The Lake Biwa Canal Walk

Lake Biwa to Kyoto, 11km

A historical path along the canal from the Lake Biwa to Kyoto via the Ozeki Pass.

A couple of years ago on the Kyoto Trail I discovered the Lake Biwa Canal, which is a historical and important water course in Kyoto. I love walking along water courses, so my mountain buddy Sano-san and I made a plan for this walk in the future.

Three years later we finally stood at the starting point, the Otsu Port of the Biwa Lake. It is exciting to know that the water flows into to the city of Kyoto from the very point.

The first part of the path in the Shiga Prefecture had few signposts to show directions. We passed a beautiful Miidera temple and turn left. Soon we entered into a rather dense forest. First we were not sure of the direction but soon we were relieved to find the sign of “Biwa Canal Walk”.
On the way we can read several panels which describe difficulties of the canal construction work. Once we were in Kyoto, the path was well-maintained and along the canal were many magnificent maple trees. It will be gorgeous with red colors in autumn.

前から歩きたかった琵琶湖疎水の道。この疎水は、明治初期に琵琶湖から京都に引かれ、以来京都の大切な水源である。明治時代にトンネルを掘りこの疎水を築いた技師や工事に携わった人たちに思いを馳せながら歴史の道を歩いた。

楓の並木、秋には素晴らしい紅葉になるらしい。

More on the history of Lake Biwa Canal.