* AI generated

The limited express "Mahoroba", which operates as a special train between Osaka and Shin-Osaka ~ Nara on Saturdays and holidays, will start regular service from March 15, 2025. In April of the same year, a renewed vehicle that expresses the charm of Nara in the interior and exterior of the vehicle will be debuted. Please take this opportunity to enjoy a trip to Nara on the reborn limited express "Mahoroba". In the fall of the same year, we plan to introduce an additional renewal vehicle with a different look.

About the regular operation of the limited express "Mahoroba"

Operating Dates

Saturdays and holidays after March 15, 2025

Routes and times

Osaka⇒ Nara

Nara ⇒ Osaka

formation

3-car train (all seats reserved in ordinary cars)

About the renewal of the limited express "Mahoroba"

The first train will be launched on April 5, 2025, and the second train (two trains in total) will be introduced in the fall of the same year.

Renewal Concept

Nara was described in the Kojiki as "the Mahoroba (wonderful place) of the country" and has embraced diversity while embracing the different cultures of the continent since ancient times, and it still retains its appearance. Thinking that this world will become a paradise of peace, it is an eternal time that has continued to protect its culture to all generations. The two charms that embody Nara, "peace" and "eternity", have been put into the new limited express "Mahoroba".

Formation 1 "Annei"

Exterior Design

The golden color, which expresses an overflowing view of life and fertility, and the Suoiro body color, which is derived from dyes introduced from the continent during the Nara period and can be seen in many treasures of the time. The gradation from Su Fang to gold expresses the "feeling of paradise sunshine" that illuminates the well-being of all things on the car body.

interior design

The warm Sufang-colored sheet is decorated with a Hosōgemonyo pattern in the shape of an imaginary flower, which was often used as a decoration in the Nara and Heian periods. It creates a space of travel that reminds you of the mahoroba wrapped in peace.

• Service start date: April 5, 2025

2nd Formation "Eternity" (Yukyu)

Exterior Design

Due to the accumulation of time, the body color of ink and gray astringent is reminiscent of the aging of a Buddha statue that has become deep. The gradation from ink to gray astringent expresses the "inheritance of culture to Manyo (Manyo)" on the car body.

interior design

The calm ink-colored sheet is decorated with a Hosoka pattern in the shape of an imaginary flower, which was often used as a decoration in the Nara and Heian periods. It reminds you of ancient Nara wrapped in eternity, creating a space for travel.

• Service start date: Scheduled for autumn 2025

logo

Using the arabesque pattern as a motif, the design incorporates elements typical of Nara such as deer, goldfish, and Yamato vegetables.

Other features of the renewal vehicle

• Installation of in-car Wi-Fi, outlets for all seats, and luggage space
• Increased wheelchair space

3. Design Supervision and Cooperation

• Supervision: GK Design Research Institute Hiroshima Co., Ltd.
• Cooperation: Nara History, Art and Culture Village (Nara Prefectural Governor's Office, Expo Promotion Office) Mr. Koji Matsumoto

* Due to operational reasons, it may be unavoidable to operate with a vehicle that has not been renewed.
* The limited express "Mahoroba" renewal website is now available. Please take a look.
https://www.jr-odekake.net/railroad/mahorobalimitedexpress/