Rakuraku Yamato

The Rakuraku Yamato (らくラクやまと) is a Commuter Limited Express train operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West) between Shin-Osaka and Nara via the Yamatoji and Osaka Loop lines. This service started operation on 18 March 2024 as a weekday rush hour service as part of the March 2024 timetable revision to improve passenger comfort on the Yamatoji Line.

History

 * 15 December 2023 - Service officially announced by JR West that it will start operation in March 2024, along with stations served and operation frequency
 * 30 January 2024 - Rolling stock for this service announced to be the 287 series
 * 18 March 2024 - Start of operation with departure ceremony at Nara Station

Service pattern
At the time of its introduction, the Rakuraku Yamato service only operates on Weekdays. One westbound service from Nara to Shin-Osaka is operated during morning rush hours and one eastbound service from Shin-Osaka to Nara is operated during evening rush hours.

Rakuraku Yamato trains serve the following stations:

Shin-Osaka - Osaka - Tennōji - Kyūhōji - Ōji - Hōryūji - Yamato-Koizumi - Koriyama - Nara

Formations
Trains are operated using 3-car 287 series sets. All cars provide reserved standard class seating accommodation and are non-smoking.