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Lake Biwa Canal: A Meiji Era Engineering Marvel

Discover a feat of Meiji-era engineering: a historic canal connecting Lake Biwa and Kyoto, offering scenic cruises and cultural insights.

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The Lake Biwa Canal is a historic waterway connecting Lake Biwa and Kyoto, constructed during the Meiji period. It provided water for drinking, irrigation, industry, and hydroelectric power, and even facilitated transportation. Today, it's a scenic spot with cherry trees lining the canal and opportunities for boat tours.

A brief summary to Lake Biwa Canal

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during spring to witness the stunning cherry blossoms lining the canal.
  • Take a boat cruise to experience the canal from a unique perspective and see historical features.
  • Explore the Keage Incline, a preserved section of the canal that showcases its engineering.
  • Visit the Lake Biwa Canal Museum to learn about the history and functions of the canal.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kyoto Station, take the JR Kosei Line to Otsu Station. From Otsu Station, transfer to the Keihan Ishiyama Sakamoto Line and get off at Miidera Station. The Lake Biwa Canal is a short walk from the station. The train journey from Kyoto to Otsu takes approximately 20 minutes and costs ¥410. The walk from Miidera Station to the canal is about 4 minutes.

  • Walking

    From Miidera Temple, walk towards the Kannon-do gate. The canal runs alongside Miidera Temple. Follow the path along the canal to explore the area. Note that there are limited parking options around the canal, so using public transport is recommended.

Unlock the Best of Lake Biwa Canal

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Discover more about Lake Biwa Canal

The Lake Biwa Canal is a testament to innovative civil engineering of the Meiji era, designed to revitalize Kyoto after the capital moved to Tokyo. Constructed between 1885 and 1890 under the leadership of engineer Tanabe Sakuro, the canal draws water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto, serving multiple purposes. The canal facilitated the transportation of goods and people between Otsu and Kyoto and supplied water for irrigation, fire prevention, and the operation of waterwheels. It also powered Japan's first hydroelectric power plant, providing electricity for industry and Kyoto's tram system. The canal spans approximately 20 kilometers from Kannonji in Otsu to Fushimi-ku in Kyoto. The canal passes through tunnels and even includes the Keage Incline, a preserved section that once used an inclined plane to move boats up and down a steep slope. Today, the Lake Biwa Canal is recognized as a nationally designated Historic Site and a Heritage of Industrial Modernization. Visitors can enjoy boat cruises on the canal, especially during cherry blossom season, and explore the surrounding areas, including Miidera Temple and the Lake Biwa Canal Museum.

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