Kyoto · Central Kyoto
Kamo River
The Kamo River flows about 27 km from north to south through Kyoto, from the Mount Sajiki area until it joins the Katsura River. Between Sanjo Bridge and Shijo Bridge the banks are wide and low, with paths on both sides, and this is where the city comes out to sit in the evening.
Sitting by the river is a very old habit. According to the city, already in Hideyoshi's time stalls and viewing stands went up on the banks between Sanjo and Gojo, and in the Edo period more than 400 seating platforms were spread out here on the sand and in the shallow water. After the river was regulated, the platforms went up on posts and became yuka, the terraces of the restaurants on the west bank.
Since 2008 a prefectural law applies to the river: you may not ride a car, a motorcycle or an electric scooter along most of the banks, and you may not spray graffiti. The fine is up to ¥50,000.
Good to know
- The prefecture warns that the water rises fast in heavy rain. During a strong rain and after it, do not go down to the paths next to the water.
- The yuka are open in 2026 from 1 May to 15 October. From the east bank you see the whole row facing you, without paying for a meal.
- The couples on the bank sit at almost equal spacing. Buy a drink at a konbini and join them.
What is nearby
Approximate walking minutes from the entrance of Kamo River.
- HereKamo River
- ~3 min
Sanjo Ohashi More to see
A bridge 73 meters long that got its wooden railing and bronze caps, giboshi, in Hideyoshi's renovation in 1590. According to the city, some of the stone pillars and caps from that time are still in use, and the railing was recently renewed with wood from Kyoto's forests.
- ~3 min
Omen Shijo Pontocho Food
A branch of the udon restaurant from Ginkaku-ji, at the south end of Pontocho. Thick udon that you dip in broth, with seasonal vegetables, crisp burdock and sesame.
- ~4 min
Francois Kissashitsu Cafe
A coffee shop from 1934 in Italian Baroque style, registered as a national cultural property. During the war years artists and intellectuals met here. Cash only and no reservations.
- ~6 min
CHOICE Food
A fully vegan and gluten-free cafe, a few minutes on foot east of Keihan Sanjo Station: burgers, brown rice risotto, pancakes and cakes.
- ~6 min
Rokuyosha Coffee Cafe
A coffee shop from 1950 at Kawaramachi-Sanjo, with its own roasting. From 12:00 they serve homemade donuts, for eating in only. On the street floor smoking is allowed after 12:00, and the basement is non-smoking.
- ~9 min
mumokuteki cafe Cafe
A fully vegan cafe in central Kyoto, on the second floor of the mumokuteki shop near Teramachi street, five minutes from Kawaramachi Station
More in Central Kyoto
Appears in: Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, Nijo Castle and Nishiki Market: the north and the center