Kyoto

Enjoying the Kamogawa in Kyoto

Clean, beautiful and accessible

Cathy Cawood Aug 29, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Kamogawa flows from the blue hills north of Kyoto all the way to southern Kyoto</p>

<p>The water looks clean and beautiful</p>

<p>There are paths for walking, cycling or running on both sides of the river</p>

<p>In spring people enjoy the cherry blossom</p>

<p>In summer the river is a place to cool off</p>

<p>In summer restaurants beside the river erect raised wooden decks for their customers to enjoy riverside dining</p>

<p>Many events are held on the riverbanks</p>

<p>It seems some folk prefer to dine right in the river!</p>

<p>Musicians practice their instruments beside the river to avoid annoying their neighbors</p>

<p>Parents play with their kids on the river banks</p>

<p>The river flows past many dating couples</p>

<p>Many water birds can be seen along the river</p>

<p>Birds are not the only wildlife present</p>

The Kamogawa flows from the hills in the north of Kyoto all the way to the south of the city, absorbing the Takano River, the Shirokawa, and eventually flowing into the Kizugawa. It flows near historic Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrines, past the Botanical Gardens, under historic Kyoto bridges, and through Gion area. This makes the river path a pleasant and convenient route for cyclists and hikers to access many of Kyoto's interesting areas. It also offers the observer a snapshot of how Kyoto people spend their free time. Finally, the river is clean enough to be attract many different birds and even a few animals. If only all Japan's rivers were this good!

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...