Eizan Railway is a railway company in Japan that operates in Kyoto. It is a private railway company that has been in operation since 1925. Eizan Railway is known for its scenic routes and is a popular tourist attraction in Kyoto.
Eizan Railway operates two lines: the Eizan Main Line and the Kurama Line. The Eizan Main Line runs from Demachiyanagi Station in Kyoto to Kurama Station, while the Kurama Line runs from Kurama Station to Kibune-guchi Station. Both lines offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests, making them a popular destination for nature lovers.
Aside from its scenic routes, Eizan Railway is also known for its unique trains. The company operates a fleet of retro-style trains that are designed to look like they are from the early 20th century. These trains offer a nostalgic experience for passengers and are a popular attraction in themselves.
History
Eizan Railway, also known as the Eiden, is a private railway company that operates in Kyoto. The company was founded in 1925 and began operations in 1927. The railway line was originally built to transport people and goods from Kyoto to the Kurama Onsen hot springs and the Kibune Shrine in the mountains north of the city.
Over the years, Eizan Railway has expanded its operations and now operates three railway lines: the Eizan Main Line, the Kurama Line, and the Kibune Line. The Eizan Main Line runs from Demachiyanagi Station in Kyoto to Yase-Hieizanguchi Station in Sakyo Ward. The Kurama Line runs from Kokusaikaikan Station to Kurama Station, and the Kibune Line runs from Ichihara Station to Kibuneguchi Station.
Eizan Railway has a long history of providing transportation to the people of Kyoto. The railway played an important role in the development of the Kurama Onsen hot springs and the Kibune Shrine, and it continues to be an important mode of transportation .
Current Operations
Eizan Railway operates two lines, the Eizan Main Line and the Kurama Line, in Kyoto, Japan. The Eizan Main Line runs from Demachiyanagi Station in Kyoto to Kurama Station in the town of Sakyo, while the Kurama Line runs from Kurama Station to Kibuneguchi Station at the base of Mount Kurama.
The Eizan Main Line is the busier of the two lines, with trains running every 10-15 minutes during peak hours and every 20-30 minutes during off-peak hours. The line is popular with both locals and tourists, as it passes through scenic areas such as the Philosopher’s Path and the Eikan-do Temple.
The Kurama Line, on the other hand, is less busy and runs less frequently, with trains running every 20-30 minutes during peak hours and every 30-60 minutes during off-peak hours. The line is popular with hikers and visitors to the Kurama-dera Temple, which is near the Kurama Station.
Both lines are operated using electric multiple unit (EMU) trains, which are modern and comfortable. The trains are equipped with air conditioning, comfortable seating, and large windows that offer sweeping views of the surrounding scenery.
Eizan Railway also operates a number of special trains throughout the year, including the popular “Momiji-gari” (autumn foliage viewing) train and the “Tama-nobori” (mountain climbing) train. These trains offer unique experiences and are popular with tourists looking for a more memorable way to explore Kyoto’s scenic countryside.
Fares and Tickets
When it comes to using the Eizan Railway, travelers have a few options for purchasing fares and tickets. The railway offers both one-way and round-trip tickets, as well as discount passes.
For those who plan to use the railway frequently, the Eizan One-Day Pass is a great option. This pass allows for unlimited travel on the Eizan Railway for one day, and also includes discounts on admission to popular attractions along the railway, such as Kurama-dera Temple and the Eizan Electric Railway Museum.
Another popular option is the Eizan Kurama Kibune Discount Ticket, which includes round-trip transportation on the Eizan Railway, as well as admission to Kurama-dera Temple and a boat ride on the Kibune-gawa River. This ticket gives you a great value for those looking to explore the scenic Kurama and Kibune areas.
For those who only need to use the railway for a single trip, one-way tickets can be purchased at ticket vending machines at each station. These machines accept both cash and IC cards, making it easy for travelers to purchase tickets quickly and conveniently.
Overall, the Eizan Railway offers fare and ticket options to suit the needs of any traveler. Whether you’re looking for a convenient way to explore Kyoto’s northern mountains, or simply need to make a quick trip across town, the Eizan Railway has you covered.
Popular Destinations
Eizan Railway is a popular mode of transportation , connecting Kyoto City to the scenic areas of Mount Hiei and Ohara. Here’s a few of the most popular destinations along the Eizan Railway:
Enryaku-ji Temple: Located at the top of Mount Hiei, Enryaku-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 8th century. You can explore the temple’s three main areas, hike through the surrounding forest, and enjoy sweeping views of Kyoto City.
Kurama-dera Temple: Kurama-dera Temple is a Buddhist temple in the town of Kurama. The temple is known for its beautiful autumn foliage and its hot springs, which are said to have healing properties. You can take a cable car to the temple and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains.
Ohara: Ohara is a rural town in the mountains north of Kyoto City. The town is known for its traditional Japanese houses, beautiful gardens, and peaceful atmosphere. You can explore the town’s temples and shrines, hike through the surrounding forests, and enjoy local cuisine.
Kifune Shrine: Kifune Shrine is a Shinto shrine in the town of Kibune. The shrine is known for its beautiful torii gates and its location on the banks of the Kibune River. You can enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine at the restaurants along the river and explore the surrounding forests.
Eizan Railway is a convenient and affordable way to explore these popular destinations and experience the beauty of Kyoto’s countryside. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or culture, there’s Something to interest all along the Eizan Railway.
