Otsu, Shiga Prefecture
Rating
Cost per person
¥500
The Lake Biwa Canal, initiated in 1885 and completed in 1890, is a historic waterway just north of Keihan Railway's Miidera Station. This engineering marvel was created to supply Kyoto with drinking water, irrigation, water transport, and power generation. Spanning 11.1 km, it showcases Japan's civil engineering prowess during the Meiji era. The canal's waters, sourced from Lake Biwa, flow through the challenging Nagara-yama Tunnel and emerge in Kyoto's Yamashina district, eventually reaching the Kamo and Uji Rivers. It’s a renowned cherry blossom spot in Otsu, beautifully illuminated during the season. Easily accessible, it's a 3-minute walk from Keihan Miidera Station.