Lake Biwa First Canal
Tourist attraction · Otsu-shi ·

Lake Biwa First Canal

Tourist attraction · Otsu-shi ·

Scenic canal boat tours amid cherry blossoms and fall colors

Lake Biwa First Canal by null
Lake Biwa First Canal by null
Lake Biwa First Canal by null
Lake Biwa First Canal by null
Lake Biwa First Canal by null
Lake Biwa First Canal by null
Lake Biwa First Canal by null
Lake Biwa First Canal by null
Lake Biwa First Canal by null
Lake Biwa First Canal by null
Lake Biwa First Canal by null
Lake Biwa First Canal by null
Lake Biwa First Canal by null
Lake Biwa First Canal by null
Lake Biwa First Canal by null
Lake Biwa First Canal by null
Lake Biwa First Canal by null
Lake Biwa First Canal by null
Lake Biwa First Canal by null
Lake Biwa First Canal by null

Information

7 Miideracho, Otsu, Shiga 520-0034, Japan Get directions

Information

Static Map

7 Miideracho, Otsu, Shiga 520-0034, Japan Get directions

+81 75 672 7709
city.kyoto.lg.jp

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Oct 26, 2025

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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."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-best-new-way-to-see-kyoto
Lake Biwa Canal

Tracy L.

Google
We went in early April, just towards the end of the cherry blossom season but could still catch them in photos. Stunning views. Our tour guide (Tom ‘Cruise’) and captain were both so accommodating and tried very hard to communicate essential information to us in English. We were provided an English script with matching pictures of what Tom was saying in Japanese throughout the cruise— this helped enormously. Many will come for the views, but the canal is also rich with a history we certainly won’t forget. Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience.

Violet K

Google
It's a residential area. So we enjoyed it more. Same breathtaking, awe-insipring, absolutely more romantic walk! Because it was less crowded. Dinner around that area offers an authentic Japanese restaurant experience.

2359david

Google
A tranquil place with many sakura. What a pity that we are not visiting during the blossom season. Love the quiet yet peaceful atmosphere around. The lake and the canal was not crowded and give us a good breath from the hustle and bustle of busiest tourist spots.

Matthew F.

Google
I took the canal cruise here with some new friends and it was very informative. They suggest to bring warm clothes because it can be quite cold (for some) inside the tunnels; one tunnel is 2.5km long! The guides tried very hard to also speak English for me and others, and Tom; the main guide; is very funny. Definitely do this during Cherry Blossom season as the hang right over the canal. Upstream is approx 35mins and downstream is approx 55mins; yes I know that seems wrong. I think it’s to do with safe speeds. I suggest walking up to Miidera afterwards if you have a few hours spare afterward.

Muhsin M.

Google
After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the capital was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. As a result, the economy of Kyoto city weakened. The construction of Lake Biwa Canal was undertaken to revitalize Kyoto. Construction started: 1885 Ended: 1890 It was built by the young engineer Tanabe Sakurō, who was only 21 years old when he was given the responsibility of this project. Today, after almost 132 years, what a beautiful and clear stream of water is flowing! A nation does not change by itself. The ancestors have to establish the foundation. And the young people continue that trend from generation to generation....

Blanca H.

Google
It is a nice experience to stroll along this canal in cherry blossom in good weather.

Weinan L.

Google
Visited on March 28, when there is light up in the night and cherry blossom at it's best time.

Henky S.

Google
Good view and nice park.