka as well as subways, buses, trams and other private rail lines in Osaka such as Kintetsu, Keihan, Hanshin and Hankyu. Some special offers for popular tourist spots in Osaka are also included with this ticket. This ticket is available for adults only and costs 2,900 yen.

Please note that these three discount options do not cover JR Railway lines.

Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved.