Mahoroba (train)

The Mahoroba (まほろば) is a limited express train service in Japan connecting Osaka, Shin-Osaka, and Nara. Depending on the time of operation, there are two types of trains. Trains operated via the Tokaido Main Line (Umeda Freight Line), Osaka Loop Line, and Kansai Main Line (Yamatoji Line) from April to June 2010.

Mahoroba (2010)

381 series set on a Mahoroba service, April 2010
Overview
Service type	Limited express
Status	Former
First service	April 1, 2010
Last service	June 27, 2010
Current operator(s)	JR West
Route
Termini	Shin-Ōsaka Nara
Stops	4
Distance travelled	52.0 km (32.3 mi)
Service frequency	1 return working daily
Train number(s)	9093 (towards Nara) 9094 (towards Shin-Osaka)
On-board services
Class(es)	Standard
Disabled access	None
Seating arrangements	Standard
Sleeping arrangements	None
Catering facilities	None
Observation facilities	None
Entertainment facilities	None
Other facilities	Toilets
Technical
Rolling stock	381 series
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Electrification	1,500 V DC
Operating speed	120 km/h (75 mph)
Track owner(s)	JR West

Trains operated via the Osaka Higashi Line and Yamatoji Line from April 2019 onwards.

2010 operation overview

From April 1 to June 30, 2010, a "Nara Destination Campaign" held. to attract more tourists to Nara. It also marked the 1,300th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Heijo-kyo, and the 1,300th Anniversary Commemorative Project of Heijo-kyo was held centering on the ruins of Heijo Palace in Nara City. Six JR companies were cooperating with this. The section and service route were the same as those of the Venue Access Rapid Service that was operated during the Nara Silk Road Exposition in 1988.

Inside the train, a commemorative boarding pass with a different design was distributed for the outbound and return trips. Passengers bound for Nara were presented with Nara souvenirs by lottery, and the lottery number was printed on the back of the commemorative boarding pass for the outbound trip. On the last run on June 27, station staff saw off the train in Meiji-era uniforms, and the train departed when the stationmaster of Nara gave the departure signal.

Trains stopped at the following stations: Shin-Ōsaka – Tennoji – Horyuji - Nara

• It operated via the Umeda Freight Line, because the Ume-kita underground platforms at Osaka Station were not open at that time.

Formations:

• Green: Green car (first class)
• White: Standard car (second class)
• G (green car)
• R (standard car): Reserved seats only
• NR (standard car): Non Reserved seats only
• No smoking available.

Direction

left: Nara

right: Shin-Osaka

• The services operated with 6-car formations.

1	2	3	4	5	6
R	R	NR	NR	NR	NR

• 
  The boarding position display at Nara Station.
• 
  Here the mascot “Sento-kun” was greeting passengers on the train.

2019 operation overview

Mahoroba (2019)

A Mahoroba service at Nara station
Overview
Service type	Limited express
Status	Operational
Current operator(s)	JR West
Route
Termini	Osaka Nara
Stops	2
Distance travelled	54.4 km (33.8 mi)
Average journey time	52 minutes approx (Shin-Ōsaka – Nara)
Train number(s)	9022M (towards Nara), 9021M (towards Osaka)
Line(s) used	Osaka Higashi Line, Yamatoji Line
On-board services
Class(es)	Standard
Disabled access	Yes
Sleeping arrangements	None
Catering facilities	None
Observation facilities	None
Entertainment facilities	None
Other facilities	Toilets, Women-only seats (only available on some trains)
Technical
Rolling stock	287 series
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Electrification	1,500 V DC
Operating speed	130 km/h (81 mph)
Track owner(s)	JR West

With the opening of the entire Osaka Higashi Line in August 2019, JR West announced the operation of a special limited express train with the intention of attracting customers from the west to Nara City. It was operated on Saturdays and holidays from November to early December of the same year. It runs non-stop from Shin-Osaka Station to Nara Station, and unlike 2010, there are no stops on the way.

It is said that the purpose of this train operation is to capture the strong inbound demand, to solve the congestion of foreign tourists in Osaka and Kyoto by bringing them to Nara, and to promote tourism in Nara. JR West is aiming for regular trains and year-round operation in the future. Hence, passengers can take advantage of being able to directly connect to Shin-Osaka Station, which is now possible with this service. On the other hand, Kintetsu can also expect profits from increased users of related companies such as taxis and buses in Nara Prefecture.

Trains stop at the following stations: Osaka – Nara

Formations:

• Green: Green car (first class)
• White: Standard car (second class)
• No smoking available.
• The services are operated as 3 or 6-car formations.

← Nara Osaka →
1	2	3
Reserved	Reserved	Reserved

← Nara Osaka →
1	2	3	4	5	6
Green	Reserved	Reserved	Reserved	Reserved	Reserved

• Women-only seats are available in Car 5.

• 
  A 287 series at Nara station on a Mahoroba service on November 30, 2019
• 
  The boarding position display at Nara Station
• 
  A 287 series at Nara station on a Mahoroba service on April 6, 2020

See also

• Rakuraku Yamato - A regular Weekday rush hour Commuter Limited Express train that also runs on the Yamatoji Line
• List of named passenger trains of Japan