Photo= A Lake Biwa Canal cruise boat travels along while passengers on board enjoy cherry blossoms (March 28, Yamashina Ward, Kyoto City)

An opening ceremony to celebrate the full operation of the Lake Biwa Canal cruising service between Otsu and Kyoto took place on March 28 at an open space in front of the statue of Sakuro Tanabe, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto. The temperature rose up to 25.5 degrees Celsius in Kyoto City on that day, and citizens on board enjoyed the cherry blossoms in full-bloom from the boat in weather warm enough to coax out a light sweat.

The sightseeing boats "Meiji" and "Heisei," which are in service on the Lake Biwa Canal, operate between wharfs in Keage, Sakyo Ward and Otsu City. Construction of the aluminum boats was completed in November last year. They operate two to seven days a week from March through May in the spring and from October to November in the autumn.

About 60 people, including Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa of Kyoto City, Governor Taizo Mikazuki of Shiga Prefecture, and Mayor Naomi Koshi of Otsu City, attended the opening ceremony, and rejoiced at the full revival of the cruising service after 67 years.

After the ceremony, 16 citizens who contributed to the canal cruising project through the hometown tax donation program boarded the boat. Many tourists who were enjoying the cherry blossoms along the canal on the first summer day of the year saw the boat off to elegantly sail along on the water. Although the cruise's full operation began on March 29, most seats have been booked until May. Reservations for autumn season cruises will be accepted from August 13.