This train is called “Blue Symphony” a special sightseeing express train operated by the Kintetsu Railway Company.
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This special limited express train operates between Osaka Abenobashi Station, in Osaka’s bustling Tennoji district, and Yoshino Station in the mountains of Nara. It is the ultimate way to access the stunning and beautiful Mt. Yoshino, famous for its 30,000 plus sakura trees, rich culture, historical importance and glorious autumn colors.
Boarding the Blue Symphony feels like stepping inside the pages of Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express.” The passenger cars are decked out with plush carpeting, large picture windows with drapes, brass luggage racks, elegant wood paneling and comfortable green velour chairs that would not look out of place in an English stately home.
A saloon-style seating arrangement and wooden tables with ornate table lamps complete the “Orient Express” - although as it is the 21st century, there are outlets on every row for your convenience.
The Blue Symphony’s central “Lounge Car” is equally elegant. It’s brightly lit and features more wood and brass, leather upholstered seating and a bar designed to replicate the ambiance of a high-class hotel. The food and drink available on board are unique to the places the Blue Symphony passes through. Many areas along the Minami-Osaka Line and the Yoshino Line are perfectly suited to fruit farming, including Asuka Ruby strawberries and Kawachi grapes.
There’s also a small library area with park-bench-like seating for anyone who wants to enjoy some of the books on offer, which range from stylish picture books of sightseeing spots that the train passes through, to practical travel guides and historical works.
The main locations of interest along the route are historic Asuka, scenic Mitarai Valley, and the hot spring town of Dorogawa .
The Blue Symphony makes 2 roundtrip journeys per day.
●The first Yoshino bound train leaves Osaka Abenobashi Station at 10:10 am and arrives at Yoshino at 11:28.
●The second train leaves 2:10 pm and arrives at 3:28pm
●The first return train departs Yoshino at 12:34 pm and arrives at Osaka Abenobashi Station at 1:51pm
●The second train leaves 4:04 pm and arrives in Osaka at 5:22pm
At the terminal station in Yoshino., You’ll find a small information center with its adjacent sakura-themed pink postbox, several souvenir and snack shops, large and super-clean public toilets and a pathway to the Yoshino ropeway, the oldest surviving aerial lift line in Japan, dating back to 1929.
Because the Blue Symphony is a special sightseeing train and also a limited express service, you will have to pay extra surcharges on top of the regular train fare. For adults, the complete extra surcharge is ¥730 yen
This is on top of the regular train fare. So if you were to travel the full length of the line from Osaka Abenobashi Station to Yoshino Station it will cost you ¥1,720 each way.
As Blue Symphony is not an ordinary commuter train, prior booking is required. Reservations can be made up to 4 weeks prior to departure via either Kintetsu's dedicated webpage or at major Kintetsu Stations. It should be noted that the fare for Blue Symphony is not included in the Kintetsu Rail Pass of Japan Rail Pass
Taking a journey by train is always a little bit special, and the Blue Symphony is a cheap and fun way to make the journey to or from Yoshino a wonderful part of your adventure.
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