The "Blue Symphony" tourist express train on the Minami Osaka Line and Yoshino Line will make its debut on September 10th. The train connects Osaka Abenobashi Station, home to Abeno Harukas, with Yoshino Station, the gateway to Mount Yoshino, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. The Blue Symphony line, which connects Osaka Abenobashi Station and Yoshino Station, is home to numerous historic shrines and temples, including Asuka Village, a Japan Heritage Site, and Kinpusenji Temple, a World Heritage Site in the Kii Mountain Range. It also boasts beautiful natural scenery, including the Mitarai Valley and Dorogawa Onsen, wineries, local sake breweries, and famous fruit-producing areas. The name "Blue Symphony" was chosen to evoke the image of a "blue train" running along this line, resonating in harmony with the attractive tourist attractions. Each Blue Symphony train consists of three cars and has a capacity of 65 passengers. All seats are spacious deluxe seats arranged in two rows plus one other. There are also salon seats for three to four people with tables for group travel, and twin seats for two. The seats, carpet, and curtains are all made with textured materials, creating a luxurious space where passengers can relax. Bamboo from the local Yoshino region is also used for some of the seats.
Car No. 2 is a lounge car, and its interior is designed to resemble a hotel lounge. Leather sofas and indirect LED lighting create an extraordinary atmosphere. A large bar counter is installed, where dedicated attendants sell sweets, wine, local sake, highballs, and other items made with local specialties. The rear of the car features a display reminiscent of a hotel bar.
In addition, a classical melody based on "Symphony in Blue" has been created. Music horns that play this melody will be installed on the cars, and it will also be broadcast as a departure announcement (departure melody) at Osaka-Abenobashi Station. The exterior features a calming dark blue color with gold lines, and the front and sides of the carriages feature special decorations such as emblems.
There are four trains per day, two round trips, with the first departing from Osaka-Abenobashi Station from 10:10 to 11:26, the second from Yoshino Station from 12:34 to 13:51, the third from Osaka-Abenobashi Station from 14:10 to 15:26, and the fourth from Yoshino Station from 16:04 to 17:22. The service is suspended on Wednesdays, when regular express trains operate on the same schedule. Event trains such as the "Wine Train" and chartered trains will operate on non-operating days and at times other than the above schedule. The fare is 720 yen for adults and 370 yen for children in addition to the regular fare.
