A new more comfortable way to travel to Nara…
Kintetsu introduced a new luxury tourist train on April 29th 2022 “The Sightseeing Limited Express Aoniyoshi” which links Kyoto & Osaka with Nara.
This train is a limited express, stopping at only a small number of stations. It covers the journey from Kyoto to Nara in 35 minutes and between Osaka (Kintetsu Namba and Uehommachi Stations) in about 1 1/2 hours.
Designed to allow travellers to relax in style…
The train interior has been completely rebuilt with custom made seating and fixtures. The large windows allow you to relax and watch the scenery pass by. It is a very comfortable way to travel to or from Nara.
The train has two types of seating. In three cars the seats are arranged in pairs next to the windows with a table in between. The salon car has screened off compartments with four chairs around a table (see picture.
The train has a sales counter where you can buy hot and cold drinks and Nara speciality sweets. The train also has free WiFi, luggage space and barrier free facilities.
Kintetsu provides a convenient and comfortable way to travel to Nara from either Kyoto or Osaka…
The Aoniyoshi operates most days with one round trip between Osaka and Nara and 2 round trips between Kyoto and Nara. Check the Kintetsu website for schedule information.
As well as the normal fare, the Limited Express and a special supplement is payable.
You must reserve seats in advance, either online or at Kintetsu’s ticket offices.
Please check the Kintetsu website (see link below) for the fares payable. Extra supplement is payable if travelling alone or 1 or 2 people using salon seats.
You can find more details on the Kintetsu website (click here)
Nara – overshadowed by Kyoto, but also an ancient capital of Japan with lots to see…
In fact, Nara was the first “permanent” capital of Japan and even today is an important buddhist centre in Japan. Nara is rich in history and culture and both the city and prefecture have lots of places to visit. It is also famous for the deer that roam the Nara Park in the centre of the city.
For tourist information on Nara (click here)
See also Explore Japan by Rail – Kansai
For Rail Fans
This Aoniyoshi is the latest Kintetsu tourist train and was converted from a 12200 series Limited Express train after the end of regular services in 2021 for this series. Total train capacity is 84 persons.
“Kintetsu”, official name Kinki Nippon Railway Company (近畿日本鉄道), is a private railway company that operates rail services in the Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka area. Its network is the largest after the JR companies network.
Another aspect of the Kintetsu network is that it uses standard gauge (1,435mm 4ft 81/2in) for most of its network, although it does operate some Japanese narrow gauge (1,067mm 3ft 6in) track or is operated by type 3 rail operators.
TS Japan Rail, the Japan Rail Experts, can help you plan your rail trip in Japan including suggesting interesting tourist trains to see and enjoy Japan from!
