Keage Incline

Historic Site

Prefecture

Kyoto

Type

Historic Site

N/A

1 review

Free

Entry Fee

Free Entry Train Access

About This Destination

An abandoned 582-meter railway incline from 1891, once used to transport boats between canal levels. In spring, walk the old tracks under 90 cherry trees—a popular photography spot during bloom season.

The Keage Incline is a 582-meter stretch of railway tracks built in 1891 as part of the Lake Biwa Canal system. This ingenious engineering solution transported boats on wheeled carts between different water levels of the canal, allowing goods to move between Lake Biwa and Kyoto. The incline operated until 1948, when truck transport made it obsolete. Today the tracks have been preserved as a historic site and planted with approximately 90 Yoshino cherry trees. During peak bloom (typically late March to early April), visitors can walk directly on the old railway tracks under a canopy of pink blossoms. The gentle slope makes for easy walking, and the old rails, stone walls, and cherry trees give the path a mix of industrial and seasonal scenery that draws many visitors during bloom season. From the incline, you can walk to Nanzen-ji Temple and continue on to the Philosopher's Path, making this a convenient starting point for exploring eastern Kyoto. At the top of the incline, a restored boat on its original cart shows how the system worked.

Location

Prefecture: Kyoto

Address: Kyoto, Japan

Nearest Station: Keage Station (Tozai Subway Line)

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: No dining at the incline itself. The Keage area has a few cafes, and the nearby Nanzen-ji Temple area has several restaurants serving traditional Kyoto cuisine including yudofu (tofu hot pot).

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to see cherry blossoms at Keage Incline?

Peak bloom is typically late March to early April, often centered on April 1–7 in Kyoto. The site is open 24 hours and free, so early morning (before 8 AM) or evening visits avoid the worst crowds. Check the Japan Meteorological Corporation's cherry blossom forecast for the current year's predictions; bloom can shift by a week in either direction depending on weather.

Can I walk on the train tracks?

Yes — the tracks are decommissioned and walking on them is allowed and even encouraged. The 582-meter walk takes about 10–15 minutes at a leisurely pace. The surface alternates between uneven gravel and old wooden sleepers, so wear comfortable closed-toe shoes (heels are a bad idea). The slope is gentle but slippery in rain. Photographs of the tracks under cherry blossoms are the iconic shot.

How do I get to Keage Incline?

From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma subway to Karasuma-Oike (4 minutes), transfer to the Tozai Line, and ride to Keage Station (about 15 minutes total, 260 yen). The incline is a 2-minute walk from exit 1 — you'll spot the historic 'nejiri-mambo' twisted-brick tunnel at the entrance. Free to enter, no opening hours.

How do I combine Keage Incline with other Higashiyama sights?

Walk up the incline, then visit Nanzen-ji Temple (5 minutes south, with the Suirokaku brick aqueduct that channels the canal water uphill). Continue north along the Philosopher's Path to Ginkaku-ji (2 km, 40 minutes). Alternatively, walk south from Nanzen-ji to Eikan-do (autumn foliage) and Heian Shrine. The incline is an ideal starting point for a full day exploring eastern Kyoto on foot.