The Lake Biwa Canal Cruise | Review by Linda Liao

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The Lake Biwa Canal Cruise

The Lake Biwa Canal Cruise

Viewing the modern historical features while cruising along the Lake Biwa Canal.

27 Sep 2026 See More

If you're looking for a less crowded place to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto, I highly recommend taking a walk along the Yamashina Canal! This is the section of the Lake Biwa Canal that runs through Yamashina in Kyoto. Cherry trees line both sides of the canal, and when they bloom in spring, the pale pink cherry blossoms mingle with the golden-yellow rapeseed flowers. The layers of pink and yellow, together with the gently flowing canal and mountains in the distance, create a breathtaking view!

Yamashina is very close to Kyoto Station and can be reached in about 5 minutes by JR. It's easy to get to, yet has a relaxed atmosphere away from the city center. Compared with popular cherry blossom spots such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the Philosopher's Path, there are relatively fewer tourists here. Slowly walking along the canal and admiring the spring scenery of cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers together is very soothing. I recommend visiting on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds and leisurely enjoy this lesser-known flower-viewing spot that Kyoto locals also love.

Other Reviews by Linda Liao

Osaka Shinsekai Original Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai Main Store

Founded in 1929, just off Tsutenkaku Tower, Osaka's landmark. The main store of "Kushikatsu Daruma", which operates mainly in Osaka city.Kushikatsu is fried in Daruma's special original cooking oil making it light and easy to eat and does not cause stomach upsets like many heavy deep fried dishes can.
- Tennoji, Shinsekai
- Japanese Cuisine
27 Sep 2026 See More

How could you visit Osaka without trying the hugely popular Kushikatsu Daruma? The signature Daruma man is very eye-catching and hard to miss when walking down the street. After being seated, you're first served a plate of crisp raw cabbage to enjoy with the kushikatsu. There are plenty of choices on the menu, including beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, cheese, lotus root, and asparagus. Everything is fried until golden and crispy, and it's so tasty while piping hot.

Once the kushikatsu arrives, dip it in the special sauce on the table. Its savory, slightly sweet flavor is the classic taste of Osaka's everyday food! One thing to keep in mind is that the restaurant will remind you that you can “dip only once.” You can't dip a skewer back into the sauce after taking a bite. It's both for hygiene and a small rule of Osaka's kushikatsu culture. If you're visiting Shinsekai in Osaka, don't forget to stop by for some authentic kushikatsu!
Cherry blossom walkthrough (Osaka)

For seven days around mid-April each year, a portion of the grounds of the Independent Administrative Institution Mint is open to the public, coinciding with the blooming of the double-flowered cherry trees.
- Umeda, Osaka Station, Nakanoshima Area (Kita)
- Spring festivals & Events
27 Sep 2026 See More

I came to Osaka during cherry blossom season and had especially wanted to visit the Mint to see its famous “Cherry Blossom Passage” in person. Unfortunately, the opening dates are adjusted according to the blooming conditions, and they didn't line up with my travel dates, so I reluctantly had to give up. Instead, I took a walk around Temmabashi and along the Okawa River. Unexpectedly, the cherry trees on both sides were in full bloom, and when the gentle breeze blew, the petals drifted through the air. Together with the view of the river, the atmosphere was just as charming. Although I didn't get to walk through the Mint's Cherry Blossom Passage, I was still very satisfied with this unexpected alternative itinerary.
Nijo-jo Castle

After winning the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 and unifying the country, Tokugawa Ieyasu had Nijo-jo Castle built as his base in Kyoto. It is a historical monument with a history of over 410 years as a castle in the heart of the capital. It was designated a UNESCO world heritage site as a part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto” in 1994.
- Kyoto Station, Shijo Kawaramachi, Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Shrines & Temples
27 Sep 2026 See More

Nijo-jo Castle, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Kyoto, transforms into a romantic cherry blossom hideaway every spring. Many varieties of cherry trees are planted throughout the castle grounds, with Somei Yoshino, mountain cherry, and double-flowered cherry trees blooming one after another. The scenery changes as you admire them along the castle walls, moat, and gardens. Strolling through this historic World Heritage Site while viewing the cherry blossoms and experiencing Kyoto's rich historical atmosphere is well worth adding to your itinerary!

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