Kintetsu 19200 series
| Kintetsu 19200 series Aoniyoshi | |
|---|---|
The 19200 series set in November 2023 | |
| In service | 2022–present |
| Constructed | December 1974[1] |
| Entered service | 29 April 2022 |
| Number built | 4 vehicles (1 set) |
| Number in service | 4 vehicles (1 set) |
| Formation | 4 cars per trainset |
| Fleet numbers | SA01 |
| Capacity | 84 |
| Operators | Kintetsu Railway |
| Specifications | |
| Electric system(s) | 1,500 V DC overhead line |
| Current collection | Pantograph |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) |
The Kintetsu 19200 series (近鉄19200系, Kintetsu 19200-kei), branded Aoniyoshi (あをによし), is a limited express sightseeing electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by the private railway operator Kintetsu Railway in Japan since 2022. The set was converted from 12200 series set NS56.[2]
Operations
The 19200 series set is normally used from Friday to Wednesday each week and on certain Thursdays.[3] One return service between Ōsaka Namba and Kyōto via Kintetsu Nara and two return services between Kintetsu Nara and Kyōto operate each day.[4] On 12 October 2022, Kintetsu Railway announced that a third return service between Kintetsu Nara and Kyōto would be added for each operating day from the start of the revised timetable on 17 December of that year.[3]
Design
During the conversion period, the windows at the seating areas of car 2 were redesigned to be 1.2 metres tall and 2 metres long, and the passenger doors of car 3 were replaced with sliding doors.[5][6] The set received a metallic purple livery with gold lining and side decorations inspired by the Shōsōin treasures.[7]
Formation
The set is formed as shown below.[2][1]
| Car No. | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Designation | Mc | T | M | Tc |
| Numbering | 19201 | 19351 | 19251 | 19301 |
| Original numbering | 12256 | 12156 | 12056 | 12356 |
| Seating capacity | 28 | 20 | 12 | 24 |
| Facilities | Library | Toilets, wheelchair space | Sales counter | Western-style toilet |
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Car 4
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Car 3
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Car 2
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Car 1
Interior
Cars 1, 3 and 4 have a 1+1 seating layout with the seats on one side arranged diagonally towards the windows and the seats on the other side arranged in a transverse layout. Car 2 has semi-private compartments with adjustable seats that can accommodate groups of three or four passengers each.[1][6]
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Interior of car 4 in September 2022
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Semi-private compartment in car 2 in September 2022
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In-car sales counter in car 2 in September 2022
History
Details of the converted limited express sightseeing train type were first officially announced in October 2021.[2] The total cost of the refurbishment was approximately 330 million yen.[1]
The 19200 series set entered service on 29 April 2022 with a departure ceremony at Ōsaka Namba Station and another ceremony at Kintetsu Nara Station.[4]
References
- ^ a b c "12200系が転生! 近鉄、大阪～奈良～京都を結ぶ観光特急「あをによし」を発表!" [The 12200 series is reborn! Kintetsu announces the tourist express "Aoniyoshi" connecting Osaka, Nara and Kyoto!]. RM News (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing. 9 October 2021. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
- ^ a b "近鉄 観光特急「あをによし」、4月29日運行開始!" [Kintetsu tourist limited express "Aoniyoshi" begins operation on 29 April!]. RM News (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing. 29 April 2022. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
- ^ a b "近鉄､新たな観光列車で挑む｢首都圏攻略｣大作戦" [Kintetsu launches new tourist train to conquer the capital region]. Toyo Keizai Online (in Japanese). Japan. 18 April 2022. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
- ^ "古都の美しさを車両に込めて! 近鉄の観光特急「あをによし」が公開に" [The beauty of the ancient capital is captured in the carriages! Kintetsu's tourist express "Aoniyoshi" is now open to the public]. RM News (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing. 23 April 2022. Retrieved 19 September 2025.