Photos: そらみみ · CC BY-SA 3.0 (1, 3) · Kamigata0 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Tosihisa · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Aw1805 · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Biwako Sosui boat runs Ōtsu to Yamashina to Keage along the Meiji-era Lake Biwa Canal and through its 2.4 km First Tunnel. Passenger boats returned in spring 2018 after a gap of 67 years.
Why it's unique
It is the only way to travel this canal by water. The canal was completed in 1890, built by Japanese engineers under the recent graduate Tanabe Sakurō, and passenger boats only returned in 2018 after 67 years.
The tunnels are the experience: cool, long and marked at their mouths by stone plaques from Meiji statesmen, including Itō Hirobumi's 「気象萬千」 over the First Tunnel's east portal. Whether the canal is now a National Treasure was not confirmed and is not claimed.
Before you go
Downstream (Ōtsu to Keage) is the long, drifting direction: about 55 minutes on the water from Mii-dera, 85 from Ōtsu Port. Upstream boats use the engine and carry only 9 people, downstream 12. The tunnels run about 5 °C cooler, so bring a layer even in spring.
Look up at the tunnel mouths for stone plaques by Meiji statesmen: Itō Hirobumi's 「気象萬千」 is over the First Tunnel's east portal. Cherry season sells out first; book the moment slots open.
Spring and autumn seasons only (autumn 2026 from 2 October to early December); web booking only. Per person: Ōtsu Port to Keage ¥14,000; Mii-dera to Keage ¥6,000 to ¥9,000; Yamashina to Keage ¥5,000 to ¥5,500. Booking office 075-365-7768.
