On March 13, 2001, its introduction was announced as a special limited express train for the tourist seasons, replacing the special express 'Sagano Express' that had been operated in the tourist seasons, and the service began on March 24 as the spring 'Special Limited Express.'
2001年3月13日にそれまでの行楽期の臨時急行列車「嵯峨野エクスプレス」に代わる行楽期の臨時特急列車として新設されることが発表され、3月24日春の「臨時特急」として運行を開始。