 Starting on March 13, 2010, it is referred to by the nickname " in reference to the large number of ancient landmarks along the line's route.The Osaka Railway Co. opened the Takada - Sakurai section in 1893, and the Nara Railway Co. opened the Sakurai - Kyobate section in 1898, extending the line to Nara the following year.In 1900 the Osaka Railway Co. merged with the Kansai Railway Co., and the Nara Railway Co. did likewise in 1905.