Kibune River is a tributary of the Kamogawa, which runs through central Kyoto. From May to September, the restaurants alongside the Kibune set up tables that extend out over the river (川床 Kawadoko) . It is a good way to enjoy the cool air and a delicious meal, while avoiding the hot humid summer. In the old days, a god descended upon the upper reaches of Kibune River at the exact Year, Month, Day, and Time of the Ox. In the Noh chant “鉄輪 Kanawa” a woman worshiped at nearby Kifune Shrine (same name as the river, but the pronunciation is different) for the purpose of placing a curse on her husband. But, contrary to popular belief, the god in this shrine was (and still is) responsive to all wishes, not only to curses. Today, Kifune Shrine has also become famous as a healing Power Spot. The shrine is a 30-minute walk from Kibune-guchi Station on the Eizan Tesudo Line.
- 1 min read
Kyoto Kibune Riverside Walk
Enjoy cool air and the healing power of the forest
Community writer
Join the discussion
Geraldine Buergel
4 years ago
Looks like a very tranquil place.
Sleiman Azizi
5 years ago
That is just beautiful. Really, it is. The idea of eating over a river sounds like the most obvious thing to do but it seems that it actually isn't.
Kim Bergström
5 years ago
I love the whole concept of kawadoko in summertime!
Aobh Bodewig
7 years ago
So serene !
Jihad Mahmoud
8 years ago
The atmosphere seems so refreshing!
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Miyoko Schinner’s Vegan Japan Tour
Culture -
2
Naha is One of Booking.com's 2025 Trending Destinations
Okinawa -
3
"Forest Architecture" Taking Shape at Expo 2025 Osaka
Osaka -
4
Nikko Featured on Fodor's Go List 2025
Tochigi -
5
Kumamoto Says Sayonara to IC Cards
Kumamoto -
6
Kanazawa Makes Nat Geo's Best of the World 2025 List
Ishikawa -
7
Kura Sushi at 2025 Osaka Expo
Osaka - Sponsored -
8
Kamenoi Hotel Nachi-Katsuura and Wakayama Sightseeing
Wakayama - Sponsored -
9
Sleep Travel in Japan
Planning -
10
Naha City Museum of History
Okinawa
-
1
Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo -
2
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
3
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Nabana no Sato Illumination
Mie -
6
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
7
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
8
Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba -
9
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa -
10
Shibuya Blue Cave Illumination
Tokyo