Kunkul Has Discovered Something! A Nara Journey with The Apothecary Diaries and Kintetsu Railway

Hello!
I’m Kunkul from Kodensha.
Japan is full of fascinating places and events that many people overseas have yet to discover.
That’s why Kunkul wants to share discoveries from Japan that make Kunkul think, “I wish people overseas could know about this, too!” I’ll be introducing these discoveries to you.
This time, I found a collaboration between Kintetsu Railway, which operates trains in Nara, and the popular anime series The Apothecary Diaries!
Starting October 10, 2026, you can enjoy a digital quiz rally visiting various places in Nara Prefecture, original voice content featuring Maomao and Jinshi, and specially wrapped trains.
But the collaboration itself isn’t the only thing that caught Kunkul’s attention.

Is Nara really just deer and the Great Buddha?
When people overseas hear “Nara,” deer are probably the first thing that comes to mind.
When Kunkul thinks of Nara, Kunkul pictures deer first, too.
But this event takes you to areas a little different from Nara Park, including Asuka-Fujiwara, Yoshino, and Yamatokoriyama.
The area around Asuka, in particular, preserves traces of a very ancient period when the foundations of Japan as a nation were taking shape.
Among the rice fields and mountain scenery, you’ll come across scattered burial mounds, temple ruins, and historic sites.
It offers a different view of Japan from the elegant ancient capital of Kyoto.
“So Nara has places like this, too!”
Even Kunkul was a little surprised.

Discovering Unfamiliar Towns Through Anime
This campaign also offers content you can enjoy while riding Kintetsu trains.
On designated sections, you can listen to original voices by Maomao and Jinshi.
The train isn’t just transport—the journey itself is part the event. That’s what makes it so exciting.
When traveling to Japan from overseas, it’s easy to stick only to famous destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
But if you take a train a little farther afield, you may come across towns and landscapes that rarely appear in guidebooks.
A favorite anime might inspire you to think, “Maybe I’ll get off at this station?”
Letting your travel plans expand in this way may be one of the pleasures of visiting Japan.

Kunkul Is Especially Interested in the Wrapped Train!
During the event, specially wrapped trains featuring characters from The Apothecary Diaries will also be in service.
It’s not just about the destination—you may find yourself wondering, “What kind of train will arrive today?”
Even the time spent waiting at the station could become part of the fun.

There are also spots relating to medicine, including the Kusuri Museum and Yakuen Hachiman Shrine. Kunkul is curious to find out what they’re like.

A Few Words from Kunkul
This campaign looks interesting not only for fans of The Apothecary Diaries, but also for anyone who wants to explore Nara in a way that’s a little different from ordinary sightseeing.
Let an anime inspire you to take a train and visit a town you’ve never known before.
You may discover an unexpected side of Japan there—its history, food, scenery, and more.
Kunkul will keep looking for more of this “Japan that is still waiting to be discovered”!

The collaboration between The Apothecary Diaries and Kintetsu Railway is scheduled to run from October 10, 2026, to January 24, 2027.
For details on participation, train schedules, and more, please visit the official website.

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