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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 (from Airports & Major Stations)
■From Kyoto Station (Train: approx. 24 min / 450 yen)
| Departure | Arrival | Time / Fare | |
| Train | Kyoto Station | Tofukuji Station | approx. 3 min / 150 yen |
| Train | Tofukuji Station | Demachiyanagi Station | approx. 12 min / 300 yen |
■From Kyoto Station (Bus: approx. 29 min / 230 yen)
| Departure | Arrival | Time / Fare | |
| Bus | Kyoto Station Front (Bus Stop) | Demachiyanagi Station Front (Bus Stop) | approx. 29 min / 230 yen |
■From Kansai Airport (Train: approx. 2 hr / 2,280 yen)
| Departure | Arrival | Time / Fare | |
| Train | Kansai Airport Station | Shin-Imamiya Station | approx. 41 min / 970 yen |
| Train | Tennoji Station | Kyobashi Station | approx. 17 min / 200 yen |
| Train | Kyobashi Station | Demachiyanagi Station | approx. 46 min / 550 yen |
■From Kansai Airport (Bus + Train: approx. 2 hr 5 min / 3,250 yen)
| Departure | Arrival | Time / Fare | |
| Bus | Kansai Airport Terminal 1 (Bus Stop) | Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit (Bus Stop) | approx. 1 hr 28 min / 3,250 yen |
| Train | Kyoto Station | Tofukuji Station | approx. 2 min / 150 yen |
| Train | Tofukuji Station | Demachiyanagi Station | approx. 15 min / 300 yen |
■From Osaka Airport (Train: approx. 1 hr 25 min / 980 yen)
| Departure | Arrival | Time / Fare | |
| Train | Osaka Airport Station | Hotarugaike Station | approx. 3 min / 200 yen |
| Train | Hotarugaike Station | Juso Station | approx. 10 min / 480 yen |
| Train | Juso Station | Kyoto Kawaramachi Station | approx. 40 min / 410 yen |
| Walk | Kyoto Kawaramachi Station | Gion Shijo Station | approx. 10 min |
| Train | Gion Shijo Station | Demachiyanagi Station | approx. 5 min / 240 yen |
■From Osaka Airport (Bus: approx. 1 hr 20 min / 1,730 yen)
| Departure | Arrival | Time / Fare | |
| Bus | Osaka International Airport | Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit | approx. 50 min / 1,500 yen |
| Bus | Kyoto Station Front | Demachiyanagi Station Front | approx. 27 min / 230 yen |
| Walk | Demachiyanagi Station Front | Demachiyanagi Station | approx. 3 min |
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 |
| Car No. | Seat Type | Fare |
| – | General Seating | 2,500 yen |
| Car 1 | Window-facing Seats | 5,500 yen |
| Car 2 | Window-facing Seats | 5,500 yen |
| Car 1 | Single Seat | 4,500 yen |
| Car 2 | Single Seat | 4,500 yen |
| Car 1 | Two-person Seat | 9,000 yen for 2 people |
| Car 2 | Two-person Seat | 9,000 yen for 2 people |
| Car 1 | Four-person Seat | 18,000 yen for 4 people |
| Car 2 | Four-person Seat | 18,000 yen for 4 people |
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
These two trains run on different lines.
● Kirara Sightseeing Train
From Demachiyanagi Station to Kurama Station (Kurama Line)
● Hiei Sightseeing Train
From Demachiyanagi Station to Yase-Hieizanguchi Station (Eizan Main Line)
Eizan Railway has mainly three types of trains:
● Kirara Sightseeing Train (Deo 900 series)
A panoramic train with large windows for a great view.
● Hiei Sightseeing Train (Deo 730 series)
Distinctive design with a unique oval shape.
● Regular one-man trains (Deo 800 / 900 series)
Normal trains that also allow you to enjoy autumn foliage.
All trains slow down at the “Momiji Tunnel” for viewing.
You can check the latest information on the official Eizan Railway website under “News.”
▼ Eizan Railway Official News
https://eizandensha.co.jp/news/
Buy a ticket at the station’s vending machine and pass through the ticket gate to board.
【From Demachiyanagi Station】
– The platform is immediately after the ticket gate.
– Trains bound for Yase-Hieizanguchi and Kurama stop here.
– Platforms may change depending on the season, so follow the signs.
Reservations are required only for tours.
Regular rides do not require a reservation or extra fee.
【Tour Details】
– Held after the light-up event
– Stops for about 3 minutes in the “Momiji Tunnel” for viewing from the train
– Stops at Ninosé Station for about 5 minutes on the return trip to enjoy the station’s foliage
▼ Eizan Railway Official Event Info
https://eizandensha.co.jp/event/detail1674/
Only trains bound for Kurama / Kibune pass through the “Momiji Tunnel.”
During peak autumn season, the Kirara train can get very crowded.
It is recommended to arrive at the station about 1 hour before your desired departure time.
It varies depending on the weather, but late November is usually the peak season.
In 2024, autumn leaves were late, and the light-up period was extended until early December.
Yes, you can.
Regular one-man trains also slow down at the “Momiji Tunnel,” allowing you to enjoy the foliage.
Since the Kirara train is often crowded, choosing a regular train may allow for a more relaxed viewing experience.
The light-up event is usually held from early to late November at the “Momiji Tunnel” between Ichihara and Ninosé on the Kurama Line.
The period may be extended depending on the autumn foliage conditions.
Please check the official website for details.
▼ Eizan Railway Official Site
https://eizandensha.co.jp/guide/
A special ticket that allows unlimited rides on Eizan Railway for one day.
It also comes with discount benefits at local facilities along the line.
● Price
Adult: 1,200 yen
Child: 600 yen
Can be used on any one day from the purchase date until the end of the following month.
▼ Eizan Railway “Discount Tickets”
https://eizandensha.co.jp/good-value/
※Information is as of November 17, 2025.
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