There are plaques on the entrance and exit of tunnels along the First Canal. Engraved on these plaques are writings of our predecessors, especially veterans in the Meiji Era (1868-1912). Plaques on the Otsu side of the tunnels use engraved characters, while those on the Kyoto side use raised characters. Each plaque is elaborately designed. The phrases on the plaques are quotes from classical literature or poem of China, and celebrating completion of the Lake Biwa Canal. You can see the plaques from the boat if you take the Lake Biwa Canal Cruise.