Travelling Through Eizan Railway’s Picturesque ‘Momiji Tunnel’

all photos courtesy Eizan Electric Railway

Along Kyoto’s Eizan Electric Railway is a section known as “Maple Tree Tunnel” (momiji tunnel, in Japanese) that is lined with hundreds of maple trees. They are, of course, beautiful any time of year. But maple trees are particularly stunning in the fall and the railway goes out of its way to accentuate their beauty while allowing riders to get the most of all the sights.

Eizan Railway begins at Demachiyanagi Station, near the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The line travels north until it splits at Takaragaike Station, at which point one line goes eastward to Yase-Hieizanguchi station, and the other line goes westward to Kibuneguchi and Kurama stations. In this instance, one would be correct to head the advice of The Village People and go west for what lies ahead is the spectacular momiji tunnel.

And during periods of particular brilliance, such as the fall foliage, the train switch off its lights so that the outdoor illuminated trees can be enjoyed to their fullest splendor. Watch the video below to see what we’re talking about:

When Kyoto’s Eizan Railway passes through their famed “momiji tunnel” they slow down and, at night, turn their lights off for this surreal view:
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— Spoon & Tamago (@Johnny_suputama) December 5, 2021