Kamo River

In the warmer months, many riverside restaurants open special balconies known as noryo-yuka, allowing diners to enjoy their meals with a view of the flowing river. Walkways run alongside much of the river’s course, and several spots feature stepping stones that allow pedestrians to cross on foot.

Historically, the Kamo River has played a significant role in Kyoto’s development. When the Heian Capital (modern-day Kyoto) was established in the late 8th century, the river’s course was redirected to flow east of the new palace. Despite this effort, the river was prone to flooding, which became a recurring problem for the ancient capital. Emperor Shirakawa famously lamented that three things were beyond his control: the armed monks of Enryaku-ji, dice, and the waters of the Kamo River.

Today, the river is more regulated, with reinforced banks and drainage systems. Parallel to it runs the Takase River, a canal constructed by merchant Suminokura Ryoi in the early 17th century to facilitate transportation and reduce reliance on the unpredictable main river.

The Kamo River is also culturally significant, flowing past two important Shinto shrines—Kamigamo and Shimogamo—and through the sacred forest of Tadasu-no-mori that lies between them.