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:
This yea, the momoji tunnel light show will run from November 3 – November 26, 2023.
the momiji tunnel in winter
the momiji tunnel in Summer
This article was originally published in 2021 and has been updated to reflect current information.
December 10, 2021 at 4:21 am
I enjoyed your news letter very much.
December 11, 2021 at 5:41 pm
That makes me very happy. Thank you!
November 3, 2023 at 8:04 pm
As someone who is planning a trip to Japan next year, this is very helpful. It’s nice to visit blogs like yours, to get some inspiration on what to see and visit in Japan, so, thank you!
November 6, 2023 at 4:28 am
You don’t hzve to sell Japan to me apart from where I live its the best country ever. I wdnt in 2013 to many cities and would love to go bavm to Hokkaido next year see the cranes, Your newsletters are both exciting rewarding and informative so please keep up the good work. For some reason the momiji tunnel would play all of the video but enough to know hiw breath taking it is so thankyou