Photo= Passengers enjoy the illuminated scenery from a sightseeing train (October 14, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto)

Prior to the autumnal leaf season, extra runs by sightseeing trains through the illuminated foliage between Torokko Saga and Torokko Kameoka Stations, both in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, began on October 14. They are managed by Sagano Scenic Railway Co., Ltd. Tourists and other passengers were intoxicated by the beauty of the golden maple leaves lit up against the jet-black Hozu-kyo Gorge.

The illumination has been conducted every year since 2005 and a total of 800 lights have been set along the approximately 7.3-kilometer railway by the Hozu River.

Passengers snapped photos of the green maple leaves emerging against the dusk and the view of the gorge. An 11-year old boy visiting from Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, said joyfully, "The scene was so beautiful, much like a theme park."

The illumination will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. until December 10. The extra trains, which leave from Torokko Saga Station at 5:09 p.m. and from Torokko Kameoka Station at 5:40 p.m., will run on October 15, and then from October 21 to December 5. In addition, the number of extra trains will be operated on November 18, 19, 23, 25 and 26 for the autumnal leaf season.