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Dreamy Beauty of "Maple Tree Tunnel"
For the Autumn-Leaf Season in Kyoto27 November 2018 - Kyoto//Sightseeing/EventsOn November 2, Eizan Railway conducted a lighting test, prior to the illumination from November 3 of maple trees along "Maple Tree Tunnel," which is a roughly 250-meter section of track between Ichihara and Ninose Stations. Although Typhoon Jebi in September caused some damage, such as fallen trees, along the railway, the maple foliage has begun its usual turn to red. A dreamy scene emerged when the trees were illuminated.
The illumination is a part of the event "Kyo no Okuzashiki, Kibune Momiji Tourou," or lanterns for maple trees in Kibune, Kyoto's back parlor, hosted by Eizan Railway and the tourist association of Kibune from November 3 to 25. This year marks its 16th anniversary. During this period, many lanterns are set out and maple trees are illuminated in the area around Kifune Shrine as well.
When the lighting test started around dusk, approximately 280 maple trees, with foliage starting to show a red tinge, were illuminated. The train slows down and its interior lights are turned off as it passes through this area. The area is lit up from about 4:30 p.m. to around 9:00 p.m. until November 25. Reportedly, the best season to view red maple leaves is mid-November.
Although many trees fell on the track between Kibuneguchi Station and Kurama Station, Eizan Railway managed to restore the line on October 27 and has just resumed full operation of all its lines. A spokesperson said, "We've successfully resumed operation in time for autumn. We want people to come and appreciate the beautiful maple leaves."
(Translated by Mie Hiuzon, Psyche et l’Amour, Inc.)