Hello, this is Baomu Project.
Recently, I finally experienced something that had been on my travel list for quite some time—the famous "Kansai Mega Loop" train journey.
While this type of trip is well known among railway enthusiasts, experiencing it firsthand was even more enjoyable than I had imagined. It also gave me a new appreciation for the size and diversity of the Kansai area.
■ Starting the Journey at Shin-Osaka Station
My adventure began in the morning at Shin-Osaka Station.
Normally, the station is filled with Shinkansen passengers heading to destinations across Japan. This time, however, my goal was different: to spend an entire day traveling around Kansai using only local and rapid trains.
The excitement began the moment I passed through the ticket gate.
My first destination was Kusatsu Station in Shiga Prefecture.
■ From Kusatsu to a More Rural Side of Kansai
After passing through Kyoto, the scenery outside the train gradually changed from urban landscapes to quieter suburban areas.
Upon arriving at Kusatsu Station, the atmosphere of the trip began to feel more like a true railway adventure.
The transition from busy commuter routes to more local lines was fascinating.
It reminded me how dramatically the scenery and atmosphere can change even within the same railway network.
■ The Nostalgic Charm of Tsuge Station
One of the most memorable stops on this journey was Tsuge Station.
Located near the border between Shiga and Mie Prefectures, the station has a quiet and nostalgic atmosphere.
Stepping onto the platform felt like entering a completely different world, far removed from the bustle of the city.
Even the waiting time between trains felt like part of the experience.
One of the great joys of the Kansai Mega Loop is visiting stations that you would rarely have a reason to stop at during ordinary travel.
■ Through Oji and Onward to Wakayama
From Tsuge, the route continued through Nara Prefecture and on to Oji Station.
Beyond Oji, the scenery changed once again.
As the train rolled toward Wakayama, the views outside the window continued to evolve, keeping the journey interesting throughout the day.
Some sections passed through mountainous areas, offering landscapes that felt surprisingly remote despite being within the greater Kansai region.
■ Realizing the Size of Kansai at Wakayama Station
By the time I arrived at Wakayama Station, I felt as though I had traveled a considerable distance.
Yet the journey was still not over.
From Wakayama, I boarded a train on the Hanwa Line and headed back toward Osaka.
Along the way, the scenery shifted once again, from residential neighborhoods to stretches that hinted at the nearby coastline.
The trip highlighted just how diverse the Kansai region truly is.
■ Returning to the City via Tennoji
As I arrived at Tennoji Station, it suddenly felt as though I had returned to the heart of the city.
Watching the crowds moving through the busy platforms, I reflected on how far I had traveled since leaving Shin-Osaka that morning.
Finally, I reached Osaka Station, completing the loop.
After spending the entire day traveling across Kansai, the sense of accomplishment was greater than I had expected.
■ Final Thoughts
My Kansai Mega Loop journey offered:
- A long-distance railway adventure using only a regular train ticket
- Constantly changing scenery throughout the trip
- Opportunities to discover stations rarely visited by tourists
- A deeper appreciation of Kansai's size and diversity
Traveling from Shin-Osaka through Shiga, Mie, Nara, and Wakayama before returning to Osaka truly felt like circling the entire Kansai region.
Unlike traveling by limited express or Shinkansen, where the focus is reaching the destination quickly, this journey was all about enjoying the changing scenery along the way.
I highly recommend it not only to railway enthusiasts but also to anyone looking for a unique and relaxing day trip.
If you enjoy slow travel and discovering hidden sides of Japan, the Kansai Mega Loop is definitely worth experiencing.
