Lake Biwa Canal to Become First Modern Infrastructure Named a National Treasure

May 17, 2025 | News On Japan

KYOTO - A canal built more than 130 years ago to carry water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto is set to become the first modern civil engineering structure in Japan to be designated a National Treasure.

The government’s Cultural Affairs Council has approved the designation of five sites along the Lake Biwa Canal, including iconic landmarks such as the aqueduct at Nanzenji Temple and the Keage Incline, which once hauled boats uphill on rails and is now known for its cherry blossoms.

Stretching approximately 30 kilometers from Lake Biwa to Kyoto, the canal was constructed during the Meiji era. At a time when major civil engineering projects were typically entrusted to foreign engineers, the Lake Biwa Canal was designed and built entirely by Japanese experts, marking it as the nation’s first large-scale domestic engineering achievement.

Among the structures to receive the National Treasure designation is the Nanzenji Suirokaku, an aqueduct with a series of brick arches that blends Western architectural styles and has become a popular photography spot in Kyoto. The Keage Incline, although no longer in use, draws visitors each spring as a famed cherry blossom destination.

Besides its visual and historical appeal, the canal has continued to serve practical functions, supplying water to Kyoto’s municipal system and supporting boat tourism. Its recognition as a National Treasure underscores its value not only as a scenic and cultural landmark, but also as an enduring piece of public infrastructure.

Kyoto Mayor Koji Matsui commented: "I hope more people will come to understand how these canal facilities laid the foundation for Kyoto’s industrial and cultural development, thanks to the dedication of our predecessors."

The official designation is expected as early as this summer.

Professor Satoshi Fujii of Kyoto University noted that the canal played a crucial role in reviving the city after the Meiji Restoration, when the capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. "This canal represents a pioneering effort in engineering and is a source of pride for our civil engineering department," said Fujii. "It saved Kyoto at a time of decline and helped shape the city we know today."

Source: KTV NEWS

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