Boat proceeding along the canal under a row of illuminated cherry trees (March 29, Lake Biwa Canal, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto)

A test-ride for the event "Okazaki Sakura-kairo Raito Appu & Jikkoku-bune Meguri," or lit-up corridor of cherry blossoms and boat trip, took place on Lake Biwa Canal, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, on March 29. Passengers can enjoy viewing cherry blossoms against the background of the night sky during this event. Around 80 people connected to the event enjoyed the fantastic atmosphere of the night view of cherry blossoms during the test-ride.

The boat plies an approximately three kilometer route between the Lake Biwa Canal Museum and Ebisugawa Dam, along which over 400 illuminated cherry trees can be enjoyed. This is the second consecutive year the boat ride to view cherry blossoms at night has been held.

During the test-ride, passengers appreciated the contrast between the blossoms right in front of their eyes and those quietly reflected on the wavering surface of the water.

Having opened earlier than usual this year, the blossoms are already at about a third of full bloom. The best time viewing time will last through early April. The night-time boat is from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., from March 30 to April 21. Day-time boats will continue until May 6. The fare is 1,000 yen for adults. For further information, call Kyoto Tourist Industry Co-op at their mobile phone, 080-6158-9703 (Japanese only).