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
10 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
-
1
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
2
Japanese Etiquette: The Ultimate Guide
Culture -
3
Transit Guide: JR Kansai Area Pass
Transportation -
4
Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
5
The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Head Spas in Japan
Beauty & Spa -
6
Ultimate Japan Car Culture Journey - From Auto Salon 2026 to the Open Road
Chiba -
7
Winter Adventure in Akita, Japan
Akita - Sponsored -
8
Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture -
9
Awaji Island: A Hidden Gem in the Seto Inland Sea
Hyogo - Sponsored -
10
Yakiniku Inoue Ginza
Tokyo
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
September Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
3
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri
Osaka -
6
Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka -
7
Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition
Tokyo -
8
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
9
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
10
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto