All Reviews of Keage Incline

Kyoto’s **Keage** area is a historic and scenic district in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, known for its unique industrial heritage and beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons.
Main attractions
Keage Incline: This is the area’s most famous attraction. This abandoned railway was built during the Meiji period to connect two sections of the Lake Biwa Canal with a significant difference in elevation, allowing boats to be transported between them. It is now a popular walking path, especially in spring when the Yoshino cherry trees lining both sides are in full bloom, creating a beautiful “cherry blossom tunnel.” It is also a great place to see the fall foliage.
Lake Biwa Canal Museum: Located near the end of the incline, the museum introduces the history and engineering of the Lake Biwa Canal.
Nanzenji Temple: This famous Zen temple is about a 10-minute walk from Keage Station and is known for its magnificent Sanmon Gate and the distinctive red-brick Suirokaku Aqueduct.
Philosopher’s Path: Beginning near Nanzenji Temple, this walking path follows the canal and is another famous spot for viewing cherry blossoms and fall foliage.
Heian Jingu Shrine: A little farther away, but still near the Okazaki Park area, it features striking vermilion buildings and a beautiful Japanese garden.
Transportation
The most convenient way to reach Keage is via the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line:
Get off at **Keage Station**, then walk about 3–5 minutes from the station to the entrance of the incline.
From Kyoto Station:
Take the subway Karasuma Line to Karasuma Oike Station, then transfer to the Tozai Line toward Rokujizo and get off at Keage Station. The entire trip takes about 17 minutes.
Alternatively, take JR to Yamashina Station and transfer to the subway Tozai Line to Keage Station, which lets you avoid congestion in central Kyoto.
The Keage area combines historic sites, natural beauty, and cultural attractions, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll. Visiting during cherry blossom season or fall foliage season is especially recommended.

Cherry trees with only buds
stood along both sides of the tracks,
creating a bleak and chilly atmosphere.

The Keage Incline 🚞 is a must-see spot for cherry blossoms in Kyoto. The old railway bridge and the cherry trees together create a scene you won't find anywhere else... It's truly beautiful.