Kamogawa River (Kamo River)
Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Kyoto’s main waterway, the Kamogawa River (Kamo River) runs from the north to the south of the city. As well as being a favorite local haunt for riverside walks, bike rides, picnics, and people-watching, the banks are also buzzing with restaurants and nightlife options—most notably, around the geisha districts of Pontocho and Gion.
The basics
Kamogawa River (Kamo River) is one of the most popular locations to go on a bike tour in Kyoto—a ride along the riverside paths is the perfect way to avoid traffic and easily access shrines, temples, and scenic nature spots. Food and bar-hopping tours typically showcase the river too, centering around the lively Pontocho Alley–which runs parallel to the river’s west bank. This area is known for its izakayas (Japanese pubs), teahouses, and restaurants.
Things to know before you go
The riverside paths are mostly flat, so they’re suitable for beginner cyclists, families, or those who want an easy-level bike ride.
Travelers with children can head to the Kamogawa Delta area, which offers lots of wide green spaces for kids to run about, and families to enjoy picnics.
There are wheelchair-accessible toilets available close to the Kamogawa River, outside the ticket barriers of the Keihan Gion-Shijo Station.
Summer visitors can enjoy dinner with a view; look out for riverside restaurants with kawayuka (temporary dining terraces). The Pontocho area is a great choice for this.
How to get there
As the Kamogawa River splits Kyoto down its center, there are lots of different stations along its course. If you’re arriving at the JR Kyoto Station, it’s roughly a 15-minute walk east to get to the river. You could also get the Hankyu Line to Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station, or the Keihan Line to Shijo Station to be close to the Pontocho area of the river.
When to get there
The Kamogawa River is a beautiful place to visit during every season, but arguably the most popular time of year to visit is spring, when you can see the beautiful cherry blossom (sakura) trees in full bloom. Fall also showcases the changing colors of foliage. Whichever natural spectacle you’ve come to see, beat the afternoon crowds by arriving early in the morning.
Best photo opportunities near the Kamogawa River
The Kamogawa River is a photographer’s dream—especially at dusk, when Kyoto becomes illuminated with twinkling lights, and lanterns hanging off its ancient machiya buildings. For some of the best photo opportunities; start on the Sanjo Bridge, then stroll west to Pontocho Alley. Or, cross Shijo Bridge to get to the geisha district of Gion, where you can snap the photogenic Gion Tatsumi Bridge.
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