Keage Incline in Kyoto: Highlights and Personal Photos with Insights into the Beautiful Cherry Blossoms Along the Former Railway Tracks

2024-07-152024-09-23

The Keage Incline, a 582-meter-long historic incline railway, is one of Kyoto’s top photo spots. Along the now-unused railway, about 100 cherry trees have been planted, allowing for beautiful photos that look like scenes from a movie.

This article will share the highlights of Keage Incline, along with some personal photographs.

Getting to Keage Incline from Kyoto Station

The most convenient way to reach Keage Incline from Kyoto Station is by subway.

STEP

From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Line subway bound for Kokusaikaikan.

The Karasuma Line subway station is located on the second basement floor of Kyoto Station. The photo above shows the entrance to the Karasuma Line subway.

Trains bound for Kokusaikaikan depart from platform 2 of the subway.

STEP

Disembark at Karasuma Oike Station and transfer to the Subway Tozai Line bound for Misasagi, Rokujizo, Hamaotsu.

It takes about 4 minutes to reach Karasuma Oike Station from Kyoto Station.

STEP

Disembark at Keage Station.

It takes about 7 minutes to reach Keage Station from Karasuma Oike Station, and exit from “Exit1”.

STEP

From the station, walk about 50m.

Keage Incline is right in front of the station.

Highlights of Keage Incline

The Keage Incline was built to overcome the 36-meter elevation difference between the upper boat landing at Keage and the lower boat landing at Nanzenji on the canal. At the time, it was the longest incline railway in the world.

The term “incline” in English means “slope” or “gradient.” In railway terminology, it specifically refers to trains or systems that move up and down along a slope, which can be translated as “inclined railway” or “inclined track.”

Today, the rails are preserved in their original form, and visitors can walk freely along the incline. In spring, cherry blossoms on both sides bloom spectacularly, making it a popular sightseeing spot. The cherry trees extend right up to the tracks, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful blossoms up close. It’s a delightful walk. I visited around 7 a.m. and was surprised to see many people already there.

From the bridge near the entrance, the view of the cherry blossoms spreading out below was also stunning. This spot is also recommended for photography.

From along the road, the collaboration between the railroad tracks and cherry blossoms was beautiful as well.

The best time to see the cherry blossoms is usually from late March to early April. Since it gets crowded during cherry blossom season, it’s recommended to visit early.

Information of Keage Incline

Web Site	–
Opening hours	24 hours
Phone number	–

Nearby tourist spots include Nanzenji Temple. If you’re interested, please check out the article below.