Eizan Electric Railway (Kurama Line)

The popular Kirara sightseeing train! Autumn Eizan Railway is a hot topic on social media

The Eizan Electric Railway, affectionately known as "Eiden" by locals, is a railway line that starts at Demachiyanagi Station in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, and connects the mountainous Yase and Kurama areas. To get to Demachiyanagi Station, it's convenient to take the Keihan Electric Railway from Gion-Shijo Station, which is close to Kawaramachi, where department stores are lined up. Take the train bound for Demachiyanagi Station to the last stop, where you can transfer to the Eiden's Demachiyanagi Station.

All down trains stop at Takaragaike Station, the fifth station from Demachiyanagi Station. From Takaragaike Station, the line splits into the Kurama Line, which goes towards Kurama, and the Eizan Main Line, which goes towards Yase-Hieizan. This time, we will focus on the Kurama Line, which is dotted with many famous autumn foliage spots along the line.

It's nice to take a regular train to see the autumn leaves, but if you're riding the Eiden during the autumn foliage season, we recommend taking the Kirara sightseeing train.

Kirara is characterized by its large glass windows so that passengers can enjoy the ever-changing scenery along the line. There are 29 seats in total, with 8 of the seats near the center facing outward, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy the changing scenery from the window. What's more, you can ride for just the regular fare. There's no need to make a seat reservation.

The eight seats near the center of the Kirara are popular, but even more popular are the front observation seats where you can enjoy the approaching autumn leaves. If you want to secure a popular boarding position, it's best to line up as early as possible at Demachiyanagi Station, the starting station.

The alluring look of the Maple Tunnel at night can only be enjoyed from the train window!

A particularly famous spot for viewing autumn leaves on the Kurama Line is the "Maple Tunnel" between Ichihara Station, the 11th station from Demachiyanagi Station, and the next station, Ninose Station. Approximately 280 trees, including Japanese maples, mountain maples, and maples, have been planted in a section of about 250 meters, and the autumn leaves covering the tracks make it look like a tunnel. The train runs through a space enveloped in autumn leaves that is worthy of the term "blossoming autumn."

If you want to capture the beautiful scenery as you pass through the maple tunnel, we recommend sitting in the front observation seat just behind the driver's seat. You'll be able to capture the approaching autumn leaves on camera. You can also shoot in video mode from the train's coupling point, facing forward, to capture a panoramic view of the interior of the train and the autumn leaves, capturing the flowing warm colors of red, orange, and yellow.

We also recommend riding the Kirara at night, when the maple tunnel takes on a different look. Every November, the train is lit up from sunset until around 9 p.m. During this period, the trains passing through the maple tunnel turn off the interior lights and slow down, allowing you to enjoy the autumn leaves lit up in the darkness of the night.

Maple Tunnel Light-up
Date and time: Friday, November 7th, 2025 to Monday, November 24th, 2025, from sunset to around 9:00 PM
URL: https://eizandensha.co.jp/sightseeing/momiji/

There is another spot to enjoy the autumn leaves after the maple tunnel. At Ninose Station, there is a large maple tree that looks over the station building, and during the maple tunnel illumination period, it is illuminated even more beautifully with special lighting effects.

The next station, Kibuneguchi Station, will also be lit up, allowing passengers to enjoy the autumn leaves floating in the darkness from the train window, and the combination of the train and the autumn leaves from the platform.

Autumn foliage spots along the Eizan Electric Railway (Kurama Line) ① Kifune Shrine

"Kifune Shrine Autumn Leaves Illumination" where the stone lanterns on the Omotesando approach road are lit

Kifune Shrine has been enshrined for over 1,300 years in Kifune, also known as "Kyoto's inner sanctuary." It is one of the most popular spots along the Kurama Line. The shrine grounds, which spread out into the mountains, are made up of the main shrine, the Yuiyasha shrine, and the inner shrine, in that order, starting from the foot of the mountain. In autumn, when the mountain trees take on a colorful hues, you can see the autumn leaves and the shrine building competing with each other. The sight of the autumn leaves covering the stone steps of the main shrine approach is particularly famous and has been featured in numerous media outlets.

Every year during the autumn foliage season, the Kifune Shrine Autumn Foliage Illumination Event is held from dusk until 8:30 PM. Lanterns on the stone steps of the main approach are lit, making the autumn leaves stand out against the darkness of the night. The grounds of the main shrine are also enveloped in a gentle light, creating an even more fantastical scene.

▼Kifune Shrine Autumn leaves illumination
Date and time: Friday, November 7th, 2025 to Monday, November 24th, 2025, from dusk to 8:30 PM

Kifune Shrine

• 180 Kurama Kifunecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture MAP
• Take the bus from Kibuneguchi Station on the Eizan Railway Kurama Line, get off at Kibune bus stop and walk for about 4 minutes
• Free to visit
• none
• 075-741-2016
• 8 cars at the main shrine, 10 cars at the rear shrine / 800 yen for 2 hours (extensions not permitted)

Autumn foliage spot along the Eizan Railway (Kurama Line) ② Kurama Temple

The grounds of Kurama Temple, surrounded by Mount Kurama, are a treasure trove of autumn foliage spots

Kurama-dera Temple, said to have been founded in 770, is a historic temple where Minamoto no Yoshitsune (Ushiwakamaru) is said to have trained as a boy. The spacious grounds, nestled in Mount Kurama, are also known for the variety of places where you can enjoy viewing the autumn leaves. Located just a short walk from Kurama Station, the vermilion Niomon Gate towering against a backdrop of autumn leaves is a must-see spot for capturing on camera. The view to the south from near the main hall is also said to be beautiful. You can enjoy a panoramic view of Mount Hiei, which sits across from Mount Kurama and is adorned in red and yellow.

The journey from the Niomon Gate to the main hall is so long that Sei Shonagon, in her book "The Pillow Book," described it as "Kurama's 99 winding road, so close yet so far away" (approximately 30 minutes). A cable car is in operation, making it easy to get there, but the approach to the temple is also a famous spot where you can fully enjoy the autumn leaves, so if you have the time and energy, be sure to walk along it and enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery.

Kurama Temple

• 1074 Kurama Honmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 3 minutes on foot from Kurama Station on the Eizan Railway Kurama Line (Niomon Gate)
• Free to visit
• none
• Mountaineering fee: 500 yen
• 075-741-2003
• none

Eiden discount ticket information

Enjoy traveling around the area with discounted tickets

If you plan to visit autumn foliage spots along the Eiden line, including Kurama Temple, we recommend purchasing the Eizan Electric Railway One-Day Pass "E-Ticket" (1,200 yen for adults, 600 yen for children). It's very convenient as it allows you to get on and off local trains, including the Kirara, as many times as you like. By the way, at Ninose Station, fare is paid on board the train, so even getting off the train onto the platform requires a fare, but with the E-Ticket you don't have to worry about that.

Additionally, for those who want to see the autumn leaves at Kifune Shrine, we recommend the "Kyoto Rakuhoku Forest and Water Ticket" (1,800 yen for adults *only adult tickets are sold). This ticket allows unlimited travel on all Eizan Electric Railway lines, as well as unlimited travel on Kyoto buses north of Imadegawa-dori*. From Kifuneguchi Station to Kifune Shrine, it's about a 2km uphill walk, which would take more than 20 minutes. Taking the bus is recommended as it shortens the time it takes to get around and helps you conserve your energy.

*Excluding Kurama hot spring, Odeishi and north, and the area from Ginkakuji Road to the top of Mt. Hiei

Sagano Scenic Train

Ride the trolley train and view the autumn leaves coloring the valley

The Sagano Torocco Train (hereafter referred to as the Torocco Train), operated by the Sagano Scenic Railway, is a tourist train that runs along the valley of the Hozugawa River, which flows through the mountainous region west of Kyoto City. It travels slowly from Torocco Saga Station, the starting station on the Kyoto City side, to Torocco Kameoka Station in Kameoka City, covering a distance of approximately 7km, taking approximately 25 minutes. You can enjoy the beauty of the valley in every season, from cherry blossoms in full bloom in spring, the vibrant greenery of summer, and the snow-covered Arashiyama in winter. Torocco Saga Station is adjacent to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, making it easily Direction from Kyoto Station.

Another attraction is the approximately 1,000 maple trees planted along the line, including Japanese maples, mountain maples, and other trees that change color in autumn. As autumn deepens, the trees turn a vibrant red and yellow, painting the view from the train window vividly.

There are plenty of sights to see along the entire line, including the Kameyama Tunnel area just after leaving Torokko Arashiyama Station and the area just before the Hozugawa Bridge, where about 70 autumn leaves are densely packed. Another nice touch is that the train slows down when approaching scenic spots. Also, at Torokko Hozukyo Station, you can take photos of the Ayanishiki scenery of Hozukyo Gorge from the train, which stops along the way.

The trolley train consists of five cars, and all seats are box-style reserved seats, so you'll want to be particular about your seat selection. On the train bound for Torokko Kameoka Station, the right side of the train is popular because you can spend more time looking at the valley. However, no matter which side you sit on, you'll be facing the autumn leaves for either the first or second half, so if you're here to see the autumn leaves, you can enjoy sitting on either side. Also, because it's a box seat, there are also seats facing the opposite direction of travel. The seats facing backwards allow you to relax and enjoy the passing scenery, so if you're not worried about motion sickness, we recommend this option.

Car No. 5 is an open-top car with no windows, known as "The Rich Car," allowing you to enjoy the fiery beauty of the autumn valley with all your senses.The roof is also made of glass, allowing you to take a tasteful photo of the autumn leaves on the roof and the blue sky together.

Please note that The Rich is a train with open sides and floors, so you may get wet if it rains. Umbrellas are not permitted inside the train, so it's a good idea to bring a raincoat with you. Also, during the autumn foliage season, even on sunny days the temperature can be low, so be sure to dress warmly.

"Fantasy Train of Light" lights up the valley

From autumn to winter, the "Light Fantasy Train" operates from 4:30 PM until the last train. Lighting equipment installed along the line will fantastically illuminate the autumn leaves and the mountains on the opposite shore, and illuminations will be installed at Torokko Hozukyo Station and several other locations along the line.

Reserved seat tickets for the trolley train, including the "Fantasy of Light Train," are sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the ticket counters of all stations except Torokko Hozukyo Station for same-day tickets. However, as tickets are extremely popular during the autumn foliage season, we recommend purchasing your tickets in advance online with online payment. Reserved tickets go on sale from midnight one month prior to the date of travel (the same day of the previous month) on the Sagano Scenic Railway website. Please check the official website for details, including how to purchase tickets, how to display the QR code ticket, and important points to note.

If all reserved seats (including the "Light Fantasy Train") are sold out on the day of operation, a limited number of standing tickets will be sold, allowing passengers to stand near the entrance.Standing tickets are only sold at the ticket counters at each station, and will be sold out once the limit is reached.

▼Fantasy train of light
Date and time: October 25, 2025 (Saturday) - December 29, 2025 (Monday) 16:30 - Last train
Note: All seats are reserved seats.
URL: https://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/season/

Sagano Scenic Train Autumn Foliage Information / Hozugawa River Cruise

We also recommend a boat ride while admiring the autumn leaves.

After riding the trolley train to its final stop, Kameoka Torokko Station, we recommend taking the Hozugawa River Cruise, which flows down the valley from the upper reaches of the Hozu River to the landing just before Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge. On the way back, you can enjoy the beauty of the valley with its autumn leaves, which you saw on the trolley train, from a vantage point close to the river surface. No prior knowledge is necessary, as the boatman will explain the highlights of the trip, such as the autumn leaves and strangely shaped rocks, during the ride. Mebuchi, located about one-third of the way down from the boarding point, is a scenic spot recommended by many boatmen. If you turn around at the boatman's signal, you can enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves spreading across the valley.

Hozugawa River Cruise tickets are sold on the day on a first-come, first-served basis, or can be purchased on the Hozugawa River Cruise Association website. To get from Torokko Kameoka Station to the Hozugawa River Cruise boarding point, it's convenient to use the shuttle bus (350 yen for adults, 180 yen for children, approximately 12 minutes) that connects to the Torokko train. When reserving your ticket, make sure to book a trip that departs one hour after the departure time from Saga Torokko Station (for example, if you're taking the 9:02 Sagano No. 1 bus, book a ticket for the 10:00 departure) to ensure a smooth journey.

Hozu River Pleasure Boat Enterprise Association

• 2 Shimonakajima, Hozucho, Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture MAP
• Boarding point: Approximately 15 minutes by shuttle bus from Torokko Kameoka Station / Approximately 8 minutes on foot from JR Kameoka Station
• March 10th (Mon) - December 7th (Sun) 2025 9:00-15:00
  *On weekdays, regular sailings run every hour (7 sailings in total), and on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, sailings depart as soon as the maximum number of passengers is reached.
  December 8, 2025 (Monday) - March 9, 2026 (Monday) 10:00 - 14:30
  *There are four regular sailings on weekdays, and other special sailings may depart on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
• Junior high school students and above: 6,000 yen, infants to elementary school students: 4,500 yen
• 0771-22-5846
• In normal years, the leaves change color during the second week of December.