Friday 24 November 2017

Philosopher's Walk on the Keihan Line

EMU Keihan 2400 series stands at Sanjo Station on the Outou Line

Kyoto is known as a historical city. It was Japan's capital from 794 to 1868. There are numerous old temples and shrines, which are popular among tourists. Is that all that I understand about Kyoto? No, it isn't. This city is also known as a capital of academics. Thus, academic research is another important function of Kyoto City, and there are many famous universities such as Kyoto University and Doshisha University.

One such symbol as the capital of academics is Philosopher's Walk in the Higashiyama area. It is a walking trail on the bank of Sosui-bunsen Canal between Wakaoji Shrine and Jisyo-ji Temple. This road is so called because a famous philosopher, Nishida Kitaro, is said to have walked on this trail in meditation. Philosopher's Walk draws in many visitors specifically during the spring and autumn tourist seasons.

To visit Philisopher's Walk, the nearest station is Demachiyanagi on the Keihan Outou Line. Keihan is one of the major private railway companies in the Kansai area. The route extends to the eastern part of the Kansai area including Kyoto, Shiga and Osaka Prefectures. The track is electrified (1,500 V DC, overhead) and the gauge size is 1,435 mm.

One of the major fleets is the EMU 2400 series, which is a standard commuter train, launched in 1969. A total of 6 sets, 42 units, were built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The 2400 series is known as the first commuter train with air-conditioners in the Kansai area.

The entrance of  Philosopher's Walk near Demachiyanagi Station on the Keihan-Outou Line