Keage Incline, located near Nanzen-ji Temple in Kyoto, is a historic inclined railway that once operated along the Lake Biwa Canal. Stretching approximately 582 meters, with an elevation difference of about 36 meters, it is a remarkable remnant of railway engineering from the Meiji period (1868–1912).
The Lake Biwa Canal was constructed to support a variety of purposes, including generating power for waterwheels, transporting goods by boat, irrigation, and operating rice-polishing mills.
Keage Incline was built to overcome the difference in elevation along the canal. Boats were placed on special wheeled platforms and transported along railway tracks between different water levels. Today, the disused railway remains as a historic landmark where visitors can walk along the original tracks.
Keage Incline is especially popular in spring, when approximately 90 Somei Yoshino cherry trees burst into bloom along the tracks. Visitors can stroll directly along the old railway and enjoy the beautiful blossoms overhead, creating the feeling of walking through a tunnel of flowers.
During the peak cherry blossom season, visiting early in the morning may offer a particularly peaceful experience, with fewer people and a dreamlike view of the blossoms.
As you emerge from Keage Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway, you may be greeted by a spectacular view of cherry blossoms in full bloom. From Keage Incline, consider continuing your walk toward the Philosopher’s Path or visiting the nearby Kyoto City Zoo.
You can also stop at the Lake Biwa Canal Museum, which offers free admission and provides insights into the history and engineering of the canal.
Keage Incline offers a unique opportunity to experience Kyoto’s industrial heritage while enjoying the beauty of the seasons. The combination of historic railway tracks and rows of cherry trees makes it a memorable destination, particularly during the spring blossom season.
Open 24 hours
Open all year round
Open period
Cherry blossoms bloom from early to mid-April
Free of charge
Municipal Subway Tozai Line Keage alighting