The "Blue Symphony" Train
Kintetsu Blue Symphony train, Yoshino (JLM)
Admire the natural beauty of Yoshino
The privately-owned Kintetsu company offers to take you from Osaka to the Yoshino Mountains in Nara, with their spellbinding beauty in spring and autumn, on a train that lets you experience the pleasure of traveling in comfort.
A journey of pleasurable notes
The " Blue Symphony " train was designed by the private company Kintetsu as a beautiful railway object in which travel is a real pleasure. It's a pleasure to travel to Yoshino and its beautiful mountains, whatever the season. The pleasure of discovering a special train, so beautiful in its dark blue dress and golden lines. The pleasure of a name that evokes a musical journey of varied notes, like a natural symphony. The pleasure of the noble materials on board: dark varnished wood, gilded metal for the bar, lighting fixtures and luggage racks, leather for the seats and benches in the lounge area. The pleasure of sinking into comfortable seats that are soft to the touch. Enjoy regional specialities and drinks served with care. The pleasure of discovering a rich region, with announcements from on-board staff telling you what to see and where during the journey.
The "Blue Symphony" train has three carriages, two with comfortable, spacious seats, in a 2+1 layout or lounge area for four with a central table, or as a duo facing each other. Several configurations are possible, whether you're traveling alone, with four or more..
The center car featuresa bar counter and adjoininglounge area with black leather seats for four around a table, or long armchairs and benches.
In this same central car, the Kintetsu company has provided a bookshop area, with books presenting the tourist attractions of the Nara region, and a wooden and wrought-iron bench like those found in Western squares for quiet consultation.
A feast for the taste buds
The Blue Symphony passes through regions of southern Kansai renowned for their rich crops, including Asuka Ruby strawberries in spring, which are bright red and very tasty. In midsummer, Kawachi grapes form beautiful bunches of sweet purple-pink berries. Vineyards produce excellent wine and Yoshino sake is famous. All these beverages are served on board the Blue Symphony. Figs and oranges are a big hit in the Yoshino region, and you should be able to spot orange trees on your summer strolls.
Don't hesitate to try kaki-no-ha-sushi, an amazing sushi wrapped in a persimmon leaf.
Blue Symphony opening times and prices
To take the Blue Symphony, go to Kintetsu's Osaka-Abenobashi station , right next to JR Tennoji station, on the JR Osaka Loop Line (the equivalent of Tokyo's JR Yamanote line).
Two round trips are offered daily, departing from Osaka-Abenobashi at 10:10 a.m. and 2:10 p.m., arriving in Yoshino at 11:28 a.m. for the former and 3:28 p.m. for the latter.
Departure from Yoshino at 12:34 pm, arriving in Osaka-Abenobashi at 1:51 pm, then the last departure from Yoshino at 4:03 pm, arriving in Osaka at 5:22 pm.
You can't use the Japan Rail Pass as Kintetsu is a private company, so it will cost you 1250yen (€20) including reservation and journey.
The train makes several stops along the way, including a connection with the JR Wakayama line at Yoshinoguchi.
Kintetsu Blue Symphony train, Osaka-Abenobashi station (JLM)
