Keage Incline lies at the Kyoto end of Biwako Canal, and was an important transport route between Kyoto and Lake Biwa during the Meiji Era. A short rail system was constructed here to move boats over the change in level between Biwako Canal and the canal along Niomon-Dori. These days it is a tourist attraction, especially when the cherry trees are blooming in spring. If you are interested in the history of the canal there is a free museum behind the old red brick building nearby. Also Nanzenji and the old red brick aqueduct are nearby.
- 1 min read
Cherry Blossoms at Keage Incline
Spring beauty at the end of Lake Biwa Canal
By Cathy Cawood
Community writer
Walking along the rails of the incline
Dramatic statue near Biwako Canal Museum
A rail car that once transported boats between different levels of the canals stands at the Biwako Canal end of the incline
Wooden footbridge over a swampy area (there is a spring here)
Niomon-Dori end of Keage Incline. The Lake Biwa Canal Museum is on the right.
Fountain with Kyoto Zoo in the background at the Niomon-Dori end of the incline
Boat trips on the canal along Niomon-Dori
View of the big red torii of Heian Shrine from the hillside above Keage Incline
A spring wedding couple posing for photos
Blue hills of Kyoto seen over the the cherry blossoms at Keage Incline
Keage corner is always busy in spring
Keage's haunted tunnel leads to Nanzenji and the old brick aqueduct.
Keage Water Purification Plant
Explore nearby
Join the discussion
Veronika Tomanova
11 years ago
The rail looks so amazing with the flowers, really!
1 comment in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1Ultimate Fukuoka Food Guide: Hakata Ramen, Yatai Culture & Beyond
Fukuoka - Sponsored -
2Nature, Art, and Culture Along an Ancient Route
Culture - Sponsored -
3A Vegan Visit to Fukuoka
Fukuoka - Sponsored -
4Shopping in Ginza: 10 Unexpected Finds at Matsuya Ginza
Tokyo - Sponsored -
5Inside Nagasaki’s Tea World with Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea Tours
Nagasaki - Sponsored -
6Explore Ishigaki From Town to Shore on a Two-Hotel Escape
Okinawa - Sponsored -
7Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours
Culture -
8Nara Beyond the Crowds With Two Peaceful Retreats
Nara - Sponsored -
9Izu Kogen: Japan’s Most Dog-Friendly Destination
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
10Ozu Castle Town: A Sustainable Destination in Japan
Ehime - Sponsored
-
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2Guide to Suica Cards in Japan
Transportation -
3Tax-free Shopping in Japan: 2026 Changes
Planning -
4Akishinodera Temple
Nara -
5The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
6Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
7Punch the Monkey: Japan's Viral Baby Macaque
Chiba -
8Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)
Culture -
9Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
10Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo