Train Trip Through Magnificent Autumn Foliage
Colored leaves & changing sceneries from railway windows in Kyoto
Stunning Natural Beauty Along the Gorge on the Sagano Romantic Train
The natural beauty of Arashimaya has always offered the perfect retreat for Japanese people since the Heian period. Many Heian-period aristocrats chose Arashiyama as the setting of their villas and second houses. The Togetsu-kyo Bridge is Arashiyama’s well-known central landmark. Many small shops, restaurants and other attractions are found nearby, including Tenryu-ji Temple (World Heritage), Arashiyama’s famous bamboo groves and the pleasure boats that are available for rent on the river.
One of the best ways to appreciate the natural beauty of Arashiyama is aboard the Sagano Romantic Train. The classically designed carriages run slowly along the 7.3-km route, taking about 25 minutes to pass through the stunning scenery with the Hozu-kyo Gorge below.
The railway was part of the JR Sanin Main Line but train couldn’t run speedy enough due to winding route along the mountain. Later, a new tunnel was constructed which directly connected Saga and Kameoka Stations, then, the original railways were abandoned. However, since the natural scenery of the river and rocks along the railway was just so stunning, it was revived as a tourist attraction in 1991.
The first train was inaugurated in April, 1991. In those days, the mountain way along the railway wasn’t as beautiful as today, but people made great efforts to plant cherry and maple saplings. Today, the trees have grown and enchant tourists in every season. The train slows down as it passes by particularly beautiful spots and the wonderfully colored leaves pass right in front of people’s eyes. A special nighttime light-up will be held until December 10 (16:30-19:30) offering passengers a unique scenic opportunity. If possible, choosing the open carriage without glass windows is the best (strongly recommended to purchase tickets in advance; see below).
The Sagano Romantic Train departs from the Arashiyama or at the other end, Kameoka Station. To make your autumn outing in this area most memorable and special, returning via the Hozugawa-kudari River Boat ride should not be missed. The traditional wooden boats are controlled by boatmen skillfully guiding the boat with oars and bamboo poles.
The boat takes about two hours to make its leisurely way down the river and is a relaxing way to see the natural scenery of the largely undeveloped ravine from a different angle to that enjoyed from the train (Fare: Adults: ¥4,100 / Children between 4-12: ¥2,700; Boat departs every hour between 9:00 and 15:30; last boat departs at 15:30; until 14:30 in Dec.).
Going Through the Maple Tunnel on the Eizan Railway
There are many attractive temples and shrines located amongst the lush green along the EizanRailway such as Kurama Temple which is famous as a spiritual power spot and the Shinto Kifune Shrine enshrining the deity of water and good matchmaking. Transportation became significantly easier when the final station of the railway at Kurama was completed about ninety years ago, allowing many more people to travel to the area.
It now takes just 30 minutes from Demachiyanagi Station to the terminus. Watching the passing scenery, gradually changing from urban to rural, will invite you to enter the nostalgic village ambience of old Kyoto. Taking the Eizan Railway is always a pleasure regardless of the season, however, autumn might be the most recommended and beautiful season to try; Fare (one-way): Adults: ¥420, Children: ¥210 from Demachiyanagi Station to Kurama Station.
One of the Eizan Railway’s carriages is known as “Kirara,” which has a wide glass window on both sides that allows passengers to feel as if they are completely immersed in the magnificent world of colored maple leaves. The Ichijoji area is one of the most highly recommended areas along the train route.
About 15 minute-walk to the east from Ichijoji Station there are many small-sized, but must-visit temples such as Manshuin Temple, Shisen-do Temple, and Enko-ji Temple.From Yase Hieizan-guchi Station, one can reach the highly popular Ruriko-in Temple within a 5-min. walk (autumn special opening: ¥2,000).
Renge-ji Temple is another attraction in the area located opposite side from Yase Hieizan-guchi. Here, the beautiful moss garden with a small pond and trees creates such a perfect autumn scene; it is especially exquisite after leaves fall on the green moss and ground.
Try to get the train on Eizan Railway and experience the splendid colored maple trees between Ichihara Station and Ninose Station. It’s a very short distance, only 250 meters or so, but the train will run very slowly to allow passengers to enjoy the moment. Passing through the tunnel, you will reach Ninose Station. Heading to Kifune Shrine, the warm light of lanterns is a welcome to people along the old street by the traditional ryokan inns and eateries.
*Autumn colors usually start around early November and continue until the beginning of December (depending on that year’s weather conditions).