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Preview run for media outlets on the soon to be opened (March 16) final section of the Osaka Higashi Line from Shin Osaka to Hanaten. With the spring timetable revision coming into effect on March 16, services will consist of locals from Shin Osaka to Kyuhouji, and Direct Rapid Services from Shin Osaka to Nara. The fastest Direct Rapid trains will cover Shin Osaka to Nara in 52 minutes. Rolling stock will be 321 and 207 series (7 car formations).

The new 3-car train will ply the route between Kintetsu Osaka-Abenobashi station and Yoshino station in southern Nara prefecture in about an hour twenty minutes. Aboard the train, cars 1 & 3 are seating with a 1+2 across formation. Car 2 is the lounge car which features a long bar and lounge style seating. Drinks, cocktails, and light meals will be served aboard the train, and an attendant will point out particular scenery over the PA system while en-route. The Yoshino-gawa area is famous for its fruit and wines, and a selection will most likely be served aboard the train. We can expect to see it go into service during autumn of 2016. Cost is very reasonable; Regular fare (970 yen as of today) + 720 yen for the premium class charge. Personally, I'm surprised to see it take this long for Japan's largest private (Non JR group) railway to get into the resort train business. With other prime destinations like Kyoto, Saidaiji, Nara, Iga, Ise, Toba, and Nagoya, I expect this to only get bigger as time goes on. (Translated by me from Tetsudo Shinbun coverage.)