Keifuku Kitano line

[bill937ca]

An interesting ride on the Keifuku Kitano line heading into Kyoto.  The line is single track with passing loops and is in an area known for Cherry Blossoms.  These cab ride videos give a good view of the line.

 

 

 

Cherry blossoms surround a  Keifuku tram.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWE87_g6Yb8

 

At night the blossoms are illuminated by small lamps.

 

 

 

[Guest ___]

Hey Bill, had to fix the links. ^_^

[bill937ca]

Hey Bill, had to fix the links. ^_^

 

Thank you.  You Tube made some major changes in the last day or so. I added another blossom light up video from 2009.  It's probably the best yet.

[bill937ca]

This the main Keifuku line, the Arashiyama line which links central Kyoto with the western suburbs in Arashiyama.  Its all double track with some street running. During peak periods 2 car trains are operated.  Modemo is re-releasing the Keifuku 101 series this spring and Modemo has also produced the 621 series.

 

 

 

[Mudkip Orange]

Note that Keifuku/Randen is owned by Keihan, which also does the same night lightup stuff on the Eizan for fall foliage. Those trips are the reason for the 900 series "Kirara" interurbans which we all love so much.

[Guest ___]

There is a wonderful iPhone app for this rail line I have installed called Kyoto Randen Guide, which is in English and is free. It plugs in neatly with the Ekitan Guide for the iPhone.

[bill937ca]

Randen has a day pass for 500 Yen.  There is more information on this un-official web page, including a list of nearby attractions.  And there is an Ashi-yu (Onsen footbath) at Arashiyama Station.

 

http://www.kyopro.kufs.ac.jp/dp/dp01.nsf/b7eb328e75d9627a49256feb00103b33/79fc17e94504d9b94925748f002b74c2!OpenDocument

 

Randen also has a two-page PDF tourist map and guide.

 

http://randen.keifuku.co.jp/railmap/pdf/pdf_railmap_04.pdf

[bill937ca]

Note that Keifuku/Randen is owned by Keihan, which also does the same night lightup stuff on the Eizan for fall foliage. Those trips are the reason for the 900 series "Kirara" interurbans which we all love so much.

 

Its only partially owned by Keihan (42%).  Big brother--MOF (Ministry of Finance)--also is a part owner with almost 9%.

[CaptOblivious]

I have been riding this line a lot lately, and chasing trams on bicycle. This has been a total adventure, trying to make my way through Kyoto's back alleys to find good audio recording spots! I am now thinking that in the distant future, I am going to do a Randen layout…Thanks for the videos, Bill!