Nanzenji Suirokaku — Attraction in Kyoto

Suirokaku (すいろかく / Suirokaku) is a Meiji-era red brick arch-style waterway bridge located in Nanzenji Temple in Higashiyama District, Kyoto City, Japan. It is part of the Lake Biwa canalization project. Water can still be seen flowing through it today. It has extremely high historical, architectural and cultural value.

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🌉 Suirokaku Overview • Construction time: 1888 (Meiji 21) • Design style: Roman-style brick arch bridge (red brick and granite structure) • Length: about 93 meters • Height: about 9 meters • Location: Nanzenji Temple, Higashiyama District, Kyoto City • Purpose: To divert water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto City for irrigation, living and industrial use

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🏛 Historical background

In the second half of the 19th century, Kyoto gradually declined after losing its status as the capital. In order to revitalize the economy, Kyoto Prefecture promoted the "Lake Biwa Canal Project" - diverting water from Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture to Kyoto to solve the problem of water shortage and pave the way for hydroelectric power generation. Suirokaku is one of the representative structures of this project.

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🎨 Architectural Features • The red brick structure and arch design combine Western technology with the natural landscape of Higashiyama, forming a sharp contrast with traditional temple architecture but coexisting harmoniously. • Many photography and filming locations, especially in the maple or snow season, the Waterway Pavilion looks particularly romantic and mysterious. • Water can still be seen flowing on the bridge, and it is one of the very few Meiji-era waterway bridges still in use.

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📷 Famous Scenes • The continuous geometric curves and perspective of the arch are popular photography spots. • It is a common scene in Japanese dramas, movies, and advertisements, such as...

Tucked within the serene grounds of Nanzen-ji Temple in Kyoto, the Suirokaku Aqueduct is a striking and unexpected architectural marvel. Built in the late 19th century during the Meiji era, this red brick aqueduct was designed to transport water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto—a bold symbol of modernization in a city steeped in tradition. Its Roman-style arches, weathered by time and moss, stand in beautiful contrast to the classic Japanese temple structures nearby.

When I visited, the atmosphere was calm and contemplative. The sound of water trickling through the aqueduct, combined with the rustling of leaves and the occasional footsteps of visitors, created a tranquil ambiance. Though it's a functional piece of civil engineering, the aqueduct has an undeniable aesthetic presence. It’s a favorite spot for photographers, with its dramatic lines and play of light and shadow.

I was particularly intrigued by the informative sign explaining the crack found in one of the columns. It reflects the care and dedication of Kyoto’s city officials in preserving this historical structure. Despite the minor damage, the aqueduct remains stable and continues to be monitored.

Suirokaku is not just a passage for water—it's a bridge between old and new Japan. It invites quiet reflection and offers a different lens through which to appreciate Kyoto’s layered history. Whether you're drawn to architecture, engineering, or the peaceful harmony of temple grounds, this hidden gem is well worth a visit.

(Late post, but the memory still...

In spite of a weekday yesterday, Nanzenji Kyoto was so crowded as if a holiday, with the tourists from outland. I felt that the tourism industry in Japan is definitely on the mend. This place is an indispensable dropping inn especially for foreign visitors. No disappointment, extraordinarily outstanding and famous spot to be called on. Toilet no problem, no food supply but drinks by coin machine available. A bit difficult for wheelchair users. Suitable for photographer,...