Keage Incline

The Keage Incline (蹴上インクライン) is a historic inclined railway located in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan. It was part of the boat transportation route along the Lake Biwa Canal, connecting Nanzenji Temple and Keage. Completed in 1890 along with the Lake Biwa Canal, it was the first incline railway built in Japan and the longest in the world at the time. It operated from 1891 to 1948, facilitating the smooth transport of boats and cargo between Lake Biwa and Kyoto City.

The Keage Incline was a remarkable feat of engineering. Boats were transported on trolleys using the same principle as cable cars, allowing them to overcome the height difference without unloading and reloading cargo. This significantly contributed to the efficient transportation of goods between Lake Biwa and Kyoto.

Today, the Keage Incline is no longer in use, but the remains of the rails and trolleys have been preserved, and the area is designated as a national historic site. The picturesque rows of cherry blossom trees lining the incline attract many tourists, especially during the spring season.

Visitors can stroll along the former railway tracks and admire the beautiful scenery, or visit nearby attractions such as Nanzenji Temple and the Lake Biwa Canal Museum. The Keage Incline is easily accessible by public transportation, with Keage Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line being the closest station. It is a popular spot for photography, especially during cherry blossom season, offering a unique blend of historical charm and natural beauty.

Getting there

From Kyoto Station to Keage Incline:

Train	Kyoto Station ↓ Tokaido-Sanyo Line ↓ 5 minutes (Nonstop) Yamashina Station ↓ Tozai Line ↓ 5 minutes (2 stops) Keage Station ↓ Walk about 10 minutes ↓ Keage Incline (Cost 450 yen)
Walk	About 1 hour 8 minutes (4.7 km)

Details

Hours	Open 24 hours
Admission	Free
Address	339 Higashikomonozacho, Higashiyama, Kyoto, 606-8435
Official Website	https://biwakososui.city.kyoto.lg.jp/en/place/detail/23