One of the best spots for cherry blossom in Otsu is the Lake Biwa canal.
The Lake Biwa canal “Biwako-Sosui” is a waterway that was constructed during the Meiji period (1868-1912) in order to supply water to Kyoto. Around 600 cherry trees grow along the canal on the approach to the first tunnel. You can enjoy both the retro atmosphere of the canal and admire the cherry blossoms.
The cherry trees along the Lake Biwa canal start from the water intake at Kannon-ji Temple and run all the way to the popular Mii-dera Temple. You can make a detour while enjoying the cherry blossoms all around the area.
The area is lit up at night during the blooming period. Enjoy the fantastic evening atmosphere: It is completely different from the daytime.
Address : 7 Miiderachō, Ōtsu-shi, Shiga-ken 520-0034, Japan
Access : A short walk from Mii-dera station on the Keihan Ishiyama-Sakamoto line
Lit up : 18:30 to 21:30 during the period