Fresh green “Maple Tree Tunnel” in Kyoto – Eizan Railway slow down until the end of May

Eizan Electric Railway operates at a slower train speed in the so-called “Maple Tree Tunnel” section between Ichihara and Ninose on the Kurama Line.

Eizan Electric Railway's "Aomomiji Kirara" type 900 sightseeing train running between Ichihara and Ninose (Image by: Eizan Electric Railway)
Eizan Electric Railway’s “Aomomiji Kirara” type 900 sightseeing train running between Ichihara and Ninose (Image by: Eizan Electric Railway)

The “Maple Tree Tunnel”, which stretches for about 250m, cannot be seen from any street. It is a spectacular spot in Rakuhoku area, Kyoto that only those who take the Eizan Railway can enjoy. It is well known that the train passes through the autumn leaves approaching on both sides of the track, but the refreshing fresh green tunnel unique to the early summer is also attractive. From the end of April, many fresh greens sprout on the branches of the maple tree and bear bright yellow-green leaves. Over the summer, the color gradually deepens and turns into calm green leaves.

The trains are driven slowly from April 23 (Sat) to May 31 (Tue), 2022, so you can fully enjoy the fresh greenery whenever you go. It will be carried out by the trains bound for Kurama departing from Demachiyanagi between 9:00 and 16:30 and the trains bound for Demachiyanagi departing from Kurama between 9:34 and 17:04 (See the timetable and transit map below).

Eizan Railway operates slowly to enjoy the fresh green leaves

This slow-speeding operation could not be carried out in 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19 and in 2021 due to the disruption of operations due to a landslide disaster. Therefore, this will be the first time in three years.