Kamo River Dining

京都鴨川の川床

It is that divine time of year when Kyotoites dine under the stars by the river.

Every May the restaurants along the Kamo River in central Kyoto erect decks that abut the rear of buildings and face the river.

This allows for more business - tables and chairs are set up on the decks - and a wonderful night of cold beer, cool breezes, and a great view of the mountains in the distance or the city up close, as one tucks into a delightful meal.

At many places reservations are required. However, at non-traditional restaurants - Thai, for example - or those towards the northern or southern ends of the stretch of establishments, you can usually just walk in.

Kyoto is one of the only - the only? - in which outdoor dining is part of the local culture.

The decks will be up until early September.

© CycleKyoto.com

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Tags Japan Touring Kyoto Cycle Japanese

Kyoto River Dining on the Decks

京都鴨川の川床

It is that divine time of year when Kyotoites dine under the stars by the river.

Every May the restaurants along the Kamo River in central Kyoto erect decks that abut the rear of buildings and face the river.

This allows for more business - tables and chairs are set up on the decks - and a wonderful night of cold beer, cool breezes, and a great view of the mountains in the distance or the city up close, as one tucks into a delightful meal.

At many places reservations are required. However, at non-traditional restaurants - Thai, for example - or those towards the northern or southern ends of the spectrum, you can usually just walk in.

The decks will be up until early September.

© CycleKyoto.com

CycleKyoto Home Page

Tags Japan Touring Kyoto Cycle Japanese

River Dining in Kyoto Opens May 1

京都川床５月１日開始

More than any other Japanese city, Kyoto has embraced its main river. The Kamo River, which flows adjacent to the center part of the city, has its share of concrete and in places fairly brutal embankments.

However, unlike other cities, which turned their backs on rivers as places of dirty places fit only for work - a port or factory - or vice, Kyotoites have always gone to the Kamo River to relax and enjoy nature.

On a daily basis, walking, jogging, cycling, tennis, soccer, bird watching, a picnic, and making out are among the many activities that take place along the Kamo.

Every summer though, downtown restaurants set up decks that overlook the river.

This is among the only outdoor dining in Japan.

In Kyoto, the "kawadoko" decks date to the Momoyama Period. Almost 100 restaurants between Nijo and Gojo, on the the west side of Kamo River, set up decks on stilts. They remain until early September.

Farther north, in Kibune, restaurants set up similar decks. Small platforms are placed directly above the the much smaller Kibune River, so that diners are seated above the water and can hear it.

Either location makes for fabulous drinking and dining.


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