Keage Incline in Kyoto

Facts & Figures

Keage Incline, a short (length: 582m, width: 22m) now disused old railroad track, was needed to transport boats uphill or downhill between the canal along Niomon-Dori and Biwako Canal. Keage Incline is one of the best places to enjoy the cherry blossom season in Kyoto.  Explore Ryokans in Kyoto >
Ryokans are the perfect way to discover old Japanese culture and traditions. It is located at the end of the Biwako Canal and close to the Nanzen-ji Temple. Along the 582 meters length of the incline you will find there 90 cherry trees (somei yoshino sakura) in full bloom from the end of March to early April. Many newly married couples using this place and scenery for their wedding photos.

My tips for local activities

Explore the best parts of my favourite city Kyoto with a local guide. The personalized tour can take between 2 - 8 hours. Check out this page > for more details.

History

The construction of the Keage Incline, part of the Lake Biwa Canal (Biwako Canal), started in 1890 during the Meiji era (1868 - 1912). It was in use from 1891 till 1948. The canal was needed the bring water, passengers and cargo like sake, rice and soy sauce from Otsu (Shiga Prefecture) to the growing city Kyoto. To transport boats a inclined plane was built to overcome 36 meters of elevation difference between the waterways of Lake Biwa Canal and Kamo River in Kyoto. Keage Incline was completely restored in 1977. In 1996 the place was designated as a National Historic Site by the government. This old incline construction is the longest of its kind in the world. The replica of the Sunjukkoku-bune (small cargo boat) on top of a trolley was donated by the Shiga Kyoto Association in 2010.

Sightseeing spots at the Keage Incline

Top:

Lake Biwa Canal Museum (Biwakososui) - The museum about the history of the canal was reopened for the public in 2009 and there is no admission fee required.

Sunjukkoku-bune (small cargo boat) - On display is a old cargo boat loaded with wooden sake barrels.

scenic spot - Enjoy a nice view over Kyoto from the top of the Keage Incline.

Nearby:

Nanzenji Suirokaku - This brick aqueduct at the temple grounds of Nanzenji is a impressive and huge construction.

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31th)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from Imperial Palace through Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamo Shrines. More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri to the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which last around 2 hours.