Enjoying the Kamogawa in Kyoto

Clean, beautiful and accessible

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

Kamogawa flows from the blue hills north of Kyoto all the way to southern Kyoto

There are paths for walking, cycling or running on both sides of the river

In spring people enjoy the cherry blossom

In summer the river is a place to cool off

In summer restaurants beside the river erect raised wooden decks for their customers to enjoy riverside dining

It seems some folk prefer to dine right in the river!

Musicians practice their instruments beside the river to avoid annoying their neighbors

Parents play with their kids on the river banks

The river flows past many dating couples

Many water birds can be seen along the river

The Kamogawa flows from the hills in the north of Kyoto all the way to the south of the city, absorbing the Takano River, the Shirokawa, and eventually flowing into the Kizugawa. It flows near historic Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrines, past the Botanical Gardens, under historic Kyoto bridges, and through Gion area. This makes the river path a pleasant and convenient route for cyclists and hikers to access many of Kyoto's interesting areas. It also offers the observer a snapshot of how Kyoto people spend their free time. Finally, the river is clean enough to be attract many different birds and even a few animals. If only all Japan's rivers were this good!

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By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

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Cathy Cawood Photographer 10 years ago

Thank you, Stacy! People picnicking in the middle of the Kamogawa is not a common sight - I've only seen it this once. However, I have seen picnickers on rocks in other rivers.