Transit Hub · Demachiyanagi to Kurama

Eizan Railway Kurama Line 叡山電鉄 鞍馬線

A two-car mountain railway from Demachiyanagi to Kurama that climbs through the 'Momiji Tunnel', a 250 m stretch of maple trees lit up at night in autumn. Ride the panoramic Kirara cars with forward- and side-facing windows.

About

Eiden, as locals call it, runs north from Demachiyanagi, where it connects with the Keihan line, through the student neighbourhoods of Sakyo-ku and up into the hills to Kurama, about 30 minutes away. Between Ichihara and Ninose the line runs through the Momiji Tunnel, a 250-metre stretch where maple branches arch over the track; in mid-November it turns crimson and is illuminated in the evenings, with trains slowing down and dimming their lights for passengers. In early summer the same leaves form a green tunnel. The Kirara observation cars have large windows and seats facing outward. The line serves Kibune-guchi for Kibune Shrine and the riverside restaurants, and Kurama for Kurama-dera and Kurama Onsen. A landslide closed the upper section in 2020, but the full line to Kurama has been running again since 2021.

Highlights

• Momiji Tunnel: 250 m of maples arching over the track
• Autumn evening illumination with dimmed carriages
• Kirara panoramic cars with outward-facing seats
• Kibune-guchi for Kibune Shrine, Kurama for Kurama-dera and Kurama Onsen
• Starts at Demachiyanagi near the Kamogawa Delta

Tips

• Check the timetable for the Kirara cars; they don't run every service
• In mid-November, ride the evening illumination trains but expect queues at Demachiyanagi
• Hike from Kurama over the mountain to Kibune (about 1.5 hours), then take the train back
• The Eizan 1-day ticket 'Ei-Den 1day pass' pays off if you stop at Kibune and Kurama

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• Coin Lockers · Demachiyanagi StationLuggage Storage · 60 m away
• Kamogawa Delta Stepping StonesLocal Secret · 150 m away
• Demachi FutabaUnique Store · 330 m away
• Hanaore ShimogamoSushi & Seafood · 370 m away
• Demachi Masugata ShotengaiLocal Secret · 400 m away
• Demachi Masugata Shopping StreetShopping Street · 400 m away
• DemachizaMovie Theaters · 400 m away
• Ryokujuan ShimizuUnique Store · 460 m away