―A journey to enjoy the history and nature of Japan
OSAKA, Japan, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, currently underway, announced that the cumulative number of general visitors as of June 21 has reached 7,622,161, according to the Expo Association. The number of visitors continues to increase steadily, and many overseas tourists who visit the venue also tend to visit nearby tourist spots. Kintetsu Railway Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Kintetsu) boasts the longest railway line among private railways in Japan, connecting Osaka, Nara, Nagoya, Mie, Kyoto, and other cities. The Kintetsu Rail Pass, which is popular among foreign tourists for its affordability, has been digitized, allowing passengers to board and alight at stations simply by scanning a QR code. Similar to Singapore’s subway system, passengers can tap their credit cards at the ticket gates to board and exit, and services are being enhanced so that visitors can enjoy more areas during the Expo.
The most recommended tourist spot along the Kintetsu Railway line is the “Ise-Shima” area in Mie Prefecture. It is easily accessible from bustling cities, yet offers visitors a chance to experience Japan’s long history and traditions firsthand, making it a “hidden gem” of Japanese tourism. The “Sightseeing Limited Express SHIMAKAZE” is a convenient way to access Ise-Shima. The “Shimakaze” runs from Osaka Namba, Kyoto, and Nagoya to Ise-Shima, and is designed with the concept of “enjoying the ride itself as a tourist attraction.” During the approximately 2.5-hour journey, passengers can enjoy views of the sea and mountains from the windows and relax in leather seats equipped with massage functions while enjoying various areas.
– Ise Area:
Ise Grand Shrine, which even Japanese people say they want to visit at least once in their lifetime, has a history of over 2,000 years. Nearby are “Okage Yokocho” and “Oharaimachi,” lined with restaurants and souvenir shops, where you can not only feel the history of Japan but also enjoy local cuisine unique to this area.
– Toba/Shima Area:
The number of “ama” (female divers) has been decreasing year by year, but they still dive into the sea to catch shellfish and seaweed using only their breath. After fishing, they warm their cold bodies in “ama huts,” where meals are also provided. Guests can join in around the hearth to savor the fresh seafood of Mie Prefecture, including Ise ebi (spiny lobster), abalone, and sazae (turban shell). In this area, which was the first in the world to successfully cultivate pearls, visitors can not only purchase pearl products but also experience harvesting pearls themselves and creating their own accessories.
The venue for the 2016 summit, the “Shima Kanko Hotel,” offers sophisticated services worthy of hosting members of the imperial family and French cuisine that attracts many fans. The “Kashikojima Hojoen“, a popular Japanese-style ryokan with hot springs, offers beautiful views and spacious rooms where families can relax and enjoy themselves.
The railway lines extending from Osaka, home to the Expo site, to the wider Kansai region offer travelers the opportunity to enjoy the scenic natural beauty and rich history of the area.
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SOURCE Kintetsu Railway Co.,Ltd.
