Walking along the promenade lined with cherry trees and rape blossoms
The Yamashina-sosui is the section of the Lake Biwa Canal that runs approximately 4.2 km between Shinomiya and Hinooka. The Lake Biwa canal, a waterway that was constructed during the Meiji period (1868-1912) in order to supply water to Kyoto.
In spring, about 800 cherry trees are in full bloom, creating a 4-km long “cherry blossom tunnel,” and rape blossoms bloom under the cherry trees. This is one of the few places in Kyoto where you can take pictures of rape blossoms and cherry blossoms at the same time, and is highly recommended. In autumn, the leaves turn a magnificent shade of red, delighting the eyes of visitors.
The area has been selected as one of the “Kyoto’s 200 Best Natural Beauties (Historical Natural Environment Category),” and the landscape is also protected as a scenic area.
It is a popular walking course and picnic spot for the locals. It is a good idea to bring a packed lunch and enjoy lunch and a small hike while admiring the cherry blossoms.
On the way, you can visit Yamashina Mausoleum of the Emperor Tenchi, Honkoku-ji Temple in the mountains at the end of the vermilion-lacquered Seichaku bridge, and Bishamondo Monzeki Temple on the side of Yamashina Station.
Yamashina Sosui（山科疎水）
Address : Misasagikuroiwa, Yamashina Ward, Kyoto
Admission : Free
Access : 5-minute walk from Misasagi station on the subway Tozai line, or 10-minute walk from Yamashina station on JR and the subway line