Kyoto Kibune Riverside Walk

Enjoy cool air and the healing power of the forest

Tomoko Kamishima May 26, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Enjoying the cool air and delicious meal</p>

<p>Red shrine gate and fresh greenery</p>

<p>Kifune Shrine and carp streamers in May</p>

<p>Bench and umbrella for the customers at the restaurant</p>

<p>Japanese restaurants alongside the river</p>

<p>Beautiful contrast of red and green</p>

<p>This building is used as a gazebo</p>

<p>Tables over the water during May to September</p>

Kibune River is a tributary of the Kamogawa, which runs through central Kyoto. From May to September, the restaurants alongside the Kibune set up tables that extend out over the river (川床 Kawadoko) . It is a good way to enjoy the cool air and a delicious meal, while avoiding the hot humid summer. In the old days, a god descended upon the upper reaches of Kibune River at the exact Year, Month, Day, and Time of the Ox. In the Noh chant “鉄輪 Kanawa” a woman worshiped at nearby Kifune Shrine (same name as the river, but the pronunciation is different) for the purpose of placing a curse on her husband. But, contrary to popular belief, the god in this shrine was (and still is) responsive to all wishes, not only to curses. Today, Kifune Shrine has also become famous as a healing Power Spot. The shrine is a 30-minute walk from Kibune-guchi Station on the Eizan Tesudo Line.

Tomoko Kamishima @tomoko.kamishima

Japan is a small island nation, but we have a huge number of surprising things to discover here. Many of these delights can be found when you step off the main street onto small side paths. I really enjoy studying about and researching various aspects of traditional Japanese culture, and then sha...