Kyoto’s Keage Incline (蹴上インクライン, Keage Incline) is a popular walking spot built on the remains of an incline railway that was once said to be the longest in the world at the time of construction, and it offers beautiful scenery in every season.
Built in the Meiji era as part of the Lake Biwa Canal (Biwako Sosui), this former railway line has a nostalgic atmosphere that makes it especially charming.
It is particularly popular in cherry blossom season and during the autumn leaves season, when many visitors come to see the beautiful scenery lining both sides of the tracks.
In this guide, we’ll introduce the highlights of the Keage Incline, useful visiting tips, and how to get there.
What Is the Keage Incline? History of the Incline Railway That Supported the Lake Biwa Canal
The Keage Incline is the remains of an incline railway that once operated along the boat transport route of the Lake Biwa Canal.
There was an elevation difference of about 36 meters between the Keage boat basin upstream on the Lake Biwa Canal and the Nanzen-ji boat basin downstream, so boats could not pass through directly.
To solve this, a system was adopted in which boats were placed on trolleys and moved up and down the slope using the same principle as a cable car.
Operations began in 1891 (Meiji 24), and it played an important role as infrastructure supporting Kyoto’s logistics.
However, as other means of transportation such as railways developed, operations were suspended in 1948 (Shōwa 23).
Later, the tracks and rails were preserved, and the site is now designated as a National Historic Site.
The approximately 582-meter-long railway remains can be walked freely and is known as one of Kyoto’s top strolling and photography spots.
How to Enjoy the Keage Incline in Each Season
The Keage Incline is best known for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in fall.
Below is a detailed guide to how to enjoy it in each season.
Spring: A Cherry Blossom Tunnel with Around 90 Somei Yoshino Trees
In spring, around 90 Somei Yoshino cherry trees and mountain cherry trees planted along the Keage Incline bloom in full, creating a scene that looks like a tunnel of blossoms.
The best time to visit is usually from late March to early April, and it is especially popular as one of Kyoto’s most photogenic cherry blossom spots.
The rare experience of viewing cherry blossoms while walking on the rails of a former railway line attracts many visitors.
It gets crowded when the blossoms are at their peak, so an early morning visit is recommended for photography.
Summer: A Fresh Green Walking Path
In summer, the fresh greenery stands out, and you can enjoy a relaxing walk in a cool, refreshing atmosphere.
There is plenty of shade, making it a relatively comfortable spot even during Kyoto’s intense summer heat.
There are also comparatively fewer tourists in summer, so it is a great season for those who want a quieter stroll.
Autumn: Stunning Railway Scenery Colored by Fall Leaves
The autumn foliage season is another major highlight of the Keage Incline.
The best time is usually from mid-November to early December, when the red and yellow leaves and the tracks covered with fallen leaves create a beauty that looks like a painting.
It is also recommended to combine your walk with nearby famous autumn foliage spots such as Nanzen-ji Temple and Eikan-do Temple.
Winter: Quiet Beauty and Snowy Scenery
It can snow in winter, and when it does, the incline covered in snow has a quiet, magical atmosphere.
With fewer tourists, winter is an ideal season for those who want to experience Kyoto’s winter in peace.
How to Get to the Keage Incline and Nearby Attractions
Access
- Address: Awataguchi Yamashita-chō, Sakyō-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture to Nanzenji Kusakawa-chō
- Nearest station: About a 3-minute walk from Keage Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line
- Bus: If using a Kyoto City Bus, it is within walking distance from bus stops in the Okazaki / Higashiyama area
- Fee: Free admission
- Parking: There is no dedicated parking lot.
Recommended Nearby Sightseeing Spots
There are several other places worth visiting around the Keage Incline.
- Nanzen-ji Temple: About a 5-minute walk from the south end of the incline.
- Nejiri Manpo: A brick tunnel passing under the incline, known for its unusual spiral brickwork structure.
- Lake Biwa Canal Museum: A free museum where you can learn about the history of the incline and how the Lake Biwa Canal works.
- Heian Shrine: If you walk a bit farther, Heian Shrine with its striking vermilion giant torii gate is also recommended.
- Kyoto City Zoo: Families can also enjoy sightseeing at the nearby Kyoto City Zoo.
Useful Visitor Information and Etiquette for the Keage Incline
Here is a summary of useful information for visiting the Keage Incline.
- Best time to visit: Early morning (around 7:00) is less crowded, and you can enjoy photography in a quiet atmosphere.
- Photo spots: The center of the tracks and, during cherry blossom season, under the arch of trees are popular photo points.
- Clothing: Since you walk on the tracks, some areas are uneven with gravel and railroad ties.
- Restrooms: There are no restrooms on the incline itself.
- Manners: The railway remains are a historic site.
Summary
The Keage Incline is a walking spot where Meiji-era modern industrial heritage meets the beauty of Kyoto’s four seasons.
While walking along the approximately 582-meter former railway line, you can enjoy seasonal scenery such as cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and fresh greenery.
It is also conveniently located about a 3-minute walk from Keage Station on the subway, and another attraction is that you can combine it with nearby sights such as Nanzen-ji Temple and Suirokaku Aqueduct.
When you visit Kyoto, be sure to stop by.
