#Japan #Wakayama #Panda Kyushu #Yomiuri Travel

Exciting Panda Kyushu Train Tour to Wakayama

JR West Japan is teaming up with Yomiuri Travel and Nippon Travel to offer an exhilarating group tour on the special limited-edition "Panda Kyushu" train, adorned with panda-themed decorations. The tour will operate between Shin Osaka Station and Kii Katsuura Station, leading guests into the beautiful region of Wakayama, renowned for its hot springs. Starting in early November, the tickets for this unique travel experience will be available for purchase, following the successful Kaga Onsen Festival held earlier this October.

The limited-edition Panda Kyushu train is wrapped in designs featuring beloved pandas from Adventure World in Shirahama, which sadly returned to China, making this a nod to the local attractions and culture. This branding aligns with the 60th anniversary celebration of the regular "Kuroshio" express train service.

Scheduled to depart on a Saturday during the three-day holiday weekend in February 2026, the tour will feature Wakayama's tourism mascot, "Wakapaan," joining travelers onboard for photo opportunities. A fun rock-paper-scissors game with prizes featuring local specialities will also be held onboard. Upon arrival at Kii Katsuura Station, guests will be greeted by local characters including "Kii-chan" and "Wakapaan," as well as locals dressed in traditional Heian period garments, enhancing the cultural charm of the experience.

The second day of the itinerary promises engaging activities, including a chance to explore the sacred Kumano Kodo trail with a “Daimon-zaka Walk,” as well as visits to the stunning Nachi Falls, one of Japan's three great waterfalls. Travelers will choose from two tour plans featuring the chance to formally visit the World Heritage Site of Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, ensuring a well-rounded exploration of the rich cultural and natural heritage of the area.

Tour Details

• - Tour Name: Limited-Edition Train Tour Featuring the Panda Kyushu to Wakayama's Famous Nanki Katsuura Onsen (2-Day or 3-Day Options)
• - Departure Points: Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station, Shin Yokohama Station.
• - Departure Date: February 21, 2026 (Saturday)
• - Expected Participants: 50 for the 2-day tour, 100 for the Kansai-area variant
• - Pricing: 2-Day Tour priced from ¥79,900 to ¥101,900 per person, 3-Day Tour from ¥129,900 to ¥171,900 per person.

Tour Inclusions:

1. Special commemorative train ticket
2. A complimentary bottle of Kumano water
3. Postcard and tote bag
4. Clear file and welcome event
5. Unique opportunity for photos with the mascot "Wakapaan" onboard

In addition to options from Tokyo and the Kansai region, tours from other areas such as Hokuriku, Chugoku, and Kyushu are also available, making this a widely accessible adventure.

Yomiuri Travel and Nippon Travel have collaborated since their comprehensive business and service-improvement partnership established in September 2019. The current tour marks the second year of joint tour operations between the two companies, showcasing their commitment to regional revitalization and enhancing tourism consumption. They continue to work together with the Yomiuri Shimbun and JR West Japan to enrich their offerings, promising to bring fresh value to travelers.