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Lake Biwa First Canal
Heritage preservation · Otsu-shi ·
The Best New Way to See Kyoto
"For the first time in 67 years, boating through the scenic Lake Biwa Canal will be permitted, which means you can float under those cherry blossoms instead of walk by them. The canal first opened in 1894 and was created for irrigation, transportation, power generation, and to supply drinking water from Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. Boat tours can hold up to 12 people, with three embarkment points in Kyoto: Shimpiya Station, Mitsuji Station, or Keage Station, near the Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji temple. Tours take between 30 and 50 minutes, and fares cost between $35-70."
