The Lake Biwa Canal
- Published on : 21/11/2025
- by : Joshua
- Youtube
Lake Biwa Canal Cruise
@Aw1805 on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
A historic waterway from the Meiji period, the Lake Biwa Canal (琵琶湖疎水) was constructed to transport water from Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan, to Kyoto. This aided in the city's revitalization after it lost its status as Japan's capital. Construction completed in 1890 and consists of tunnels, aqueducts, and channels that provided power, transportation, drinking water, and irrigation. This prominent history and its role in the development of modern Kyoto has even resulted in the founding of the Lake Biwa Canal Museum that is located right on its banks.
The grand canal project
The Lake Biwa Canal, or Biwako-sosui, is a river artery built in 1890, during the Meiji era (1868-1912). It had been the dream of Kyotoites for centuries to have a connection with Lake Biwa. The plan was to make a waterway from Otsu at the mouth of Lake Biwa, pass under Yamashina Mountain to reach Keage, then continue to Fushimi to arrive at the Uji River. Twenty kilometers long in all, it saw many boats pass from 1891 until 1948.
When it was inaugurated in 1891, this canal made it possible to build the first hydroelectric plant in Japan, supplying the city of Kyoto with energy, especially its large network of trams. All of this was very modern for the time and benefited other sectors such as drinking water supply, irrigation and industry.
The Lake Biwa Canal made it possible to sail boats with passengers between Otsu and Kyoto, but especially goods, rice, wood, coal, bricks, and more. In 1925, there were up to 150 boats every day that made the trip.
In the middle of the 20th century, the number of users began to fall because competition with the railway (much faster) and road vehicles (more practical) was becoming increasingly strong.
Lake Biwa Canal in spring
@Shigeru-a2 on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Cruises on the Lake Biwa Canal - Revitalizing the waterway
The project to make tourist cruises on the old channel of Lake Biwa was initiated by the water management and treatment office of the city of Kyoto . Cruises on the Lake Biwa Canal offer a serene and nostalgic way to experience one of Japan’s most historic waterways. Seasonal boats—often small, low-profile wooden vessels—carry passengers through the narrow canal between Otsu and Kyoto, passing under stone bridges, along cherry-lined banks, and through the famous Meiji-era tunnel carved through the Higashiyama mountains.
Cruise on the Lake Biwa Canal
@Asturio Cantabrio on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
These cruises highlight both the engineering ingenuity of the canal and the natural beauty of the route, making them especially popular during spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. The slow pace, gentle scenery, and historical commentary create a peaceful, immersive journey into Kyoto’s past.
Towards the temples
Whether you arrive by boat from Otsu or from Kyoto, via the Keage subway station, the pretty walk will take you to Nanzen-ji temple. You can admire a magnificent brick bridge 93 meters long and 14 meters high, a former viaduct that was used to carry water to the district of the philosophers' path.
The Lake Biwa Canal Museum
Set along the historic canal in the Okazaki area, the Lake Biwa Canal Museum traces how the Meiji-era waterway transformed Kyoto by bringing in water, electricity, and transportation from neighboring Shiga Prefecture. Through detailed models, archival photos, and interactive displays, visitors get a sense of the tremendous effort behind carving a 20-kilometer system through mountains and valleys—an ambitious public-works project that helped modernize the city.
Beyond the technical story, the museum highlights the cultural life the canal made possible. Exhibits explore how its water powered Japan’s first commercial hydroelectric plant, revitalized industries, supported daily life, and even paved the way for the scenic boat cruises enjoyed today.
Lake Biwa Canal Museum
Japan Visitor
With its mix of history, engineering, and Kyoto atmosphere, the Lake Biwa Canal Museum serves as a thoughtful gateway to understanding how this quiet waterway shaped the city’s past and continues to enrich its landscape.
Official Website: https://biwakososui-museum.city.kyoto.lg.jp/en/
Address: 〒606-8437 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Nanzenji Kusakawacho, １７
Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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