Don’t Miss Eizan Railway Momiji Tunnel in Kyoto Autumn Season
Ride the Eizan Railway Momiji Tunnel in Kyoto, a breathtaking autumn train route with night light-ups, maps, and access info for 2025.
Every autumn, the Eizan Railway Kyoto takes visitors through the stunning Momiji Tunnel Kyoto, where the Eizan Railway train slows down to showcase the illuminated autumn leaves.
If you plan to visit Kyoto during autumn, you'll discover many stunning sights. Imagine being transported to an enchanting place in Kyoto, Japan. The entire town is adorned with vibrant autumn leaves, which are even more breathtaking at night.
List of Contents
What is the Eizan Railway Momiji Tunnel
Eizan Railway is a train in Kyoto with two lines running through the northern part of Kyoto. The word "Momiji" (もみじ, 紅葉) is the Japanese word for "autumn colors."
Mentioning night autumn leaves, one highlight is the Eizan Railway Momiji Tunnel, an experience that allows passengers on a night train to journey through beautifully illuminated maple trees!
Before the train enters the Momiji tunnel, the driver turns off the lights inside the train. This lets everyone see the illuminated view outside the windows between Ichihara and Ninose stations.
Trust me, it feels like you're floating through the air alongside the autumn leaves of Kyoto.
Eizan Railway Map and Access
As I mentioned, the Eizan Railway has two lines: the Eizan Line ( Demachiyanagi ~ Yase-Hieizanguchi) and the Kurama Line ( Demachiyanagi ~ Kibuneguchi, Kurama), both of which start from Demachiyanagi Station.
You need to take the Kurama Line to experience the beautiful view of the Eizan Railway Momiji Tunnel. This line passes through Ichihara and Ninose stations, where the Momiji Tunnel is located.
Eizan Railway Kurama Line Train
The train line basically operates from Takaragaike Station to Kurama Station. If you start your journey from Demachiyanagi Station. Most trains on this line begin at Demachiyanagi Station and travel directly to the Kurama Line via Takaragaike Station.
Check out Eizan Railway's official website
Experiencing Eizan railway autumn in a wide open space is a better experience. Therefore, I highly recommend taking the panorama train!
Panorama Train "KIRARA" 展望列車「きらら」
The panorama train "KIRARA" is a special scenic train that features wider glass windows, allowing you to enjoy a stunning view of the Eizan railway maple tunnel from a bigger angle.
Check out Panorama train "KIRARA" Timetable
Fares
- 470 Yen (From Demachiyanagi to Kibuneguchi/Kurama station)
- 410 Yen (From Takaragaike to Kibuneguchi/Kurama station)
Eizan Railway Momiji Tunnel Map
The Momiji Tunnel Light Up located between Ichihara Station and Ninise Station. Enjoy the ride and take in the gorgeous scenery. When the train’s getting close to the Momiji Tunnel, the driver will give you a heads-up with an announcement.
Check out the map below to see where is the Momiji Tunnel location on the Eizan Railway.
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source: eizandensha.co.jp |
Best Time to Visit Eizan Momiji Tunnel
It depends on the weather and temperature fluctuations each year. Generally, the best time to experience Momiji tunnel Kyoto train is around mid-November to the first week of December.
Visiting the Momiji Tunnel Kyoto during autumn is one of the most magical ways to experience Japan’s autumn leaves, especially aboard the Eizan Railway train!
FAQ and Travel Tips
Do I have to book a ticket in advance?
You don't need to make an advanced booking for the Eizan Railway, whether you choose a regular train or the KIRARA Panorama train.
Everyone can simply use their IC card to pay for the fare or purchase a ticket at the vending machine as usual.
Is Eizan Line covered by JR Pass?
JAPAN RAIL PASS cannot be used for Eizan Railway.