JR Kosei Line, which stretches northwards along the western shore of Lake Biwa (Kosei literally means “the west of the lake”), is acknowledged as one of the most scenic train lines in Kansai region. Taking a Kosei-bound train from Kyoto Station and passing through two tunnels, you emerge on the southern tip of the lake, and shortly afterwards a beautiful scenery starts to unfold.
What is so scenic about the ride on Kosei Line? First, the view of mountains and great Lake Biwa. The line runs through a long narrow strip of land sandwiched by the lake and high ranges of Mt. Hiei and Mt. Hira. At the starting section, mountains are gentle and an only small part of the lake is in your view. However, as you approach the middle part of the line, the mountain towers higher and the lake becomes broader, and as both of them get close each other, the landscape turns dramatic. Rice fields and rustic villages along the route add more charm to the scenery as well.
Second, the panoramic view from the raised tracks. The major part of the route is on viaducts, embankment or hillside, so it allows you to look over the scenery from a higher position with few interruptions. On daytime, if you stand just behind the driver’s seat, you can enjoy a 270 degrees panorama —magnificent mountains on your left, the glittering lake on your right, and never-ending tracks straight ahead through the windshield.
Furthermore, a ride in each season offers a different view from others — cherry blossoms and bright green mountains in spring, blue sky and lively beaches in summer, colorful foliage covering mountains in autumn, and snow blanketing everything in winter. A trip on Kosei Line itself will therefore be definitely a good attraction, even if you do not have a destination.
