Luxurious sightseeing train linking Osaka, Nara, Kyoto to hit tracks in April 2022

OSAKA -- Kintetsu Railway Co. will launch a luxurious sightseeing limited express connecting the western Japan cities of Osaka, Nara and Kyoto in April 2022, hoping to attract mainly post-pandemic inbound tourists.

The company, headquartered in the city of Osaka, announced the plan on Oct. 8. The four-carriage train with 84 seats will be named "Awoniyoshi" -- a poetic epithet referring to Japan's ancient capital Nara. Fares are envisaged at up to around 2,000 yen (about $18) including special charges.

Based on an image of the "ancient city Nara," the exterior is painted purple -- a color symbolizing nobility -- and the interior is adorned with geometric patterns of plants and flowers. All seats resemble comfortable furniture and will require reservations. The reduced number of seats compared to ordinary train cars will provide a spacious feeling, and a counter will sell snacks and other items.

The 12200 series train cars, which debuted in the 1960s, have been renovated for the new service. The series once carried Britain's Queen Elizabeth and was used as a special train for Japan's Imperial Family. About 330 million yen (approximately $3 million) was spent on the remodeling.

Kintetsu Railway Co. plans to operate the Awoniyoshi train six times a day, six days a week. The service links Osaka-Namba and Kyoto stations via Kintetsu-Nara Station in about an hour and 20 minutes, and Kyoto and Kintetsu-Nara stations in roughly 35 minutes.

The number of regular Kintetsu limited express passengers on Oct. 2 and 3 -- the first weekend after the coronavirus state of emergency was lifted at the end of September -- increased by some 30% compared to the previous weekend, the company said.

A representative at Kintetsu said of the new service, "This will be the first sightseeing limited express connecting these three cities. We have taken countermeasures against the coronavirus, such as antibacterial finishing in the train cars, so we hope people will enjoy leisurely trips."

(Japanese original by Masaki Takahashi, Osaka City News Department)