Lake Biwa First Canal — Attraction in Otsu

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...

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...

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...