Get a nostalgic feeling at the Keage Incline!
Hello! It's Mo. Recently, I've been to many temples and shrines in Kyoto, as well as places with beautiful cherry blossoms and autumn leaves! Kyoto is really interesting because, in addition to the many temples and shrines, there are also many famous places to see cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. Each one has its own unique character, so the more you get to know it, the more profound it becomes!!!
Well, this time I would like to explain about Keage Incline, but do you all know about this place???
I had a vague idea about this place, but I didn't know any details, so I've written this article to summarize it all!
This time, I would like to explain the Keage Incline in a simple and easy-to-understand way!
Please stay with us until the end!
【table of contents】
What is Keage Incline?
Highlights of Keage Incline
〇Nearby tourist attractions
What is Keage Incline?
Keage Incline is located in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, northeast of Kyoto Station, near Nanzen-ji Temple. Other nearby tourist attractions include Chion-in Temple, Shogunzuka, and Kyoto City Zoo.
There are many ways to get to the Keage Incline from Kyoto Station, but you can take the Karasuma Line train from Kyoto Station to Karasuma Oike Station, then take the Tozai Line train from Karasuma Oike Station to Keage Station. Then, it's about a 7-minute walk from Keage Station to reach the Keage Incline!
This method of access will take you in about 23 minutes and will cost just 260 yen, making it the cheapest way to get to your destination.
Now, let me give you a brief overview of the Keage Incline!
The Keage Incline is the remains of an inclined railway. An inclined railway is also known as an "incline".
As the name suggests, it refers to rails and machinery that transport cargo on sloping surfaces such as mountainside and canals. The Keage Incline is a railway built as part of a project to transport water from Kyoto to Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. It was built to pull boats up a steep slope. This incline is the longest incline railway in the world, boasting a length of 587m. In 1948, the development of the transportation network meant that there was no longer a need to transport boats, so the line was abandoned. In 1983, it was designated as a cultural asset of Kyoto City.
Highlights of Keage Incline
Keage Incline is the remains of an inclined railway, but what are its highlights?
・Walking along the railroad tracks will make you feel nostalgic♪
Keage Incline is the former site of an inclined railway line, so you can walk on the tracks.
Recently, it has become a popular photo spot for Instagrammers as well.
There are many people who take photos wearing retro kimonos. I saw people walking on the tracks in TV dramas and such, and I really wanted to do the same thing, but if it was a normal track that is still in use today, I would be scolded. In fact, it would be dangerous. But if it's the remains of the tracks, I'm safe.
If you're tired of the temples and shrines in Kyoto, this is a great place to come!
You can take pictures of not only the railroad tracks, but also cute flowers like dandelions and wildflowers.
You can take a photo together with the brick tunnel "Nejirimanpo" or enjoy the history.
You can also enjoy the spectacular view from the top of the incline. Enjoy it however you like.
・The cherry blossoms along the tracks are beautiful!
It is highly recommended to visit when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. There are 90 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura, lined up along the tracks. However, you should be aware that there are a lot of people during cherry blossom season. It is best to go prepared for crowds. Some people visit early in the morning to take photos. The best time to see them is usually from early to mid-April. This is recommended for people who love both trains and cherry blossoms, or for people who are tired of always going to the same cherry blossom spots and taking the same kinds of photos. The combination of trains and cherry blossoms is sure to make for some great photos!!!
〇Nearby tourist attractions
・Chion-in Temple
Chion-in Temple is located near the Keage Incline. There are two national treasures there. The first is the "Mieido" which is the main hall. The second is the Sanmon Gate. This gate welcomes visitors to Chion-in Temple. Let's go through here first. This gate is very large, 24m high and 50m wide. It is one of the largest wooden gates in Japan. While most temple gates are called "Sanmon" (mountain gates), Chion-in Temple's gate is called "Sanmon" (three gates). The reason is that this Sanmon represents the three Gedatsumon (three gates of liberation). The San Gedatsumon are "Kumon" (emptiness gate), "Musomon" (no substance gate), and "Mugamon" (no wish gate), which represent the three states of liberation that lead to enlightenment. There is a good reason why the Sanmon Gate does not have doors. It represents the mercy of the Buddha, who does not reject any person. In other words, the absence of doors is a symbol of Buddhism that is open to many people.
"Mieido" is the main hall, also called Oden. This Mieido was built by the third Shogun, Iemitsu. It underwent major repairs about 10 years ago. The corridors leading from Mieido to the assembly hall and the Ohojo are covered in Japanese nightingale. You will be touched by the beautiful sound of nightingales.
This beautiful sound of the nightingale was created for crime prevention purposes. It has a mechanism called shinobi-gaeshi, which means it is designed to make noise even if you walk tiptoeing.
If you have time, please visit here.
Click here for the official website of Chion-in Temple
https://www.chion-in.or.jp/
If you are going to visit the wonderful place, Kyoto, we recommend renting a kimono!!
Kimono rental shop VASARA is based in Kyoto and is popular with people of all ages.
Kimono Rental VASARA Kyoto Station Store
https://vasara-h.co.jp/shop/detail.html?id=20
We help many customers dress and style their hair 365 days a year, so our skilled staff can transform you into a beautiful person in a short time! Our staff will dress you in a kimono beautifully to fit each person's body. Also, at VASARA Kimono Rental, we not only dress you in the kimono but also do your hair, so there's no need to go to a beauty salon! You'll get a cute hairstyle that suits you and a beautiful dressing! With this, you too may become a beautiful woman in a kimono or yukata ❤❤
If you are interested, please check out the plans, prices, and kimono list!
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