- Osaka to Fukuoka – Review of Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI! Experience a Japan’s Ferry Trip
Hankyu Ferry HIBIKI began service on April 21, 2015 on the Shin Moji - Izumiotsu route between Kitak...
- Review of Ferry Yakushima2 | Orita Kisen | Japan’s Overnight Ferry Experience | Yakushima – Kagoshima
Ferry Yakushima 2 (フェリー屋久島2) is operated by Orita Kisen (折田汽船) and began service on the Miyanoura Po...
- Review of Ferry Kyoto | Meimon Taiyo Ferry | Japan’s Overnight Ferry Experience | Osaka – Fukuoka
FERRY KYOTO is a ferry operated by City Line Meimon Taiyo Ferry, connecting Fukuoka to Osaka and Osa...
- Review of Ferry Osaka II | Meimon Taiyo Ferry | Japan’s Overnight Ferry Experience | Fukuoka – Tsushima
Ferry Osaka II (フェリーおおさかII)operated by City Line Meimon Taiyo Ferry (名門大洋フェリー) began service on...
- Kobe to Fukuoka – Review of Hankyu Ferry YAMATO! Experience a Japan’s Ferry Trip
On June 30, 2020, the Hankyu Ferry's 'Yamato' commenced service on the Shinmoji-Kobe route, connecti...
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
- Train name : Eizan Electric Railway Series 900 “Kirara” observation train
- Start of operation : October 4, 1997
- Overall length : 15.7m x 2.69m x 4.12m
- Maximum Operating Speed : 70 km/h
- Passenger capacity : 86
- 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
Station | Fare |
Demachiyanagi Sta.→Kurama Sta. | 470 yen |
Demachiyanagi Sta.→Yase-Hieizan Sta. | 280 yen |
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
PM 21:00 | Demachiyanagi station |
↓ | Stop at Maple Tunnel for about 3 minutes |
↓ | Kurama Station |
↓ | Approx. 5 min. stop at Ninose Sta. |
PM 22:00 | Demachiyanagi station |
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!
※The content on this site is created solely for the purpose of providing information. We strive to provide accurate information, but we do not guarantee that the information is complete, accurate, or up-to-date. Use the information at your own risk.
※Current details, plans, or prices may differ, so please check the official website for the latest information before making any travel plans.
※The information on this site is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, or other advice. Please consult the appropriate professionals if you need specific advice.
※This site contains links to other websites. We are not responsible for the content, privacy policies, or practices of those sites. Please review the terms of use and privacy policies of those sites before using them.
※All content on this site is protected by copyright law unless otherwise noted. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or copying is prohibited. Please obtain permission before using the content.
※This site reserves the right to change the disclaimer without notice. The revised disclaimer will be effective once posted on this blog.
※The blog assumes no responsibility for any damages or disadvantages resulting from the use of the content on this site. Users assume full responsibility for using the content and any resulting consequences.
※Technical issues or interruptions may occur during the operation of the site or provision of content. The blog assumes no responsibility for any damages that users may incur as a result.
※This site respects all religions and beliefs and does not intend to discriminate against any religion. Our aim is to respect diverse perspectives and provide a safe space for all readers to obtain information.