Kyoto’s Eizan Railway Debuts Beautiful Souvenir Train Magnets

Railway fans will soon be able to collect new collectible merchandise celebrating two of Kyoto’s best-known sightseeing trains.

Kyoto’s Eizan Railway runs two sightseeing trains through the scenic countryside of north Kyoto. The Kirara train runs from Demachiyanagi Station to the villages of Kibune and Kurama, while the Hiei train runs from Demachiyanagi to the base of Mount Hiei.

Now beautifully designed images of these trains are featured on two collectible magnets that will only be available from Demachiyanagi Station in Kyoto.

The new souvenirs are part of a series of “Traveling by Train Magnets” that is focused on the charm of local railways. Each magnet features a handcrafted image of a train on a Spanish-style ceramic tile. The images on the magnets are produced based on photographs of actual trains, and local artists and experts with ties to each region are asked to make the designs in a way that is true to local memories and perspectives, as well as the scenery and culture of each area.

For the Eizan Railway trains, railway photographer Yuta Murakami served as an advisor to ensure the accuracy of the images, while the Kyoto-based illustrator Non Nakagawa created the original artwork. Nakagawa is well-known in Kyoto for her colorful illustrations of local events and has created stunning images for the new magnets.

Her illustrations were first transformed into 15-centimeter Spanish tiles by the Minatomachi Ceramika Kobo studio in Onagawa, Miyagi Prefecture. Using 3D printing technology, the handcrafted tiles were then scanned to reproduce their tactile depth and textured glaze in a compact 4.7 centimeter magnet.

The Kirara magnet highlights that train’s signature large windows and its vibrant “maple orange” color scheme. The design also includes images of Maiko, or apprentice geisha, inside the train to evoke a quintessential Kyoto atmosphere.

In contrast, the Hiei magnet focuses on the train’s bold oval design and deep green body, which reflects the natural scenery of north Kyoto. The artwork captures the train as it emerges from a curve, emphasizing the contrast between the dark carriage and the surrounding greenery. Artisans worked meticulously to ensure the fine decorative details on the front of the vehicle were perfectly legible in the final 3D print.

Beyond their artistic value, these magnets are designed with a strong commitment to sustainability. They are made using Mino-yaki clay, which incorporates over 50% recycled material that would otherwise be discarded. Furthermore, the packaging is entirely plastic-free, made from recycled paper, and the retail display fixtures are constructed from recycled wood.

Priced at 700 yen each, these magnets are “local-only” souvenirs that cannot be bought online. The idea is that each magnet will act as a tangible bridge between the traveler and the specific memories of their journey through Kyoto.

The two new train magnets will be permanently on sale at Demachiyanagi Station from July 12, 2026.

Article by Michael Lambe Images courtesy of Eizan Electric Railway. All rights reserved.