About 20 minutes by Eizan train from Demachiyanagi station in Kyoto to Kurama station, there is a so-called “Momiji tunnel” between Ichihara station and Ninose station.  Approximately 280 Iroha-momiji and Oo-momiji (Both are Japanese autumn leaves) grow naturally in a section of 250 m.  Young leaves and green leaves from spring to summer are good, but after all it is autumn leaves.  During the season the narrow Demachiyanagi Station is full of tourists day and night.  This time, at night, I departed by a new model “Hiei” with a large oval frame on the front.  After driving in the city for a while, the autumn leaves begin to be seen from the car, and when approaching the “Maple Tunnel”, cheers rise from everywhere in the car.  The windows are still closed, but it seems that the illuminated autumn leaves are jumping into the car.  Unfortunately due to the heavy rain in July this year, earth and sand have collapsed along the railway line, and there is still no prospect of recovery.

京都の出町柳駅から鞍馬駅行きの叡山電車で約20分、市原駅と二ノ瀬駅間に通称「もみじのトンネル」があります。約250mの区間におよそ280本のイロハモミジ、オオモミジが自生しています。春から夏の若葉、青葉もいいですが、やはり何と言っても秋の紅葉です。シーズンともなれば狭い出町柳駅は昼も夜も観光客でいっぱいです。今回は夜、前面に楕円形の大きな枠の入った新型車両「ひえい」に乗って出発。しばらく市街地を走るとやがて車両から紅葉が見え始め、「もみじトンネル」に差し掛かると、車内の至る所から歓声が上がります。窓は閉め切ったままですが、ライトアップされた紅葉が車内に飛び込んで来る様です。今年は七月の豪雨で沿線に土砂が崩れ落ち、未だに復旧の目処が立っていません。