The Biwako-sosui canal, history and photos
and a photo of Tetsugaku-no-michi path
The Japanese capital being transferred from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869, the industry and the population in Kyoto declined rapidly. The third governor of Kyoto prefecture, Kitagaki Kunimichi, decided to excavate a canal to promote the development of industry by connecting Biwako Lake and Kamogawa River to provide water transport as well as waterpower, irrigation, and fire prevention. He appointed young Tanabe Sakutaro the chief engineer, who was 23 years old when the construction started.
They started the construction from the 1st tunnel (2,436 m) where the greatest difficulty was expected. The tunnel was excavated from both ends and a couple of shafts were used in between, for the first time of Japanese excavation history.
They also built an incline, which was the very first of its kind built in Japan. The incline was used to move boats up and down between different levels of water. Ohtoh-unga canal connects between the lower end of the incline and the Kamogawa River.
They studied a hydroelectric power plant in Aspen, Colorado, and constructed the first power plant of Japan in Keage in 1891, using the water of the canal. The incline used the electric power supplied from this plant. The electric power demonstrated its ability to promote the development of industry and became a driving force for the growth of Kyoto.
The canal construction began in June 1885. Part of the canal, from Otsu to Kamogawa-Ochiai, was completed though they encountered many difficulties. The construction of the remaining part was started in November 1892 and was complete in September 1894.
In those days, large-scale constructions used to be entrusted to foreign engineers, but the Biwako-sosui canal was constructed by Japanese engineers only for the first time. As the modern inheritance which shows the construction technology level of Japan in the Meiji era, the canal was designated as a National Historical Site together with 11 other sites in June 1996.
The water of the canal is being used for generation of electricity, fire-fighting, as well as water service for houses and industry. It is still playing an important role to support everyday life of people of Kyoto.
(This information is based on a guide board posted beside the canal)
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| Suirokaku, an aqueduct, in the precinct of Nanzen-ji temple. April 25, 2004 |
Suirokaku, an aqueduct, in the precinct of Nanzen-ji temple. April 25, 2004 |
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| Water pump house. This was completed in 1912 to provide Kyoto Gosho with
water. November 26, 2005 |
The canal water flowing toward Suirokaku. November 26, 2005 |
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| Display of a wooden boat loaded on a incline truck. November 26, 2005 |
Two pairs of rails of the incline. November 26, 2005 |
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| People walk on the remains of the incline that is canopied by Cherry blossoms. April 7, 2001 |
The lowest end of the incline. April 7, 2001 |
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| Ohtoh-unga canal that connects between the lower end of the incline and
the Kamogawa River. April 7, 2001 |
A trio playing music on Tetsugaku-no-michi road along the canal. April 7, 2001 |
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| The canal and Cherry blossoms. April 7, 2001 |
Fallen petals of cherry blossoms mass on dam of the canal. April 7, 2001 |