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.

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.

2019 operation overview
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.


 * Women-only seats are available in Car 5.