Kyoto’s Summer Traditional Event “Kamogawa Nouryou-Yuka” Allowing You to Savor Meals while Seeing Kamo River and Cityscape

“Kamogawa Nouryou-Yuka (鴨川納涼床)” is one of Kyoto’s summer traditional events. Over 80 restaurants set open-air seating, called Kawadoko in Japanese, which lines up along the west side of Kamo River, or from Nijo-dori Street near Kyoto Shiyakusho-Mae Station to Gojo-dori Street continuing to the east from Gojo Station. Kamo River, which plays a cool babble stream in front of you, the Higashiyama district with Kiyomizu Temple and Gion located on the opposite bank, and Mt. Hiei a little far away. Why don’t you stop by at Kamo River to enjoy Kyoto’s summer scenery and taste to your heart’s content?

“Kamogawa Nouryou-Yuka” is held from May to the end of September every year (In 2021, until 31st October). Its venue consists of 4 areas along the Kamo River: Pontocho area including Maiko’s training hall and Kami-Kiyamachi area, Saiseki area, Shimo-Kiyamachi area. 83 restaurants install wooden open-air seats on ‘Misosogi River’ which runs parallel to the Kamo River. On a sunny day, let’s get refreshed while experiencing a pleasant breeze and looking around here. When it begins to be dark, Japanese lanterns on open-air seats give off gentle light and bring out very Kyoto’s atmosphere. There are a great variety of restaurants such as Kyoto’s local cuisine and Chinese one, French one, Italian one and Japanese tavern, so it might be a good idea to visit here both daytime and night to see views with different charms.

Actually, the beginning of Nouryou-Yuka is the early 1600s. Along Kamo River, wealthy merchants set seats and cafes opened. These things became Nouryou-Yuka. You should think about the history of over 400 years while enjoying cuisines, scenery and atmosphere with your all five senses.