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Eizan Railway Kirara – Train Ride Report
- Time: Outbound｜17:24 → 17:53 / Return｜18:32 → 19:03 (Round trip 1 hour)
- Route: Kyoto (Demachiyanagi Station) – Kyoto (Kibuneguchi Station)
- Seat: Standard seat
- Fare: One way 470 JPY
16:36, Demachiyanagi Station, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto.
Board the Eizan Railway to experience the Maple Tunnel.
After arriving at Kibuneguchi Station, head to Kibune Shrine.
Purchase the ticket at the station vending machine.
The fare to Kibuneguchi Station is 470 JPY one way, same as the fare to the terminal station, Kurama.
17:24, the train departs Demachiyanagi Station on schedule.
Stops are made sequentially, arriving at Ichihara Station.
Around 17:47, after passing Ichihara Station, the train enters the “Maple Tunnel.”
The train slows down for about 1 minute inside the tunnel.
The illuminated autumn leaves were beautiful.
17:53, arrive at Kibuneguchi Station.
Transfer to the autumn-only bus waiting in front of the station to Kibune Shrine.
The bus departs in 2 minutes and takes about 6 minutes (200 JPY).
18:26, after viewing the lanterns at Kibune Shrine, return to Kibuneguchi Station.
The station was surrounded by beautifully illuminated autumn leaves.
18:32, the “Kirara Observation Train” arrives.
This special car with large windows is popular among tourists.
Once again, the train journey through the autumn leaves begins.
This time, enjoyed the scenery from the rear car, taking in the full view.
With many windows, the light from the illuminated leaves filled the interior.
The inside of the train was dyed in autumn colors, very beautiful.
19:03, arrive at Demachiyanagi Station.
The Maple Tunnel can also be enjoyed in summer with illuminated fresh green leaves.
From Demachiyanagi Station, Kyoto Station is about 20 minutes away.
Thank you for reading till the end!
Kirara Observation Train – Quick Overview
The “Kirara” observation train has large windows on the upper side so passengers can enjoy the scenery.
The name comes from the mountain path “Kirarazaka” from Shugakuin to Mount Hiei.
It is designed to be a train loved by many.
“Kirara” runs on the Kurama Line. The original service started in 1887 by “Kyoto Dentou.”
During wartime control, it became part of “Keifuku Electric Railway,” and in 1986, it was transferred to the current “Eizan Railway.”
Kirara Observation Train – Specifications
- Train Name: Eizan Railway 900 Series – Kirara Observation Train
- In Service Since: October 4, 1997
- Dimensions: 15.7m × 2.69m × 4.12m
- Maximum Speed: 70 km/h
- Passenger Capacity: 86
- Seats: 29
Eizan Railway – Route & Travel Time
| Line | Train Name | Route | Travel Time |
| Kurama Line | Kirara Observation Train | Demachiyanagi → Kibuneguchi | 28 min |
| Kurama Line | Kirara Observation Train | Demachiyanagi → Kurama | 31 min |
| Eizan Main Line | Hiei Sightseeing Train | Demachiyanagi → Yase-Hieizanguchi | 18 min |
Access to Demachiyanagi Station (Eizan Railway)
▼Train (approx. 24 min / 450 JPY)
Kyoto Station → Tofukuji Station
Tofukuji Station → Demachiyanagi Station
▼Bus (approx. 29 min / 230 JPY)
Kyoto Station Bus Stop → Demachiyanagi Station Bus Stop
▼Train (approx. 2 hours / 2,280 JPY)
Kansai Airport Station → Tennoji Station
Tennoji Station → Kyobashi Station
Kyobashi Station → Demachiyanagi Station
▼Bus + Train (approx. 2 hours 5 min / 3,250 JPY)
Bus: Kansai Airport Terminal 1 → Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit
Train: Kyoto Station → Demachiyanagi Station
▼Train (approx. 1 hour 25 min / 980 JPY)
Osaka Airport Station → Hotarugaike Station
Hotarugaike Station → Juso Station
Juso Station → Kyoto Kawaramachi Station
Gion-Shijo Station → Demachiyanagi Station
▼Bus + Train (approx. 1 hour 14 min / 1,950 JPY)
Bus: Osaka International Airport → Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit
Train: Kyoto Station → Tofukuji Station
Train: Tofukuji Station → Demachiyanagi Station
Eizan Railway Kirara – Fares
| Line | Route | Fare (One way) |
| Kurama Line | Demachiyanagi – Kibuneguchi | 470 JPY |
| Kurama Line | Demachiyanagi – Kurama | 470 JPY |
| Eizan Main Line | Demachiyanagi – Yase-Hieizanguchi | 280 JPY |
Even during the Maple Tunnel illumination period, only the regular fare is required.
Eizan Railway Timetable
The Kirara Observation Train runs every 30–40 minutes.
First and Last Trains
・Demachiyanagi Station First train 07:00, Last train 23:33
・Kurama Station First train 07:43, Last train 22:59
The timetable for the Panorama Train “Kirara” varies by season (spring, summer, autumn, winter) in addition to the regular schedule.
For the latest timetable, please check the official Eizan Railway website.
Where is the Momiji Tunnel on the Eizan Railway?
The “Momiji Tunnel” is located between Ichihara Station and Ninose Station.
Map of the Momiji Tunnel
Momiji Tunnel Light-up Hours
From dusk until around 21:00
Momiji Tunnel Slow Run Hours
09:00–21:00
Regular Train vs. Special Tour Differences
| If not joining the tour | Pass through the Momiji Tunnel slowly |
| If joining the tour | Stop for about 3 minutes in the Momiji Tunnel About 5 minutes stop at Ninose Station on the return trip |
Eizan Railway Autumn Leaves Light-up Special Train Tour
During the “Momiji Tunnel,” autumn leaves are illuminated.
The train will make a special stop inside the tunnel, allowing passengers to enjoy the beautiful foliage up close.
▼Event Period
Friday, November 14, 2025 – Sunday, November 24, 2025
Special Train Tour Course
| 21:00 | Demachiyanagi Station |
| ↓ | Momiji Tunnel – about 3 minutes stop |
| ↓ | Kurama Station |
| ↓ | Ninose Station – about 5 minutes stop |
| 22:40 | Demachiyanagi Station |
How to Apply for the Special Train Tour
Applications can be made at Seven Ticket in 7-Eleven stores.(Japanese Convenience Store)
Since reservations are difficult on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, it is recommended to apply early.
Tour Application Period
The application period is Wednesday, November 20, 2025 10:00 – Friday, November 29, 2025 20:00.
Important: Flash Issues in the Autumn Leaves Tunnel
During my ride, I noticed issues with camera flashes and lights.
While passengers are supposed to enjoy the illuminated autumn leaves from the dark interior, flashes from cameras sometimes ruin the atmosphere.
Some passengers were recording videos with lights on constantly.
These lights stood out and disturbed the ambiance.
Sudden flashes block others’ views and can interfere with photography.
People who want to quietly enjoy the autumn leaves may find this annoying.
The light-up is carefully arranged with specific lighting and colors.
Flashes spoil this carefully created atmosphere.
When taking photos from inside the dark train, raise your camera or smartphone’s ISO instead.
Do not use flashes or lights, and be considerate of others!
Eizan Railway FAQ
The difference lies in the lines they operate on.
・Panorama Train Kirara｜From Demachiyanagi Station to Kurama Station (Kurama Line)
・Sightseeing Train Hiei｜From Demachiyanagi Station to Yase-Hieizanguchi Station (Eizan Main Line)
Eizan Railway has two types of trains: panorama trains and regular trains.
Both slow down in the Momiji Tunnel, so you can enjoy either type!
The Kurama-bound trains are window-rich “Panorama Train Kirara (DEO900 series),” while the Yase-Hieizanguchi-bound trains are “Sightseeing Train Hiei (DEO730 series)” with an oblong design.
Other general one-man trains, DEO800 or DEO900 series, also operate.
For the latest information and operation updates, please visit the Eizan Railway official website “News” page.
▼Eizan Railway Official News Page
https://eizandensha.co.jp/news
Buy a ticket from the station ticket machine and enter through the ticket gate.
【From Demachiyanagi Station】
Once you pass the gate, the platform is right in front of you.
Trains bound for Yase-Hieizanguchi and Kurama/Kifune stop here.
The platform may change depending on time and season, so follow station signs for guidance.
Reservations are only required for the tour; otherwise, no reservation is needed.
For both Panorama Train Kirara and Sightseeing Train Hiei, no additional fee is required.
Reservations are only for the tour.
Normally, trains slow down for about 3 minutes inside the Momiji Tunnel after the light-up ends, and about 5 minutes at Ninose Station on the return trip, allowing you to enjoy the autumn leaves from the train.
▼Eizan Railway Official Recommended Information Page
https://eizandensha.co.jp/event/detail1674/
To reach the “Momiji Tunnel,” take a Kurama/Kifune-bound train.
During autumn, Panorama Train Kirara is very popular, and queues may extend outside the station.
It is recommended to arrive at the station about 1 hour before your desired departure time.
It may vary depending on weather and temperature, but the best viewing is generally from late November.
When I visited in late November, some green leaves remained, but parts were already turning red.
In 2024, the peak was slightly later, and Eizan Railway extended the light-up period, sometimes until early December.
Yes, the autumn leaves can be enjoyed from regular trains as well.
Besides Panorama Train Kirara, general one-man trains operate.
During autumn, Panorama Train Kirara is very popular, and lines can extend outside the station.
If it’s fully booked, you may not enjoy the scenery fully.
During busy times, DEO800 or DEO900 one-man trains are a good alternative.
While panorama trains have large windows and wide views, regular trains also offer beautiful autumn foliage views.
From early to late November, the “Momiji Tunnel” between Ichihara Station and Ninose Station on the Kurama Line is illuminated.
If the leaves’ colors are delayed, the light-up period may be extended. Please check the official site for details.
▼Eizan Railway Official Site
https://eizandensha.co.jp/guide/
To fully enjoy the Eizan Railway, the 1-day unlimited ride pass “Eekippu” is convenient and cost-effective.
It also comes with discount benefits along the route.
Fare: Adult 1,200 yen, Child 600 yen.
Valid on any day from the purchase date to the end of the next month.
▼Eizan Railway Official “Value Tickets” Page
https://eizandensha.co.jp/good-value
※Information is as of 2025年11月2日.
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