Cherry Blossoms of Yamashina Canal and Bishamon-do Temple

From the Mausoleum of Emperor Tenji, walk east along the Yamashina Canal, the section of the Lake Biwa Canal that flows through Yamashina, to Bishamon-do Temple located on the mountain slope. This walking course follows a waterside path adorned with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall, tracing the tale of Emperor Tenji alongside the history of the Meiji period canal.

History and Regional Appeal

Yamashina, in eastern Kyoto City, is where the Lake Biwa Canal, drawn from Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture, emerges on the Kyoto side. In an effort to revitalize Kyoto's industries that had declined after the Meiji Restoration, the canal was planned by Kitagaki Kunimichi, the 3rd Governor of Kyoto Prefecture, and construction was directed by the 21-year-old Tanabe Sakuro. The first canal was completed in 1890. It is a National Historic Site, and in 2025, three tunnels in Yamashina Ward were designated as National Treasures.

Near this canal lies the Yamashina no Misasagi (Mausoleum of Emperor Tenji), who is well known for the Taika Reforms. On the mountainside north of the canal stands Bishamon-do Temple, founded in 703 and rebuilt at its present site in 1665. A walk here allows you to sense the long history of Yamashina.

Key Highlights

• ​Mausoleum of Emperor Tenji​​: Known archaeologically as the Gobyono Kofun, it is considered a regular octagonal tumulus dating from the end of the Kofun period. To the left of the approach entrance stands a sundial, referencing Emperor Tenji's creation of a water clock and the establishment of a timekeeping system. A quiet, straight approach path leads all the way to the place of worship.
• ​Lake Biwa Canal (Yamashina Canal)​​: The path along the canal in Yamashina is a walking trail equipped with pedestrian promenades. Framed plaques inscribed by leading figures of the Meiji era hang above the tunnel portals. The area around Anshu Bridge is a famous flower spot where cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers bloom together in spring. Along the way is Bridge No. 11, built in 1903 and said to be the first reinforced concrete bridge in Japan.
• ​Bishamon-do Temple​​: A monzeki temple (a temple traditionally headed by an imperial prince or aristocrat) counted among the Gokashitsu Monzeki of the Tendai sect in Kyoto. In the Shinden (main hall), there are sliding screen paintings by Kano Masanobu that employ reverse perspective, making the viewer appear to be at the center from any angle. In spring, a weeping cherry tree over 150 years old spreads its branches across some 30 meters, while in autumn, fallen red maple leaves carpet the slope leading to the Chokushimon Gate.

Recommended Route and Duration

The entire route takes about 3 hours as a general guide. From Misasagi Station on the subway and Keihan lines, it is about a 12-minute walk to the Mausoleum of Emperor Tenji. After visiting the mausoleum, head north-northeast for about 200 meters to reach the path along the canal near Honkoku-ji Temple, then walk east for about 1 kilometer. Along the path, you will cross the vermilion-lacquered Shochaku Bridge leading to Honkoku-ji Temple and Bridge No. 11. Just west of Anshu Bridge, you can observe a rare structure where the canal flows across a brick aqueduct, grade-separating with the Anshoji River. Climbing about 500 meters north from Anshu Bridge brings you to Bishamon-do Temple. For the return trip, it is about a 20-minute walk to Yamashina Station served by JR, subway, and Keihan lines.

In spring, it is said that the approximately 4.2-kilometer path along the canal from Shinomiya to Hinooka becomes like a cherry blossom tunnel. In autumn, taking a stroll while viewing the vibrant red mountains is also recommended.

Experience Summary

From the mausoleum of Emperor Tenji of Taika Reform fame, follow the canal built by Meiji engineers to carry water from Lake Biwa, and arrive at the gardens and painted sliding doors of a monzeki temple. Enjoy a waterside stroll while taking in the transition of eras woven into Yamashina.