Eizan Railway Momiji Tunnel | Kyoto’s Best Autumn Train Ride

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Panorama Train Kirara

Demachiyanagi - Kurama / Kibune: Eizan Railway KIRARA Experience! 30min Japan's Maple Tree Train Ride in Kyoto

Eizan Railway “Kirara” Ride Report

• Time: 17:24 → 17:53 (Approx. 29 minutes)
• Route: Kyoto (Demachiyanagi Station) → Kyoto (Kibuneguchi Station)
• Seat: Standard seating
• Fare: 470 yen

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4:36 PM, Demachiyanagi Station in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City.
Today’s ride is on the Eizan Railway — a short train journey from Demachiyanagi to Kibuneguchi.

I arrived early, but the train wouldn’t come for another 30 minutes.
To pass the time, I took a short walk along the icy Kamo River flowing by the station.
I strolled for about 20 minutes by the river before heading back.

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At 5:05 PM, I returned to the station and bought a ticket.
The fare to Kibuneguchi Station was 470 yen one-way — the same as going all the way to the last stop, Kurama.

I inserted the ticket into the gate and headed to the platform.
There was already a line for passengers bound for Kibune and Kurama.

I’d read that lines can take over an hour, but thanks to it being a weekday and the cloudy skies, it was surprisingly quiet.

After waiting about 15 minutes, the train arrived.
While other passengers headed for seats, I made a beeline to the front window near the driver’s seat.

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At 5:24 PM, the train departed Demachiyanagi Station right on time.
We passed through each station along the route and arrived at Ichihara Station.

From here begins the highlight of the Eizan Railway: the “Maple Tunnel” — a spectacular stretch of track between Ichihara and Ninose stations, surrounded by brilliant autumn foliage.

As the train entered this section, it slowed down for about one minute to let passengers enjoy the view — a seasonal treat during the fall.

Just after leaving Ichihara Station, an announcement played:
“This train will soon pass through the Maple Tunnel. Please enjoy the view from your window.”

As the announcement ended, the cabin lights dimmed gently.
The magical tunnel was about to begin.

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The moment we entered the Maple Tunnel, a chorus of “Oooh!” echoed through the cabin.

Outside the windows, vivid red maple leaves filled the view one after another.
The train glided slowly through, as if swimming in a sea of autumn foliage.

It was exactly what I had heard about — a train that runs through the heart of the fall colors.
The translucent leaves lit up by gentle lighting created a dreamlike scene.

It felt like stepping into a living work of art.
I truly felt it was worth coming all this way for that view.

The one-minute slow run passed in the blink of an eye.
After exiting the tunnel, I got off at Kibuneguchi Station.

From there, I transferred to a bus (200 yen one-way) to Kifune Shrine.
The warm glow of lanterns lining the stone steps lit up the quiet mountainside.

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After my visit to Kifune Shrine, I returned to Kibuneguchi Station—and found myself frozen in place.

The entire station wall was wrapped in illuminated autumn foliage.
Soft spotlights gently lit the scene, making the whole station glow golden.

It wasn’t an exaggeration—it truly looked like a “golden wall.”
While waiting for the train, I felt as though I were spending time in an art gallery.

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As I waited on the platform, a train slowly pulled in.
It had large panoramic windows.

This was the “Kirara” panoramic train.

A special sightseeing car that’s very popular with tourists—
some people even wait hours just to ride it.

The car was already packed with passengers from Kurama,
and there were no available seats, so I stood by the window in the rear car.

The doors closed, and the train departed once again—
starting another journey through a tunnel of autumn leaves.

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A few minutes later, the train reached the “Maple Tunnel” once again.

This time, I could take in the full view from the rear car.
The interior was bathed in the soft glow of illuminated foliage.

Brilliant red maple leaves flowed past both sides of the windows,
creating a dreamy world—like falling into a rolling kaleidoscope.

The charm of this train lies in its massive windows.
Even standing, you can enjoy the autumn leaves from anywhere inside.

That said, if you want to sit and take it all in,
it might be worth waiting a little longer to secure a seat.

And then, the magical one-minute moment came to a quiet end.
The train continued on its way, bound for Demachiyanagi Station.

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At 7:03 PM, the train arrived at its final stop, Demachiyanagi Station.

With all passengers getting off at once, the station felt slightly crowded,
but by simply going with the flow, I was able to pass through the ticket gate smoothly.

Right outside the gate is the Keihan Main Line platform,
with trains to Kyoto Station in about 20 minutes.
Even after sightseeing, the easy access is much appreciated.

I learned that the “Maple Tunnel” isn’t just for autumn—
in summer, it transforms into a tunnel of fresh greenery.
Next time, I’d love to ride it during that season too.

When I need a small escape from daily life,
I know I’ll be boarding this train again.

What Kind of Train is the Kirara Observation Train?

The “Kirara” observation train has large glass windows at the top to allow passengers to enjoy the view through the train’s windows.

The name comes from the “Kirara-zaka” trail, which leads from Shugakuin to Mount Hiei, and was chosen with the hope that the train would become beloved by passengers.

This train operates on the Kurama Line, and it originally began service in 1887 by “Kyoto Denki.” Later, during the war, “Keifuku Electric Railway” took over, and in 1986, the train was transferred to the current “Eizan Railway,” where it operates today.

Specifications of the Kirara Observation Train

1. Train Name: Eizan Railway 900 Series Electric Train, Observation Train “Kirara”
2. Start of Service: October 4, 1997
3. Dimensions: 15.7m × 2.69m × 4.12m
4. Maximum Speed: 70 km/h
5. Passenger Capacity: 86
6. Number of Seats: 29

Eizan Railway Fare Information

The Kirara observation train can be ridden with the normal fare.
For the full fare list, please check the official Eizan Railway website!

▼ Eizan Railway Official Fare Information Page

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

Eizan Railway 1-Day Pass “Ee Kippu”

If you want to enjoy Eizan Railway to the fullest, the 1-day “Ee Kippu” is convenient and cost-effective.
This pass also includes benefits that can be used along the line, making it a great value.

The fare is 1,200 yen for adults and 600 yen for children, and it is valid for any one day from the date of purchase until the end of the following month.

For more details, please check the Eizan Railway official website.

▼ Eizan Railway Discount Ticket Page

https://eizandensha.co.jp/good-value

Eizan Railway Timetable

The Kirara observation train arrives at intervals of about 30-40 minutes.

First and Last Train

・Demachiyanagi Station First train 07:00, Last train 23:33

・Kurama Station First train 07:43, Last train 22:59

The Kirara observation train has different timetables throughout the year, including special schedules for spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

For the latest timetable, please check the official Eizan Railway website!

▼ Eizan Railway Official Timetable Page

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

Eizan Railway Where is the Maple Tunnel Located?

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

Maple Tunnel Illumination Hours

Dusk to around 21:00

Slow-Running Hours in Maple Tunnel

09:00 to 21:00

Eizan Railway When is the Best Time to See the Maple Leaves in the Maple Tunnel?

Depending on the weather and temperature, it may vary, but the best time to see the maple leaves is typically from late November.

When I visited in late November, there was still a bit of green, but the leaves were already starting to turn red in some areas.

In 2024, the best time for the maple leaves was slightly later, and Eizan Railway extended the illumination period in response, which was extended until early December.

Eizan Railway Difference Between Regular Service and Tours

Under normal operations, the train passes through the “Maple Tunnel” at a slow speed, but when participating in a tour, the train will stop for about 3 minutes in the Maple Tunnel, allowing passengers to enjoy the view. Additionally, on the return trip at Ninose Station, the train stops for about 5 minutes, allowing passengers to view the maple leaves around the station.

Eizan Railway Special Train Tour for Maple Leaf Illumination

The “Maple Tunnel” on the Eizan Railway Kurama Line features a maple leaf illumination event. By joining the tour, you can enjoy a magical maple experience after the regular illumination hours, with a smaller group of people.

Special Train Tour Dates

Long Seat Train (800 Series): Free Seating
November 20 (Wednesday) and 21 (Thursday), 2024

Observation Train “Kirara” (900 Series): Reserved Seating
November 15 (Friday), 16 (Saturday), 17 (Sunday), 18 (Monday), 19 (Tuesday), 22 (Friday), 23 (Saturday, National Holiday), 24 (Sunday), 2024

Special Train Tour Course

Tour Fees

Train Number	Seat Type	Ticket Price
–	Free Seating	2,500 yen
Car 1	Outward-Facing Seats	4,500 yen
Car 2	Outward-Facing Seats	4,500 yen
Car 1	Single Seats	3,500 yen
Car 2	Single Seats	3,500 yen
Car 1	Double Seats	7,000 yen for 2 people
Car 2	Double Seats	7,000 yen for 2 people
Car 1	Four-Person Seats	14,000 yen for 4 people
Car 2	Four-Person Seats	14,000 yen for 4 people

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How to Apply for the Special Train Tour

Applications were accepted through Seven Ticket at Seven-Eleven.
Since the tour is quite popular, make sure to apply early!

▼ Seven Ticket Eizan Maple Tour Application URL
https://7ticket.jp/sp/eizan-momiji

Tour Application Period

The application period is from November 20 (Wednesday) 10:00 to November 29 (Friday) 20:00, 2024.

Eizan Railway Important Notice: Flash Photography Issue in the Maple Tunnel

What I felt during the ride was the flash photography and lighting issue.

People came to enjoy the illuminated maple leaves in the dark train, but the atmosphere was ruined by tourists using flash photography.

Sudden flashes can obstruct others’ vision and interfere with photo-taking. For those who want to quietly enjoy the maple leaves, it can be quite bothersome.

The lighting for the illumination is carefully arranged and beautifully designed. Using flash disrupts the intended ambiance and adds unintended light.

If you want to take photos of the illuminated maple leaves from inside the dark train, increase the camera’s ISO sensitivity to take beautiful photos and avoid using flash or lighting to illuminate your surroundings.

Eizan Railway Latest Information

For the latest timetables and illumination details, please check the official Eizan Railway “New Information” page.

▼ Eizan Railway Official New Information Page
https://eizandensha.co.jp/news/

Eizan Railway Q&A

What is the Difference Between the 'Kirara' Observation Train and the 'Hiei' Tourist Train?

The difference between the “Kirara” Observation Train and the “Hiei” Tourist Train is the operating route.

・Kirara Observation Train｜From Demachiyanagi Station to Kurama Station (Kurama Line)
・Hiei Tourist Train｜From Demachiyanagi Station to Yase-Hieizan-guchi Station (Eizan Main Line)

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How to Ride the Eizan Train?

The starting point is Demachiyanagi Station in Kyoto Prefecture, with the terminal stations being Kurama Station and Yase-Hieizanguchi Station.
Purchase a ticket at Demachiyanagi and pass through the ticket gate.

Once you enter the gate, the train for Yase-Hieizanguchi is on the left side of the platform, and the train for Kurama is on the right side.
Please be aware that platform positions may change depending on the time of day or season, so follow the station signs when boarding.

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Is a Reservation Required for the Eizan Train Kirara?

Both the sightseeing train Hiei and the scenic train Kirara do not require an additional fee.

Reservations are only necessary for tour groups.
There is an event held after the illumination ends, where the train slows down in the “Momiji Tunnel,” allowing for a 3-minute stop to view the scenery from inside the train, and a 5-minute stop at Ninosato Station to enjoy the illuminated autumn leaves.

▼ Official Eizan Train Website Recommended Information Page
https://eizandensha.co.jp/event/detail1674/

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How to Go to the Momiji Tunnel by Eizan Train?

To reach the Momiji Tunnel, take the train heading towards Kurama.

By the way, during autumn, the scenic train Kirara can get so crowded that there are lines outside the station.
If you come for the scenic train, keep in mind that it may be fully booked and you might not enjoy the view as much. It might be better to ride the regular train as it’s less crowded and still offers a great experience.

The scenic train has more windows than the regular train, allowing for a better view, but the regular train, which runs like an ordinary city train, offers a magical atmosphere on its own.

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What Types of Cars are on the Eizan Train?

The Eizan Train has two types of cars: the scenic train and the regular train.
Both trains slow down in the Momiji Tunnel, so you can enjoy either one!

There are two types of scenic trains: the “Scenic Train Kirara (Deo 900 Series)” heading to Kurama, and the “Tourist Train Hiei (Deo 730 Series)” heading to Yase-Hieizanguchi.
The “Tourist Train Hiei” has a very unique design, with the front and rear cars shaped like a Japanese coin.

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When is the Eizan Train's Illumination?

From November 3 (Friday, public holiday) to 26 (Sunday), 2023, the “Kyoto’s Hidden Retreat Kifune Momiji Lantern” event will feature autumn leaf illuminations along the Momiji Tunnel between Ichihara Station and Ninosato Station on the Kurama Line.

If the leaves haven’t turned color yet, the tunnel will be lit up with a golden glow, and when the leaves have fully changed, it will be illuminated in orange at night.

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