Keage Incline in Kyoto

This post can contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links.

Facts & Figures

Keage Incline is now a disused old railroad track and has a length of 582 meters and a width of 22 meters. It was needed to transport boats, without unloading its cargo, uphill or downhill on a trolley between the canal along Niomon-Dori and Biwako Canal. Keage Incline is open to the public and one of the best places to enjoy the cherry blossom season in Kyoto. Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Kyoto Ryokan.
 Find Your Perfect Ryokan Now > 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 use this place and scenery for their wedding photos.

• Keage Incline
• Opening Hours - daily, 24/7
• Admission Fee - free

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 of Kyoto. To transport boats an inclined plane was built to overcome 36 meters of elevation difference between the waterways of Lake Biwa Canal and Kamo River in Kyoto. When the Incline began operating, the cradles were made of wood. During the Taisho Period (1912 - 1926), they were replaced with iron frames. The electricity power for this 10-15 minutes long procedure came from the nearby Keage Power Station. In its heydays, 220000 tonnes of goods were transported annually. 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 was at that time 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 an 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 an impressive and huge construction. Read more >

Heian Jingu Shrine - It is an outstanding Shinto Shrine in Kyoto and an important cultural property of Japan. Read more >

Festival & Events in Kyoto (dates can change without notice)

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31st)
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 the Imperial Palace through the Shimogamo Shrine and ends at the Kamigamo Shrine (Kamigamo-jinja). More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri as the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month of 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 lasts around 2 hours.