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Japan Heritage Lake Biwa Canal ~Lake Biwa Canal Boat <For private use>~

unique venue

The dream waterway of our predecessors, which can be traced by canal boat
Traces of many great achievements that can only be seen by boarding the ship

Lake Biwa Canal is an artificial canal built to revive Kyoto's industry, which had declined due to the relocation of the capital to Tokyo. This project, which was completed after overcoming numerous difficulties, was a major project in Kyoto during the Meiji period, carried out solely by Japanese people. The Lake Biwa Canal has been revived after 70 years.
Please enjoy a boat trip where you can see for yourself the achievements of our predecessors while enjoying the scenery around the canal that creates a seasonal atmosphere.

 

▶ Unique points
《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.

Features of this plan

  • ~Lake Biwa Canal Boat <Private Use>~

    ~びわ湖疏水船<貸切用>~

    Operated by chartered boat (9 or 12 passengers).

    The trip from Keage to Miidera takes 35 minutes on the upbound trip and approximately 55 minutes on the downbound trip.

    Starting in 2024, the route will be extended to Otsu Port (Lake Biwa). Although it is only available for a few days a year, please take advantage of the special extended service.

    As soon as you depart from Miidera Port, you will come across the first tunnel, which is about 2.5 kilometers long, and once you pass through it, you will see the boat dock at Yamashina, Kyoto.

    The surrounding area is famous for its cherry blossoms, and you can enjoy the autumn leaves in the spring as well as the cherry blossoms in the fall.

    Before you reach the fourth tunnel (the Third Tunnel) on the entire journey, you can also see the No. 11 Bridge, Japan's first reinforced concrete bridge, built in 1903. At the final destination, Keage Pier, be sure to get a close-up look at the former Imperial Palace Waterworks Pump Room. Enjoy the tour while thinking about Kyoto in the Meiji period.

     

    ☝Here are the differences between the upbound and downbound flights

    The downstream trip moves slowly along with the current, but the upstream trip moves against the current at higher speeds, so although the ride is a little shorter, it feels like an attraction.

Usage overview

Available time

■Time required

★Mii-dera Temple Delivery

Upbound trip: approx. 80 minutes (boarding time approx. 35 minutes)

Downstream trip: approx. 100 minutes (boarding time: approx. 55 minutes)

★Otsu Port

Upbound trip: approx. 110 minutes (boarding time approx. 65 minutes)

Downstream trip: approx. 130 minutes (boarding time: approx. 85 minutes)

 

■ Setting period

March 28th - June 9th, 2024

October 1st - November 30th, 2024

*Exclusion days: Non-operating days (please contact us for non-operating days)

Seating capacity

■ Available personnel

9 or 12 people

remarks

【home page】

https://biwakososui.kyoto.travel/

 

【access】

Keage Pier: About 5 minutes walk from Exit 1 of Keage Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line

Miidera Boat Pier: About 3 minutes on foot from Miidera Station on the Keihan Electric Railway Ishiyama Sakamoto Line

Otsu Port Pier: 3 minutes walk from Keihan Biwako Hamaotsu Station

 

[Contact Information]
Lake Biwa Canal Boat Reception Office (inside JTB Kyoto Branch)
TEL: 075-365-7768

Email: jimu-2@biwakososui.jp

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