Uploaded July 2017 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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During Kyoto's famous sakura season the Okazaki area around the famous Heian Shrine bursts into bloom. Of particular interest to visitors is the Biwako Canal that forms a sort of moat around the area, bringing water in to Kyoto from neighboring Shiga's Lake Biwa. This canal is lined with cherry blossoms and features a charming vermilion bridge near the shrine's large torii gate, making for a lovely photo op. This area is also lit up at night to allow visitors to enjoy the cherry blossoms even longer, and for those interested in getting a different view there are even jikkokubune (traditional boats) that offer a 25 minute long scenic ride along the canal both day and night. Take a boat ride and enjoy the waters of Okazaki's canal combined with the spring charm of Kyoto's cherry blossoms.

For more details, schedules, reservations, and prices for the jikkokubune boat rides, check the official website here in English: kyoto-tabi.or.jp/events/jkkfn/_en