The station with the cutest light on a winter night in Kyoto! Illumination at Illumi-station, Yase Hiei Yamaguchi Station: 2025/12/12-2026/2/15

Kyoto in winter is more than just temples and nighttime maples. A project overseen by Eizan Electric Railway (Eizan Electric Railway Co., Ltd.) and Heian Women's College University (Heian Women's College University), Yase Hiei Yamaguchi Station (八瀬比叡山口駅), the terminus of Kyoto City's northern side, has been transformed into a limited time only destination for the light of day, a place where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of Kyoto's night.Illumi-station (イルミステーション)From Friday, December 12, 2025 to Sunday, February 15, 2026, Centennial Station will be transformed into a soft and dreamy nighttime destination. From December 12, 2025 (Fri) to February 15, 2026 (Sun), Centennial Station will be transformed into a soft and dreamy nighttime destination, and on December 13 (Sat), there will be the annual "Christmas Station in Yase" event, which features performances by student groups, booths, and workshops, and is full of atmosphere for parents, children, couples, and friends to enjoy.

What is Yase Hiei Yamaguchi Station? A winter night collaboration between a century-old station and student creativity.

Located at the gateway to Mount Hiei in Kyoto City, Yase Hieizan-guchi Station retains the domed roof of the old station building from the time of its opening, with a strong Taisho romantic atmosphere, and in 2025, the 100th year of the station's opening, the Heian Women's College University Irmineri Committee will present the "Yase Hieizan-guchi Station" program as a "Hase Hieizan-guchi Station," with the theme of "The Hieizan Gateway.Lovely Station 100"With the theme of "History × Cute", the station is decorated with light and shadow, botanical elements and colors, so that travelers will be surrounded by warmth as soon as they step onto the platform.

Event Highlights

1. Illumi-station (イルミステーション) Main Lighting Area

The exterior walls and dome of the 100-year old station building are outlined in soft light colors, and a small light fixture extends from the plaza in front of the station, allowing passengers to take photos freely within the safety lines. The design is inspired by the mountains and forests around Yase, with flowers, leaves, and other plant-like objects to create a natural and healing atmosphere.

2. "Christmas Station in Yase" one-night-only program

On December 13, 2025 (Sat), a joyous Christmas event will be held inside the station, on the station terrace and in the front square. There will be performances by students and children's groups from local schools, as well as food and drink booths and parent-child craft workshops. You can feel the warmth and youthful energy of Kyoto's local community just by being at the station.

Pre-trip Information and Schedule

Period: December 12, 2025 (Fri) ～ February 15, 2026 (Sun)

Location: Yase Hiei Yamaguchi Station (八瀬比叡山口駅)

ThemeIllumi-station（イルミステーション）／「Cute Station 100

Special Events: Christmas Station in Yase (December 13, 2025 [F))

※The content may be adjusted or canceled due to weather or operational conditions.

Why It's Worth the Trip Three reasons from a traveler's perspective

1. Another look at Kohinoor Kyoto

When you think of winter lighting in Kyoto, most people think of shrines, Buddhist temples or gardens, but Illumi-station focuses on "public transportation × local community" and makes the station itself the main character. The century-old building looks even more timeless under the soft light, giving the photo a classical flavor without losing the cute and healing feeling.

2. Friendly transportation and good connectivity

The Illumi-station is located at the terminal of the Eizan Electric Railway, and the meeting place is right after you get off the train, so it is very friendly to travelers who are traveling on their own. During the day, you can make arrangements to go out of town or to the outlying areas such as Mount Hiei, Takifune, and Kurama, and then return to Yase at dusk to watch the station building gradually light up as you wind down the gentle night in Kyoto.

3. In-situ university × community temperature

Students from Heian Women's College University led the art and spatial design of the event, and with the participation of Yase residents and school groups, the event was not just a "look-and-go" stopover, but a winter nighttime gathering place where you can actually feel the pulse of the local culture.

Tips for taking photos and visiting

Best time zone

It is recommended to stay after sunset and before nightfall; the sky is still blue when the lights are just lit, which is the most beautiful time to take photos of the station dome and the station square. In case of Christmas event, we suggest you to arrive early to get a spot.

Courtesy and Safety

The venue is an active station. When taking photos, please pay attention to the safety line of the platform and do not use tripods to obstruct the passage; please follow the guidance of the staff inside and outside the station building, so that every traveler can enjoy the event with peace of mind.

Extended play: half-day or one-day proposals combining surrounding attractions

A relaxing line from dusk to night

In the afternoon, take a walk around Kamogawa River or Shimogamo Shrine, and in the evening, take the Eizan Electric Railway to Hase Hiei Pass Station, where you can enjoy the illumination and take photos, before returning to the city for dinner.

Mountain Meditation Day Trip

During the day, you can enjoy outdoor walks or temple tours (e.g., the trail around Mount Hiei), and then return to Yase at dusk to watch the station light up at night, experiencing the contrasting beauty of "nature by day × humanity by night.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need a ticket?

Illumi-station is a station decoration project and does not charge an admission fee. In case of special events (such as Christmas Day), food and drink or handmade items will be announced at the station.

Will it be canceled if it rains?

Lighting will be held as usual, but in case of bad weather, some experiences or equipment may be adjusted, please refer to the on-site announcement on that day.

Conclusion: A winter night in Kyoto to bring "Cute" home!

Illumi-station is not a large-scale luxury light show, but a "local version of romance" that gently lights up a century-old station. It's a great choice if you're traveling mainly in the city and are looking for a fresh night view without the crowds. Take the Eizan Electric Railway one evening and let light and history, nature and creativity meet on a winter night in Yase.