English 
日本語 Lake Biwa Canal Boat ~Spring 2026~
(Reservations open from 9:30 AM on February 25th!)
Lake Biwa Canal Boat ~Spring 2026~
The great achievements of the Meiji era were achieved by connecting the thoughts of our predecessors.
Sosui is a word that means an artificially constructed waterway.
The Lake Biwa Canal carries water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto.
Built during the Meiji period, it is still used in various ways, including supplying tap water to Kyoto, generating hydroelectric power, and for sightseeing boats.
The Lake Biwa Canal Boat operates for a limited time only in spring and autumn, allowing you to enjoy the No. 1 Canal, which connects Kyoto and Shiga, as well as the tunnel and the natural scenery along the canal.
See facilities designated as national treasures and important cultural properties from the boat!
You can also learn about the history and highlights with a guided tour.
Features of this Plan
《Points that can only be seen by those on board》
・Among the plaques written by politicians who represent the Meiji period that are displayed at the entrance of each tunnel, the only one inside the tunnel is Kunimichi Kitagaki, the third governor of Kyoto who planned and constructed the canal project. It's a flat forehead.・Passengers on board can see the pit, which was the first in Japan to use the pit method, from below.
"customer's voice"
The view from the boat was refreshing.
-Being a local, I wasn't particularly interested, but once I got on board, I was able to appreciate the local scenery, history, and kindness of the people.
- Understanding the background of the construction, including the difficulties involved, made the boat trip even more moving and enjoyable.
Tour overview
- Implementation period
- Thursday, March 26, 2026 - Sunday, June 14, 2026
*Applications will begin at 9:30 AM on February 25th.
Usage overview
- Seating capacity
Upbound (departing from Keage): 9 passengers
Downbound (departing from Miidera or Otsu Port): Capacity 12 people
(*) The "Lake Biwa/Otsu Port ferry" will only operate for eight days from Thursday, March 26th to Sunday, March 29th, and from Thursday, April 2nd to Sunday, April 5th. On days other than these eight days, the regular "Mii-dera ferry" will operate.
- Application deadline
If there are seats available2 hours before the boarding dayOnline reservations are available until 11:00.
※BoardingBy appointment onlyThose who arrive without a reservation will not be able to board.
■How to apply
Please make a reservation in advance using one of the following methods.①Reservation from Lake Biwa Canal Boat WEB reservation system(Click here for official website)
②Reserve the boarding application form by mail or fax.*If you make a reservation just before the boarding date, we will use the online reservation system.
Kyoto
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