Aonijoshi, a luxury sightseeing train that connects Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto, began operating on April 29, 2022. This electric train is part of the Kintetsu Railway fleet, the second largest railway network in Japan. Aonijoshi is a modernized version of the Kintetsu Series 12200 train, designed in the 1960s and 1970s.

The exterior of the train is painted in purple, suggesting Nara’s imperial past. The interior is adorned with beautiful mandala patterns of birds and flowers known as „Tenpiyo,“ which are also associated with Nara during its time as the capital of Japan.

Aonijoshi has a total of 84 seats and offers two types of seating: two-seaters by the window for couples and salon seats for three to four passengers, separated by partitions from the aisle. The train also offers a counter in car number two, where passengers can order light meals and drinks, as well as a library space in car number four, where passengers can read books during the journey.

The train runs six times a day, in the morning from Osaka Namba station to Kyoto via Kintecu Nara station, and in the afternoon in the opposite direction. Aonijoshi operates six days a week, with one day off, usually on Thursdays, and during holidays. All seats must be reserved in advance, and the full fare from Osaka Namba to Kyoto is 1,960 yen (12 euros).

This wonderful vehicle provides comfortable and stylish travel between these three historically rich cities, allowing passengers to enjoy the natural beauty of Japan while relaxing in the luxurious interior of the train.