Discover the Charm of Kamogawa

  • History
  • Sightseeing
  • Gourmet

The Kamo River runs through the center of Kyoto, and is full of Kyoto's unique charms, such as its seasonal nature, scenery, and historical background. The river flows between major tourist attractions and areas in Kyoto City, and is a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike, who can enjoy the charms of Kyoto in their own ways.

History

The Kamo River in Kyoto has been a major part of Kyoto's history and culture from the Heian Period to the present.

When the Heian-kyo Capital was established in 794, the Kamo River was positioned as an important river flowing east of the capital. At that time, it was also used as a source of water for daily life and played an important role in agriculture and fishing. Aristocrats in the Heian period (794-1185) enjoyed river boating and river cruises in the form of “yuen,” or feasts, to enjoy the scenery along the Kamo River. Especially during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, there was a culture of enjoying elegant games, such as composing poems and playing music along the river.

In the medieval period, the Kamo River was subject to frequent flooding. Shoguns and feudal lords such as Ashikaga Yoshimitsu took measures against flooding by building levees along the Kamo River and managing the river's flow.

During the Edo period, “Ponto-cho” was formed along the Kamo River, and the kawadoko culture of the Kamo River developed. Ponto-cho developed as a ryotei (Japanese-style restaurant) district along the Kamo River, and together with the Kamo River, it has been handed down as a culture unique to Kyoto.

In the Meiji period (1868-1912), the Kamo River was further developed and modern river management was implemented. As a result, the paths along the Kamo River were developed as footpaths suitable for strolling, jogging, and cycling, and became places for citizens to relax.

After World War II, the Kamo River was protected as an urban landscape of Kyoto City, and parks and walking paths were developed along the river. Today, the river is cleaned up and environmental protection activities are carried out, and the ecosystem, including wild birds and fish, is maintained in abundance. The “Kamogawa Delta” along the river is a special place for local people and has become a tourist attraction.

The Kamo River has been a part of Kyoto's history and has played a variety of roles and nurtured various cultures throughout the ages. Even today, the river is loved by many people and continues to be a symbol of Kyoto. In order to maintain Kyoto's unique scenery, height restrictions have been established for buildings along the river, and efforts are being made to protect the landscape.

FourSeasons

In spring (late March to mid-April) and autumn (late October to mid-November), nature along the Kamo River is beautiful and the weather is mild, making it ideal for sightseeing. In spring, visitors can enjoy the beautiful contrast of cherry blossoms and the river, and in autumn, they can enjoy the autumn leaves and the quiet flow of the river, both of which offer a tasteful view of Kyoto. When visiting, it is also recommended to take a stroll along the Kamo River or spend a relaxing time at a cafe.

Spring

Spring

Cherry trees line the Kamo River delta (delta), especially from Shijo to Gojo, where beautiful cherry blossoms can be enjoyed. The cherry blossoms along the river are reflected on the surface of the river, creating a fantastic view. The temperature is mild, making it ideal for a stroll or a picnic along the river. The cherry blossoms are sometimes lit up, so it is recommended to visit after dusk to view the cherry blossoms at night.

Summer

Summer

Along the riverside are “Noryoyuka” (Nooryo-doko), where visitors can enjoy a meal while listening to the murmuring of the river. At night, the area is illuminated and crowded with people seeking coolness as a summer tradition.

Autumn

Autumn

Autumn foliage is beautiful, especially the trees along the riverbanks and around the bridges turn bright red and yellow. It is also exceptional to enjoy viewing the autumn leaves while walking slowly along the river. The weather is ideal for strolling, as the summer heat is abated and the temperature is pleasant. The kawadoko season ends at the end of September, but may be extended until early October, allowing visitors to enjoy a special meal while viewing the Kamo River in autumn.

Winter

Winter

In winter, the Kamo River is quiet and still, and when it snows, the riverbanks are white. In winter, visitors can enjoy the calm atmosphere, the clear air, and the leisurely flow of the river.

RelaxingWalking Paths

Along the Kamo River, sidewalks have been developed and are crowded with people cycling, jogging, and strolling. With few cars passing by, it is a place where one can relax while listening to the murmuring of the river and the chirping of birds.
At dusk, many people can be seen relaxing on the benches lined up along the river, watching the sunset, and it is a place where one can feel a sense of the extraordinary.

Bridge with History& Charm

The Kamo River is crossed by historical bridges such as the Sanjo and Shijo Ohashi bridges, which are representative of Kyoto, and these bridges have long been symbols of the city. The Sanjo Ohashi Bridge is also the last stop on the 53 Stages of the Tokaido Highway, making it an important bridge in terms of history.
From the bridge, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kamo River, the wind blowing across the river, and the city reflected on the surface of the river. At night, the lights of the bridge create a romantic atmosphere.

Riverbed

Ponto-cho and Kiyamachi line the east side of the Kamo River, where many restaurants with kawadoko (river floors) are located. In the summer, when the kawadoko is set up, visitors can enjoy Japanese and Western cuisine while enjoying the evening breeze, a very special experience.
The good old townscape combined with the murmuring of the river makes this an area where you can feel the chic culture of Kyoto.

Local Events

Around the Kamo River, locals can be seen enjoying picnics and relaxing. Art festivals and events are held during the cherry blossom season in spring, the summer noryo-doko season, and the fall foliage season, providing opportunities for interaction with the local community.
Local musicians sometimes perform along the river, creating a space where the city and the river come together for enjoyment.

AffectionalBond & Healing

The Kamogawa River is a special place where history and nature merge to create a calming backdrop for the city of Kyoto. It continues to be loved by locals as a special place in the midst of everyday life.

Around the Kamo River, there are many places where you can feel the history and atmosphere of Kyoto, from the natural beauty of the river to historical spots. Visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons and sightseeing in a relaxed atmosphere. Here are some recommended spots where you can stroll along the river and enjoy sightseeing at a leisurely pace.

KamogawaDelta

Located near Demachiyanagi Station on the Kamo River, it is a delta where two rivers (Kamo and Takano) converge. Lined with stone steppingstones, this unique spot allows visitors to cross the river while jumping over it. During the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn foliage season in fall, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river.
On sunny days, many people gather along the river, locals and tourists alike, enjoying a leisurely picnic.

ShimogamoShrine

Located within walking distance from the Kamogawa River Delta, this World Heritage site is also famous as a god of marriage. A forest called “Tadasunomori” (forest of Tadasunomori) extends through the precincts of the shrine, with many old trees, allowing visitors to enjoy nature in all four seasons.
The “Mitarashi Pond” on the temple grounds is also a highlight, and the Mitarashi Festival is held in summer.

RiversideTerrace

Along the Kamo River, “Noryo-Yuka” (literally, “floor of cool air”), a summer tradition in Kyoto, is lined with many restaurants where visitors can enjoy their meals on the riverbed from May through September. Cool breezes blow in the evening and at night, and you can dine while feeling the murmuring of the river, making it a very special experience.
Especially in the Shijo area, there are many restaurants and cafes equipped with kawadoko, where you can enjoy a variety of cuisines from Japanese to Western.

Gion & Yasaka Shrine

Crossing Shijo Street and a short walk from the Kamo River, you will reach the “Gion” area. Yasaka Shrine is a historic shrine dating back to the Heian period (794-1192) and is one of the most popular spots in Kyoto. The elegant buildings of the Maiten (dance hall) and Honden (main hall) attract many tourists, especially during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn foliage season in fall.
While walking along the cobblestone streets of Gion, you may even meet a maiko.

Kodaiji Temple

A short walk from Yasaka Shrine leads to Kodaiji Temple. The temple was founded by Nene, wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and its beautiful garden and historical buildings are highlights. In autumn, the temple is illuminated at night, illuminating the autumn leaves and bamboo grove in a magical atmosphere.
The precincts of the temple allow for a leisurely stroll, allowing visitors to quietly enjoy the history of the temple.

Kyoto IntlManga Museum

The Kyoto International Manga Museum, located just a short walk west of the Kamo River, has a collection of manga from Japan and abroad that can be viewed freely. This is a great spot for children and adults alike, and is a must-see facility for manga lovers.
The spacious museum is suitable for sightseeing on rainy days, as visitors can freely relax and read manga in the museum.

Maruyama Park

Further south and east along the Kamo River are Heian Shrine and Okazaki Park. The large torii gate and expansive grounds of Heian Shrine are worth seeing, and the cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall are beautiful.
Nearby are the “Kyoto Zoo”, the “Kyoto Prefectural Library”, and art museums, so you can spend a relaxing time while experiencing art and nature.

Shinkyogoku

In addition to a variety of stores selling traditional Japanese goods, souvenir stores, clothing, and accessories, there are also many stores selling unique products made by local artists and craftsmen, making it a great place to find that special souvenir. There are also many cafes, and young people enjoying eating and drinking can often be seen.
An arcade is provided so that visitors can enjoy shopping comfortably even in the rain.

Around the Kamo River, there are many restaurants where you can enjoy Kyoto's unique atmosphere and delicious gourmet food. Here are some restaurants and cafes where you can relax and enjoy the view of the river, as well as spots where you can taste Kyoto's famous cuisine.

Riverside Terrace

Noryo-doko are like terrace seats served along the Kamo River, where people can enjoy eating and drinking along the river to cool off in the summer. Today, kawadoko is still a popular summer Kyoto tradition, and can be enjoyed at Japanese, Kyoto-style, and even Western-style restaurants. From May to September, many restaurants along the Kamo River in the Kiyamachi-dori and Ponto-cho areas offer kawadoko. You can choose your favorite dish and enjoy your meal while feeling the murmuring of the river.

Ponto-cho, a narrow street between the Kamo River and Kiyamachi Dori, has many restaurants where you can enjoy Kyoto's unique cuisine such as Kyoto-style cooking, sushi, and obanzai. Ponto-cho Tanaka and Ponto-cho Manzara are especially popular for their delicious Kyoto cuisine using seasonal ingredients.

Diners can enjoy dining in a quiet alley, and the lights of the lanterns create an emotional atmosphere at night.

Kyo Food

Yoshina

Enjoy Kyoto cuisine at reasonable prices with a view of the Kamo River.

https://yoshina.net/ 10min walk

Manzara

A slightly mature izakaya. Enjoy Kyoto cuisine and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere.

https://www.manzara.co.jp/shop/ponto-cho/ 8min walk

Nearby Shimizu Gojo

Marl Cafe

Marl Cafe is a stylish cafe in the Kawaramachi-Gojo area, with a carefully selected interior and a relaxed atmosphere. Located on the 8th floor of a building, the view is spectacular. The warm, wood-grained interior allows for a quiet and relaxing time, and is popular with locals and tourists alike.

https://tomozoeshoten.com/project/marcafe/ 9min walk

9min walk

Italian Restaurant

Amore Kiyamachi

A restaurant offering Southern Italian cuisine in a great location, with a view of the Kamo River on the terrace. 4 different floors (classic, bar, machiya, and antique) offer a variety of situations.
The restaurant boasts authentic Neapolitan pizza baked in a wood-fired oven, and popular dishes include prosciutto and arugula pizza and margherita.

https://kiwa-group.co.jp/amore_kiyamachi/ 2min walk

2min walk

Gion's Yudofu

Tousuiro

Specializing in tofu cuisine, the restaurant has two branches, one in Kiyamachi and the other in Gion. The Gion branch, located in a renovated 130-year-old machiya (townhouse), offers a quiet atmosphere that is a world away from the hustle and bustle outside, and offers a vegetarian course called “Rokuhara,” a new type of tofu kaiseki that does not use any seafood, meat, or dairy products.
The Kiyamachi branch is located along the Kamo River, and during the summer months, diners can enjoy the view of the Kamo River as they dine.

https://tousuiro.com/en-home 14min walk

14min walk

Cafe

% Arabica Kyoto
Higashiyama

% Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama, located along the Kamo River, is a specialty coffee shop popular among tourists. Enjoying a cup of coffee in the stylish store with a view of the river will provide you with a moment of relaxation.
The coffee beans are also carefully selected, making this a spot where you can enjoy the atmosphere of Kyoto and modern cafe culture.

https://goodcoffee.me/coffeeshop/arabica/ 17min walk

17min walk

Kyoto StyleFrench

Inayoshi

The restaurant offers kaiseki cuisine featuring Kyoto beef, which is highly acclaimed throughout Japan, and seasonal Kyoto vegetables, including “Kyoto beef filet cutlet sandwich” and “appetizers served in a Western style,” both of which incorporate French techniques.
The restaurant offers a beautiful view of the Kamo River and Higashiyama, and is especially popular during the summer season when diners can enjoy their meals on the Noryoyoko (riverbed), a private room on the second floor.

https://www.patisserie-jouvaud.jp/kyoto.html 8min walk

8min walk

Starbucks

Starbucks
Kyoto Sanjo Ohashi Store

Facing the Kamo River, Starbucks is a cafe where you can enjoy the Kyoto-like atmosphere of a Japanese-style building. The large windows offer a view of the Kamo River, perfect for a relaxing break.
This modern Japanese-style space is a spot where you can take a break from sightseeing.

https://store.starbucks.co.jp/detail-68/?utm_source=GMB&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=store&utm_content=68 13min walk

13min walk
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