Rakuraku Yamato Explained

Rakuraku Yamato
Type:	Commuter Limited Express
Status:	Operational
Locale:	Osaka Prefecture, Nara Prefecture
First:	18 March 2024
Operator:	JR West
Stops:	9
Frequency:	1 return working daily
Line Used:	Yamatoji Line, Osaka Loop Line
Class:	Standard
Stock:	287 series EMUs
El:	1,500 V DC overhead

The is a Commuter Limited Express train operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West) between and 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^[1] to improve passenger comfort on the Yamatoji Line.^[2]

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^[3]
• 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^[4]

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.^[2]

Rakuraku Yamato trains serve the following stations:^[2]

- - - - - - - -

Formations

Trains are operated using 3-car 287 series sets.^[5] All cars provide reserved standard class seating accommodation and are non-smoking.^[6]

Car No.	1	2	3
Accommodation	Reserved	Reserved	Reserved
Facilities		Wheelchair space

See also

• Mahoroba (train) - A special limited-express train that also runs through the Nara Prefecture

External links

• Official website (vehicle information)

Notes and References

1. Web site: JR西日本，3月16日にダイヤ改正を実施 . JR West implements timetable revision on March 16th . Japan Railfan Magazine Online . Koyusha Co., Ltd. . 30 March 2024 . Japan . Japanese . 15 December 2023.
2. Web site: MN Railway News Editorial Department . JR西日本「らくラクやまと」新設、平日朝夕に奈良～新大阪間で運転 . JR West "Raku Raku Yamato" newly established, operating between Nara and Shin-Osaka on weekday mornings and evenings . news.mynavi.jp . 25 March 2024 . Japan . Japanese . 15 December 2023.
3. Web site: 大和路線に通勤特急「らくラクやまと」誕生へ 新大阪から環状線周りで奈良へ!? 「うれシート」も増発 . The commuter express "Raku Raku Yamato" is born on the Yamato route from Shin-Osaka to Nara around the Loop Line!? "Ure Seat" will also be running more frequently . trafficnews.jp . 28 March 2024 . Japan . Japanese . 15 December 2023.
4. Web site: 通勤特急「らくラクやまと」デビューを記念し 奈良駅で出発式を行います！ . To commemorate the debut of the commuter express "Rakuraku Yamato", a departure ceremony will be held at Nara Station! . West Japan Railway Company . 30 March 2024 . Japan . Japanese . 11 March 2024.
5. Web site: より便利になる通勤特急を「らくラク～」シリーズに統一します . Unification of the more convenient commuter express trains into the "Rakuraku" series. . West Japan Railway Company . 30 March 2024 . Japan . Japanese . 30 January 2024.
6. Web site: Rakuraku Yamato Vehicle information . jr-odekake.net . 25 March 2024 . Japan . Japanese.