Keihan Cable Line, Funicular railway line in Yawata, Japan
The Keihan Cable Line is a funicular railway in Yawata that connects two stations while climbing a steep hillside. The system uses two cars on a single track, with one ascending while the other descends simultaneously to balance the load.
The funicular railway opened in 1926 and created an important link to the famous Iwashimizu Hachimangū shrine in the Kyoto region. This transport connection made it easier for people to reach the shrine located high on the mountainside.
The cable line connects visitors directly to the Iwashimizu Hachimangū shrine, an important pilgrimage site in the region. The ascent holds special meaning during New Year celebrations, when many people make their way to worship at the shrine.
The journey is quite short, but since only two cars operate, wait times can be long during peak periods. It is best to ride early in the day or outside of holiday season to avoid crowds.
About half of all annual riders use the line in January for New Year shrine visits. This extreme seasonal variation makes January by far the busiest time on this route.
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