Keage Incline Old Railroad Track: Kyoto's Amazing Sakura Spot!
Kyoto is the city where you can feel "traditional Japan" the most. Kyoto has many World Heritage-registered shrines and temples, geishas walking around, and many attractive tourist spots. With its abundance of mountains and rivers, you can enjoy nature throughout the four seasons. Of course, there are cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, and it even snows.
The reason why so many traditional Japanese cultures exist here is that Kyoto was once the center of Japan. Remnants of when Kyoto flourished as the capital remain, scattered as tourist attractions.
In 1869, the capital was moved to Tokyo. At that time, people who feared Kyoto's decline planned to revitalize urban functions through waterway development. This led to the creation of the "Keage Incline." Now a defunct railway line, the Keage Incline has become one of Kyoto's finest cherry blossom viewing spots. We will explain about the Keage Incline and its charm.
If you are interested in Kyoto in Spring, check the article below! I summarized Kyoto in Spring I recommend and how I felt each spot.
What is Kyoto's cherry blossom spot "Keage Incline"?
An incline refers to a funicular railway. Funicular railways were developed to overcome particularly steep terrain and have played important roles worldwide.
The Keage Incline, located near Nanzenji Temple, is a 582-meter-long defunct funicular railway that was the world's longest incline railway when constructed. The incline allowed ships to overcome a height difference of about 36 meters without unloading cargo. The incline worked on the same principle as a cable car, carrying ships on trolleys.
Operating from 1891 to 1948, the Keage Incline is now designated as a cultural property of Kyoto City. The Keage Incline has gained popularity for its full-bloom cherry blossoms and autumn leaves along the rails. Another attractive point is that the rails have been preserved in their original form, allowing visitors to freely walk along the incline. You can enjoy wonderful scenery in all four seasons.
Two points to check when visiting Keage Incline
Full-blooming cherry blossoms along the railway
As mentioned earlier, the Keage Incline can be enjoyed in any season. However, the most recommended season is during cherry blossom time. Someiyoshino and Yamazakura cherry trees bloom on both sides of the incline, filling the surroundings. There are about 90 trees. You can walk and appreciate the defunct railway surrounded by rows of fully bloomed cherry blossoms.
Every year, many cherry blossom viewers visit to see the cherry blossoms forming an arch over the tracks.
The best viewing time is typically early April. The cherry blossoms create a magnificent arch surrounding the tracks. While 90 trees may not seem like many for a cherry blossom avenue, the Keage Incline has gained nationwide recognition for its beauty.
Although there's no illumination, you can also enjoy the night cherry blossoms lit by moonlight.
"Someiyoshino" and "Yamazakura" are famous varieties with short full-bloom periods
The Keage Incline features Japan's most famous cherry blossom, "Someiyoshino," and the native Japanese cherry, "Yamazakura."
Someiyoshino can only be propagated by cuttings or grafting, so all Someiyoshino trees throughout Japan are genetically identical clones. Therefore, in regions with the same weather conditions, they bloom simultaneously. The full bloom and falling periods also tend to coincide, making the sight of cherry blossom petals falling all at once a spring tradition.
Unlike Someiyoshino, Yamazakura are not clones, so their blooming times may vary slightly, but they generally bloom around the same time. The period from blooming to falling is short, about two weeks, with the full bloom period lasting only a few days. Be sure to see the full-blooming cherry blossoms based on the cherry blossom forecast information.
If you are interested in Best Sakura Spots in Kyoto in 2024, check the article below! I summarized Best Sakura Spots I recommend and how I felt each spot.
The nostalgic atmosphere created by the defunct railway tracks
As the Keage Incline is a defunct railway, you can walk on the tracks. This scene has a nostalgic atmosphere and has recently become a popular photo spot for Instagrammers and influencers.
One of the charms of the incline is that you can enjoy different appearances depending on the season - cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, and autumn leaves in fall. Around June, during the fresh green season, weeds may grow and obscure the tracks. Summer is recommended for those who want to avoid crowds, as there are fewer people compared to the cherry blossom season.
Many people take photos wearing kimono, and during this season, it's also enjoyable to photograph not just the rails but also the dandelions and small flowers near the tracks.
While winter might seem lonely, I think the contrast between the defunct railway and the snowy landscape is also beautiful.
The rails themselves, which are rarely seen up close, are also popular with tourists
Source：discoverkyoto.net
The defunct railway rails themselves are a popular point for enthusiast tourists.
In fact, the Keage Incline tracks were once removed. However, when it was decided to preserve them as industrial heritage and they were restored in 1977, valuable rails from the original construction were retained.
The rails are a collection from five countries (UK, USA, Germany, France, and Japan), and there are two types of nails used to fasten the rails to the sleepers: "rounded" and "angular." The former is the American-made "turtle nail," while the latter is the British-made "dog spike."
Currently, most are turtle nails. However, dog spikes were used at the time, and the remaining dog spikes are becoming rare. It's interesting to look closely at the rails and try to find the rare dog spikes.
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Access
Transportation Access
① Get off at "Keage Station" on the subway, about a 3-minute walk
② Get off at "Horyuji" bus stop, about a 5-minute walk
Using the subway "Keage Station" is the most recommended and easiest way.
Exit from Keage Station Exit 2, cross the "Keage" intersection to the east, and you'll find the "Incline."
By the way, for the spot mentioned later, if you go north from Exit 1 and pass through the "Nejiri Manpo," it's a shortcut to Konchi-in Temple and Nanzenji Temple.
Open 24 hours, no regular holidays
Admission Fee
Free to visit
Recommended spots to visit near Keage Incline
Nanzenji Temple
Source：Jorudan
Nanzenji Temple has over 750 years of history, dating back to 1291. The 22-meter-high Sanmon gate of Nanzenji is considered one of Japan's three great gates. You'll be overwhelmed by the size of the gate and feel the solemn atmosphere of Nanzenji.
Moreover, you can climb this Sanmon gate. A panoramic view of Kyoto city spreads out, which can be enjoyed in any season.
The "Hojo Garden," where you can feel Zen, is very beautiful and a place where your mind can find peace. Note that separate admission fees are required to climb the Sanmon gate or enter the Hojo Garden.
Also, the Suirokaku aqueduct features a 93.2-meter-long, about 9-meter-high brick arch bridge. The red brick arches are an excellent photo spot, so be sure to capture it along with the Keage Incline.
<Store Information>
・Address: Nanzenji Fukuchi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
・Closed: None
・Phone: 075-771-0365
・Hours: Mar-Nov 8:40-17:00, Dec-Feb 8:40-16:30, *Apr, May, Oct, Nov weekends and holidays 8:40-17:15 *Reception closes 20 minutes before closing time
・Official Website
Tenjuan (Nanzenji sub-temple) is also recommended for its famous autumn leaves
Source：Rurubu
Tenjuan is located within Nanzenji and is famous as an autumn foliage spot in Kyoto. There are two gardens: the "Main Hall Front Garden" and the "Study Southern Garden."
The Main Hall Front Garden is a Japanese garden with white sand. A distinctive feature is the stone pavement combining diamond and square shapes that extends from the gate to the front of the building. It has a modern design that doesn't seem like a garden from around 1600. Rows of maple trees make it a true autumn foliage spot.
The Study Southern Garden is a stroll garden with a pond, surrounded not only by maple trees but also bamboo groves and pine trees. It's older than the Main Hall Front Garden, created around 1330. The garden is beautiful not only during the autumn foliage season but also in summer when the greenery is fresh.
While admission to Nanzenji grounds is free, note that there's a separate admission fee for Tenjuan.
<Store Information>
・Address: Nanzenji Fukuchi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
・Closed: Afternoon of 11/11 to morning of 11/12
・Phone: 075-771-0744
・Hours: 9:00-16:45 (until 16:30 from 11/15 to end of February)
Konchi-in Temple
At Konchi-in Temple, check out the "Crane and Turtle Garden" and the "Hojo."
In the Crane and Turtle Garden, the white sand in the foreground represents the sea, while the trimmed shrubs in the background represent deep nature where humans rarely set foot. Furthermore, stones are used to express the image of cranes and turtles facing each other throughout the garden.
The large building standing as if overlooking the Crane and Turtle Garden is the Hojo. The Hojo is an important cultural property and gives a grand impression. You can take off your shoes and step onto the wooden floor. Here you can leisurely view the Crane and Turtle Garden.
The temple grounds are adorned with various flowers and trees throughout the year, and you can also see scenic moss landscapes. Take a stroll while feeling the nature. Note that Konchi-in also requires an admission fee.
<Store Information>
・Address: 86-12 Nanzenji Fukuchi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
・Closed: Open daily
・Phone: 075-771-3511
・Hours: 9:00-17:00 (gates close) (Dec-Feb gates close at 16:30) *Reception closes 15 minutes before closing time
・Official Website
There's a famous tunnel called "Nejiri Manpo" on the way
Source：Biwakoksosui
"Nejiri Manpo" is a small tunnel about 18 meters long, about 3 meters high, and about 2.6 meters wide that passes directly under the Keage Incline. "Manpo" is an old word meaning tunnel.
The inside of Nejiri Manpo is built using a unique method where bricks are stacked in a spiral pattern. This was done to withstand the weight of ships passing on the incline above. In addition to the spiral stacking, the tunnel itself is dug at an angle to the incline to increase durability.
Nejiri Manpo is also a tunnel used daily by locals. From the entrance of the tunnel, the bricks are already twisted, and looking at the bricks can make you feel like your sense of balance is disturbed.
When visiting Kyoto, be sure to experience this mysterious tunnel.
<Store Information>
・Address: Higashikogozacho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
・Closed: Open 24/7
・Phone: None
・Hours: 24 hours
Eikando Temple
Source：Jalan
Eikando Temple is known as one of Kyoto's best autumn foliage spots. In autumn, about 3,000 maple trees vividly color the surroundings of the garden. It's also called "Eikando of Maples."
A large pond called "Hojo-chi" is at the center of the temple grounds. Maple trees are planted around the pond, making it a spot where maple leaves are reflected upside down in the water surface during the autumn foliage season.
The "Tahoto" is the highest building in the temple grounds. While the Tahoto among the autumn leaves is beautiful, if you climb it, you'll see autumn foliage spread out before you and a panoramic view of Kyoto city. Not only looking up at the autumn leaves but also looking down on them is spectacular, so I highly recommend climbing it.
<Store Information>
・Address: 48 Eikando-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
・Closed: Open year-round except during the autumn temple treasure exhibition
・Phone: 075-761-0007
・Hours: 9:00-17:00 (reception ends at 16:00)
・Official Website
Three restaurants near Keage Incline where you can taste Kyoto's atmosphere
Hyotei
Source： Official website
Hyotei is a long-established Kyoto restaurant with 450 years of history, famous for its slightly warm and body-friendly "morning porridge." It has also been awarded three Michelin stars in the Michelin Guide Kyoto/Osaka from 2010 to 2023. Although it's seasonal, be sure to try the morning porridge. (Available only in July and August at the main building, and from 3/16 to 11/30 at the annex) The porridge is served last.
My recommendation is to enjoy the taste of the porridge as is for the first bowl. From the second bowl, pour plenty of thick arrowroot starch sauce mixed with light soy sauce and dark soy sauce. For the last serving, pour all the remaining sauce and savor it while enjoying the aroma and flavor of the broth.
In summer, air conditioning can chill your internal organs, but as you eat the porridge, you can feel yourself warming up. Overall, it's lightly seasoned but has a firm taste, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of the ingredients.
Although it's only available for two months at the main building, I recommend the morning porridge at the main building where you can eat in independent tea rooms. Enjoy a luxurious morning in a quintessentially Japanese atmospheric space.
<Store Information>
・Address: 35 Nanzenji Kusakawa-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
・Closed: Main store is closed on Wednesdays, Annex is closed on Thursdays (other irregular closures may apply)
・Phone: 075-771-4116
・Hours: [Main Store] 11:00-19:30 [Annex] 8:00-16:00
・Official website
Nanzenji Sando Kikusui
Source： Official website
Kikusui is a restaurant that concept itself as a "ryokan restaurant," neither a restaurant nor a ryokan, and is recommended for its yudofu (hot tofu). They use tofu from Higashiyama Tofu Nishihatsu, which is not sold to the general public. It's called "Tsurunoko Tofu," characterized by just the right firmness and deep flavor.
There are two ways to eat the yudofu: with a soy sauce dressing mixed with bonito flakes, grated red radish, and Kujo green onions, or with a thick sauce mixed with grated ginger and Yoshino starch sauce. While the soy sauce dressing is popular, the thick sauce with its appropriately spicy ginger is popular among connoisseurs.
Kikusui, where you can feel a sense of exclusivity from the entrance of the elegant ryokan, offers a very reasonable lunch despite being a high-class ryokan. You can use a separate building for an additional fee. A large window in front offers a view of a tasteful Japanese garden. Please enjoy lunch while taking in the spectacular view of the Japanese garden.
<Store Information>
・Address: 31 Nanzenji Fukuchi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
・Closed: None
・Phone: 075-771-4101
・Hours: Lunch 11:30-14:00, Dinner 17:30-22:00 (last entry 20:00)
・Official website
Kyoto Kaiseki Minokichi Main Store Takeshigero
Source： Official website
Takeshigero has a main building in sukiya-zukuri style and an annex in gassho-zukuri style. This long-established restaurant with over 300 years of history is dedicated to always including their specialty river fish dish in their kaiseki course meals.
While the price is around 20,000 yen, everything from the dining space creation, the view of the inner garden, to the hospitality of the staff is first-class. All dishes are exquisite, providing an experience well worth the price. It feels like traditional Japanese cuisine itself, and I felt it was a restaurant that truly preserves tradition.
Among the dishes, the "grilled eel" is exceptional. The eel is butterflied and skewered, then grilled once without any sauce. After that, it's steamed for about 30 minutes in an eel-specific steamer, then carefully grilled over charcoal using a "secret sauce."
The moment it enters your mouth, it has a melt-in-your-mouth texture, with a light, easy-to-eat flavor despite its richness. Although the course includes many dishes, the portions are small, allowing you to enjoy a variety of cuisines, which is another attractive point.
<Store Information>
・Address: 65 Awataguchi Torii-cho, Kyoto
・Closed: None
・Phone: 075-771-4185
・Hours: Lunch 11:30-15:00 (Please enter by 13:30) / Dinner 17:00-22:00 (Please enter by 19:30)
・Official website