Panorama Train KIRARA Review! Beautiful Kyoto’s Momiji

Let’s take the Panorama Train KIRARA to the Maple Tunnel to see the autumn leaves!Around autumn, Demachiyanagi Station in Kyoto is crowded with tourists heading to Mt.

Eizan Electric Railway, which operates the “Kirara Observation Train,” operates trains on two lines: the Eizan Line from Demachiyanagi Station to Yase Hieiyamaguchi Station, and the Kurama Line from Hachiman-mae Station to Kurama Station.

This time, I boarded the Eizan Electric Railway “Observation Train Kirara!
In this article, we will introduce the know-how you need to know in advance to enjoy your train trip, as well as our impressions of the actual train ride.

Panorama Train KIRARA Introduction

1. Train name : Eizan Electric Railway Series 900 “Kirara” observation train
2. Start of operation : October 4, 1997
3. Overall length : 15.7m x 2.69m x 4.12m
4. Maximum Operating Speed : 70 km/h
5. Passenger capacity : 86
6. Number of seats : 29

The Panorama Train KIRARA is a special train limited to the Kurama Line.

The train was originally built by Kyoto Dento, a former electric power company in Kyoto that existed from 1887 to 1994.

The company was dissolved by the wartime power distribution control ordinance, and Keifuku Electric Company was established on March 2, 1942 to take over the railroad business of Kyoto Dento, which had to be dissolved.

The Panorama train KIRARA features large glass windows so that passengers can fully enjoy the changing scenery along the train line.

“KIRARA-ZAKA,” a mountain trail leading from SHUGAKUIN to Mt. HIEI, is a place name that has been familiar to Kyoto residents since ancient times, as it appears in the TAIHEIKI.

The train is named “KIRARA” in the hope that it will be loved by passengers.

Where is the Maple Tunnel?

The “Maple Tunnel” is located between Ichihara Station and Ninose Station.

Maple Tunnel Lighting Hours

Dusk to around 21:00

Maple Tunnel slow operation hours

9:00 – 21:00

When is the best time to view the maple tunnels?

It is said that the best time to see the autumn leaves is from late November, although it may vary depending on the weather and temperature.

When I visited the park at the end of November, the leaves were just at their best.
The peak of the season is within a week after the beginning of December, so if you want to enjoy the most beautiful autumn leaves, I recommend you to visit from November 25.

Fare for the Kirara Observation Train

Kirara Observation Train can be boarded only at the regular fare.

For a list of fares, please visit the official website of Eizan Tramway!

▼Eizan Railway’s official website: Fare information page

https://eizandensha.co.jp/guide/fare/

Panorama Train KIRARA Timetable

The Kirara observation train arrives every 30~40 minutes.

First train and last train

The first train leaves Demachiyanagi Station at 07:00 and the last train leaves at 23:33

Kurama Station: First train departs at 07:43, last train at 22:59

In addition to the regular timetable, there are various timetables for the Kirara Observation Train in spring, summer, autumn and winter.

For the latest timetable, please visit the official website of Eizan Tramway!

▼Eizan Tramway Official Website Timetable Page

https://eizandensha.co.jp/information/kirara/?di=21

Difference between regular operation and tours of the Panorama Train KIRARA

Normally, the train passes through the “Maple Tunnel” only slowly, but if you participate in the tour, you will stop at the “Maple Tunnel” for about 3 minutes to enjoy the scenery, and at Ninose Station on the return trip, the train will stop for about 5 minutes to view the autumn leaves around the station.

Autumn Foliage Light-up Special Train Tour

For six days from November 17 (Fri.) to 21 (Tue.) and 23 (Thu., holiday), 2023, the autumn leaves are lit up in the “Maple Tunnel” between Ichihara and Ninose Stations on the Kurama Line, and a small number of people can join the tour to view the “Maple Tunnel” during the time the normal lighting up has finished. If you join the tour, you can see the “Maple Tunnel” illuminated by a small number of people during the time when the regular illumination is over.

Meeting time for the special train tour for autumn foliage lighting up

21:00 (*Canceled in case of rain or stormy weather)

Autumn Foliage Light-up Special Train Tour Course

Fees for the Special Train Tour to Light Up the Autumn Foliage

November 17 (Fri.), 18 (Sat.), 19 (Sun.), 23 (Thu.), 2023 (national holiday)
▶Long seat car (800 Series): Non-reserved seat
– Adults 3,000 yen (tax included)

November 20 (Monday) and 21 (Tuesday), 2023
▶Panorama Train “KIRARA” (900 Series): Reserved Seats
– Outward-facing seats: Adults 5,000 yen (tax included)
– Other seats: Adults 4,000 yen (tax included)

How to apply for the Autumn Foliage Light-up Special Train Tour

Applications were accepted through Seven Ticket at Seven-Eleven.
The tour is very popular, so please apply as soon as possible!

Seven Ticket Eizan Autumn Foliage Official Application URL

https://7ticket.jp/sp/eizan-momiji

Application Period for Autumn Foliage Light-up Special Train Tour

The application period is from 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 27, 2023 to 8:00 p.m. on the day of each event.

Application Period for Autumn Foliage Light-up Special Train Tour

Applications will be accepted from 10:00 on Friday, October 27, 2023 until 20:00 on the day of each event.

Eizan Electric Railway Latest Information and Operation

For more information about the timetable and the light-up, please visit the “What’s New” page on the official Eizan Electric Railway website.

▼ Eizan Electric Railway Official What’s New page

https://eizandensha.co.jp/news/

Thoughts on Riding the Eizan Train KIRARA

This time I took the Eizan Electric Railway’s Panorama Train KIRARA from Demachiyanagi Station to Kurama.

The maple tunnel that I had heard so much about was very beautiful, and I was really glad that I could enjoy the scenery.

I don’t think there are many regular trains in Japan that offer such a fantastic view of illuminated autumn leaves.

It is very popular, so if you want to secure a good seat, go early and get in line to enjoy the best view.

Incidentally, during the illumination period, regular one-man trains other than “KIRARA” will run slowly and turn off their lights, so you can still enjoy the maple tunnel even if you cannot take “KIRARA”.

If you are going to Kurama area, please be careful!

Have a pleasant train trip!