Aoniyoshi, Kintetsu Shimakaze – Travel in Luxury around Kansai and to Mie
During my latest journey, I arrived in Osaka by plane, planning to take a train to Mie to visit the Toba aquarium and Ise shrine. The trains in Kansai are remarkable, and I've already praised how simple and convenient it was to discover the area by train. Trains are reliable, affordable, and very frequent. Mie was the final prefecture in the region that I had yet to visit. I anticipated it would be just another local train, like previous occasions. However, this train ride was different from the rest, and it is a journey I will always remember. There are only a handful of instances when a train trip has amazed me or made a favourable impact on me. Primarily because in the UK trains are quite costly, often delayed or cancelled, or they turn into an often-experienced replacement bus service.
The only train experiences that made a positive impact on me are two occasions from travels to Europe. On my initial visit to Germany, a nation renowned for efficiency, I travelled by train from Munich to Füssen and found it quite impressive. The train was a two-level model, offering excellent views of the scenery that slowly transformed into mountains blanketed in snow. The trip offered not only stunning views but also a satisfactory degree of comfort. My seat was cosy, and the train was quite tidy.
The second occasion, for a somewhat different cause, was my journey to Romania. I travelled by train from Sibiu to Brașov to visit Bran Castle, a well-known site for Dracula enthusiasts. The train was old and had a distinctly Soviet vibe, evoking memories of vintage trains adorned with curtains and lamps resting on the tables. It was outdated, and as we wound our way through the Romanian landscape, stations turned into basic mud stops where passengers merely disembarked and ventured into the wild, likely to discover a small home or community. The airport in Sibiu also uses an old mechanical system where the panels spin and change, which created a mesmerising effect and sound when the entire board changed, and things moved upward. Both journeys have created a positive impact. I appreciated them and sensed that I had benefited from the experiences
When I connected Ise to the ticket machine in Osaka, two choices appeared, both priced similarly at approximately 4000 yen. Unfortunately, the more upscale train was entirely booked, so I chose the next one on the Kintetsu line. For these trips, all seats are booked similarly to the Shinkansen; however, standing during the journey is not permitted. Make sure to reserve your spot in advance.
While heading to the platform, oblivious to the trains awaiting me, I noticed several advertisements for a high-end luxury express train. It provided highly comfortable seating with plenty of leg space, and all seats reclined without affecting the person sitting behind. It featured expansive glass windows to enjoy the Japanese scenery, and there were double-decker cars created to offer sweeping views of the surroundings. They appear elegant and modern, yet distinct from the Shinkansen aesthetic. The train I was set to get on was one level below, yet it cost the same as the upper tier. The train I was about to take also provided private cabins and first class. The Aoniyoshi Kintetsu train exemplifies luxury, sophistication, and cosiness. The moment the first train pulled in, I realised I was in for something special
After choosing my seats, I felt disappointed as I thought I had lost the opportunity for the seats on the upper level. Nonetheless, it appears that if you don't reserve the private room, all the seating is located upstairs, requiring you to ascend a few steps to reach the main seats. Even in the standard class, the seats offer plenty of space and can recline. The scenery was impressive, and due to all the glass, the entire carriage felt cheerful. The trip was pleasant, and I appreciated watching the city of Osaka gradually transition into rolling hills and mountains as we entered Mie. Ise Shrine is situated in the southern part of the prefecture, allowing you to appreciate much of Mie during your journey. It also goes through Nara, turning your journey into one across multiple prefectures. The trip was quick, and I felt a bit sad when it concluded and reached the final stop
This is the first train trip I've felt motivated to blog about; it was unlike riding the Shinkansen, which is extremely fast but offers incredible views of Japan's numerous tunnels. If you're intending to explore the Kansai region and venture into Mie, I highly suggest you reserve these trains and, if possible, experience the premier luxury express. They offer stunning trips with almost unobstructed vistas of the landscape. They sometimes pass through tunnels, but since they travel at a bit slower speeds, the trip is mostly smooth with nice scenery. The train ride is quite pleasant and gentle. I have stated that the limited express from Saga to Hakata offers the most jolting experience I've ever encountered in Japan, and I often think about how no train has derailed. However, not with Kintetsu. The trains provide a very smooth experience, and I relished some local Osaka croquettes while travelling; bentos and snacks are available for purchase at the station, just remember to tidy up and take your litter with you. Booking this train will not leave you dissatisfied!
