Rikawafuku is the best choice for kimono rental at Keage Incline in Kyoto
Kyoto is known for its many photogenic tourist spots, and among them, the “Keage Incline” is quietly gaining popularity among couples who rent kimonos from Kyoto Kimono Rental.
Keage Incline is a legacy of modern industrial heritage, located in Kyoto, where the atmosphere of the old capital is strongly preserved. It is a place where the glamorous Western culture of the Meiji and Taisho eras still lingers.
In this article, we will introduce the photogenic Keage Incline, one of Kyoto’s famous spots.
Don’t miss our recommendations for surrounding spots and photo-worthy spots within Keage Incline.
Convenient kimono rental stores for a stroll in Keage Incline are as follows.
＞Rikawafuku Gion Store
＞Rikawafuku Kyoto Station Front Store
※This article is supervised by the marketing team of TripFarm Corporation, which operates Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku.
What is Keage Incline? Explanation of Highlights and Reasons for Popularity
First, let’s talk about what Keage Incline is.
Keage Incline is an inclined railway that was used as a transport line connecting Lake Biwa and Kyoto from 1890 (Meiji 23) to 1949 (Showa 24).
This railway still exists in Keage, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, stretching a total length of 581.8 meters.
It is one of Kyoto’s representative industrial heritages and remains popular today as an Instagram spot and a place for leisurely walks.
The Charm and Popularity of Keage Incline
As mentioned above, Keage Incline is one of Kyoto’s prime examples of industrial heritage. However, its appeal goes beyond that.
Certainly, its appearance, reminiscent of the glamorous Meiji and Taisho eras, is impressive in a city filled with pure Japanese-style historical significance. But, it’s also worth paying attention to the beautiful surrounding scenery.
For example, in spring, the route is lined with blooming Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura cherry trees, and in winter, it transforms into a dramatic landscape covered with snow.
The sight of cherry blossoms lining both sides of the route is exceptional for Instagram, and the autumn foliage and snow-covered route in winter convey a melancholic yet beautiful atmosphere.
Along the route, there are also brick-built structures like “Nejiri Manpo” and “Keage Power Station,” remnants of the past, offering a Taisho romantic atmosphere.
These photogenic scenes and architectural elements are likely reasons for the rising popularity of Keage Incline.
了解しました。以下に、提供されたHTMLコンテンツの英訳を示します。
Access to Keage Incline
Keage Incline spans from Awataguchi Yamashitacho to Nanzenji Kusakawacho in Kyoto’s Sakyo Ward. The closest train station is “Keage Station” on the Subway Tozai Line.
There are four entrances/exits to Keage Incline near Keage Station, each located a bit apart from one another.
The nearest entrance/exit from Keage Station is “Exit 1” of the subway station. However, if you want to see Keage Incline from end to end, the area near “Anyoji Temple” is recommended.
After exiting from Exit 1 of Keage Station, go straight to the left and walk a little after passing through the torii gate of “Anyoji Temple,” and you will see a large bridge.
Turning left just before the bridge and proceeding further, you will find an opening in the fence. Passing through it, you will arrive at Keage Incline.
This entrance is at the top of the incline, so entering here means the rest of the way is downhill, making it easier for a stroll.
To get to “Keage Station” from Rikawafuku Gion Store, head to Gion Shijo Station, then take the Keihan Main Line to Sanjo Station, and finally the Subway Tozai Line. The total travel time is approximately 20 minutes. It’s recommended to head there in a rented kimono, but going after returning your kimono rental is also a good idea.
From Rikawafuku Kyoto Station Front Store, it’s about a 15-minute subway ride, making it a recommended tourist spot in Kyoto for those who rent kimonos at Kyoto Station.
Why Renting a Kimono is Recommended When Visiting Keage Incline
If you aim for photogenic pictures at Keage Incline, it is highly recommended to go there in a rented kimono. The reasons are “kimonos make photos more photogenic,” “the distance is easily manageable in a kimono,” and “strolling in a kimono enhances the experience.”
Keage Incline, with its Taisho Romantic impression, especially during the cherry blossom season in spring and the snowy period in winter, complements the kimono look and enhances photo appeal. Needless to say, strolling in a retro kimono exudes a more authentic feel than in regular clothes.
As mentioned above, it’s just about a 10-minute walk from Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku Gion Store to Gion Shijo Station, and another 10 minutes from Gion Shijo to Keage Station, making it quite close.
By taxi, it’s just a 10-minute ride costing around 1000 yen.
This distance is manageable enough to visit other tourist spots after seeing Keage Incline.
Moreover, there are many tourist spots near Keage Incline that suit kimono attire, offering both pure Japanese style and Taisho Romantic experiences.
Recommended Photo Spots at Keage Incline and Surrounding Tourist Attractions
Next, we will introduce photogenic photo spots along the Keage Incline route and recommend tourist spots in the vicinity that can be visited together.
Don’t miss out if you want to capture more Instagram-worthy photos.
了解しました。以下に、提供されたHTMLコンテンツの英訳を示します。
“The Ship Dock Trace” at Keage Incline
The first photogenic spot I’d like to introduce is the “Ship Dock Trace” near the entrance by “Anyoji Temple” mentioned above. Precisely, it’s located a bit before the entrance of the Incline, near the river and bridge, and the ship at the very front of the Incline is the spot, which is quite atmospheric.
The red-black colored waterway equipment, the water channel leading from the water to the land, and the ship placed at the front of the Incline evoke a sense of nostalgia from the industrial era.
Before you start exploring the Incline, I highly recommend taking a photo here.
“The Fusion of Kyoto’s Elegance and Modernity Near Nanzenji Kikusui”
The route near Nanzenji Kikusui is also quite photogenic and recommended. The route lined with the dignified walls of Nanzenji Temple reminds one of the atmosphere of the Kyoto Imperial Palace and aristocratic residences, and the addition of the modern route creates a unique imbalance that adds flavor.
This spot is especially worth visiting during the cherry blossom season. The fully bloomed cherry blossoms color the sides of the route, beautifully matching the wall colors of Nanzenji Temple.
Dressed in a retro-patterned kimono here, you can certainly capture a wonderful collaboration of Japanese and modern styles in your photos.
“Awataguchi Shrine,” A Famous Spot Among Fans of “Touken Ranbu”
Next, let’s look at recommended tourist spots around Keage Incline.
The first spot is Awataguchi Shrine, located between Keage and Higashiyama stations. This shrine, situated at one of the entrances/exits connecting Kyoto and the provinces, has been worshipped as a guardian deity for travelers since ancient times.
Recently, it has become known as a sacred place related to characters from the popular browser game “Touken Ranbu,” mainly among young women, and it is bustling daily.
Especially, the “Kaji Shrine” within the premises, dedicated to swordsmiths, is famous among fans. As a shrine associated with swords, it is said to offer benefits of cutting off bad connections, so those who feel unlucky recently might want to visit.
“Nanzenji Temple,” Famous for Ishikawa Goemon’s “What a View”
Nanzenji Temple is the first imperial Zen temple in Japan and is considered the highest-ranked Zen temple in the country.
The three-storied gate, a designated important cultural property, is famous for the line “What a view” spoken by Ishikawa Goemon in the Kabuki play “Romon Gosan no Kiri.”
The view from the gate is exceptional not only during the cherry blossom season but also in autumn when the leaves change color. The breathtaking scenery justifies Goemon’s line.
It’s perfect for viewing with your boyfriend or friends, and the experience complements well with kimono rental.
Points to Note When Visiting Keage Incline
While Keage Incline is a fantastic photogenic spot for a stroll, there are a few points to note. Keep these in mind for your visit.
- Monkeys appear, so don’t bring food
- There are no fences on the embankment, so stay away from the edge
- The path is gravel, so wear comfortable shoes
- Take precautions against heatstroke during hot weather
In particular, be aware that monkeys appear and can be aggressive. There have been instances where people have had their lunch stolen or been scratched.
It’s said that monkeys appear more frequently in the upper part of Keage Incline, so if you’re concerned, starting your walk from the middle of the route might be a good idea.
Author of this article
Kyoto Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku operates four kimono rental shops in Kyoto city, including locations in Arashiyama, Gion, Kiyomizu Temple, and in front of Kyoto Station. In 2022, they served over 180,000 customers in the Kyoto area!
They offer affordable plans, with a kimono dressing plan starting from 3,500 yen, and a hair setting plan from 5,500 yen.
Close to popular tourist spots such as Togetsukyo Bridge, Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka Koshindo, and Yasaka Shrine!
Kyoto Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Gion Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Arashiyama Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Kiyomizu Temple Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Kyoto Station Front Store
