Photo Spot · Okazaki (Heian Shrine)
Okazaki Canal 岡崎疏水
Cherry-lined stretch of the Lake Biwa Canal outside Heian Shrine, with boat rides under the blossoms in spring.
HoursOpen 24 hours
PriceFree
Getting thereHigashiyama Station (Tozai Line), 8 min; Okazaki Koen bus stops
Time needed30-60 min
Best timeEarly April for cherry blossoms; mid November
AddressOkazaki Saishoji-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 606-8344
About
The Okazaki Canal links the Lake Biwa Canal to the Kamo River and wraps around Kyoto's museum district near Heian Shrine. In early April, cherry trees on both banks frame the giant red torii, and Jukkoku-bune boats cruise slowly under the blossoms. It is also pretty in autumn and for evening light-ups. Keage Incline and the Lake Biwa Canal Museum are next to it.
Highlights
- Cherry trees with the Heian Shrine torii
- Jukkoku-bune boat cruises in spring
- Evening light-ups in cherry season
- Next to Keage Incline and museums
Tips
- Spring boat cruises run late March to mid April (2,000 yen in 2026)
- Free to walk the banks any time
- Early morning is calmest in cherry season
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-11
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Open in the appNearby
- ROHM Theatre KyotoShows & Entertainment · 100 m away
- Okazaki ParkPark · 130 m away
- Yamamoto MenzouRestaurant · 180 m away
- Heian ShrineShrine · 190 m away
- Heian Jingu Great ToriiPhoto Spot · 210 m away
- Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of ArtMuseum · 210 m away
- National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto (MOMAK)Museum · 220 m away
- Kyoto Museum of Crafts and DesignMuseum · 300 m away