Lake Biwa Canal

The cherry blossoms along the Lake Biwa Canal (Biwako Sosui) are one of Otsu’s most beloved seasonal sights. The nearest station is Mii-dera Station on the Keihan Line, about a 5-minute walk away. Flowing north of Mii-dera Station, this canal was a Meiji-era engineering project planned for multiple purposes, including water transport to Kyoto, hydroelectric power generation, and the supply of drinking water. Built using the highest civil engineering technology of the time, the Lake Biwa Canal was constructed solely with Japanese expertise and stretches 11.1 kilometers. It runs from the intake at Kannon-ji to Keage in Kyoto. Construction began in 1885, and despite material challenges, it took nearly five years to complete. Cherry trees are planted along both banks from the intake to below Mii-dera’s Kannon Hall, forming a cherry-lined promenade of around 200 trees, including mountain cherry and Somei Yoshino. The best viewing season is typically from late March to mid-April, when petals drift onto the canal and the water surface becomes beautifully covered. During this period, the area is also illuminated, creating a magical night-sakura experience.