Speaking of Kyoto sightseeing, what comes to your mind?
Perhaps some of you are getting bored of the classic tourist spots?
Then I would like to recommend this to you: a walk at Kamogawa.
Kyoto and Kamogawa are inseparable. It is a river very special and important for people in Kyoto.
What about a one day leisure walking tour at Kamogawa? …
A leisure walk at Kamogawa
This walking tour allows you to enjoy nature while enjoying Kamogawa to the fullest.
It is a must-see for those who have already got tired of the always crowded Kyoto.
First of all, let’s depart from Kyoto Station.
The starting of the tour is from Kyoto Station.
From the central exit, first let’s walk along Shiokoji-dori!
It is about 10-minitues walk towards east of Shiokoji-dori.
Something looks like Kamogawa can be seen from far. And walk further…
Here’s the bridge with a sign of “Kamogawa”.
Here is the downstream. The river is wide, and the view from the bridge is spectacular.
There are lots of greenery around the bridge. It seems like a place for relaxing…
Now, let’s walk along the Kamogawa from here!
What is special about Kamogawa is that one can walk along the river.
Famous spots are around Shijo, Sanjo, and Kamogawa Delta (Demachiyanagi), but the sidewalk starts from way before the downstream area.
Well, let’s start the Kamogawa walk which is about 5km long.
Perhaps it is because of weekday, there is not many people.
It is quiet and the sound of the flowing river is very soothing.
Many birds such as egrets can be seen at the river. It is quite fun to do bird watching here.
Though the sidewalk is not wide, it is easy to walk due to the proper pavement.
Shiji and Sanjo – scenery with the feel of Kyoto
After about 2km walk from the starting point is Shijo, the central of Kyoto where Gion is located.
Along the river are the Machiya (traditional Kyoto townhouse). Exactly THE FEEL OF KYOTO.
There are more tourists here and you can see people in Kimono…
Tourists and the locals mingle together, and people playing music instruments or singing can be seen at the sidewalk.
Further north, the Sanjo Bridge comes into sight.
Previously an execution site, but now this area is a place for relaxation.
People sitting on the river side and talking leisurely and at night university students get together and clamoring…
And just as the meaning of Kamogawa (literally “Duck River” in Japanese), there are many ducks and they are all very cute.
It is famous that during summer, Noryo Yuka (wooden platform over dry riverbed) are laid out here at the riverbank of Sanjo.
Do you know that there is also Noryo Yuka at startbucks…!
What a view here.
And at a little north of Sanjo Bridge, there is this rare animal…
Isn’t it capybara? Also called nutria, it is a pest.
To encounter different types of animals is one of the fun for the walk along the Kamogawa.
Lastly let's play around at Kamogawa Delta
Have you heard of Kamogawa Delta?
This place has appeared in various movies and animations. It is the confluence of the Takano River and Kamo River.
From the map, it is easy to recognize its triangle shape.
When you are here, please try “walk across the river on the stepping stones”.
There are stepping stones and you can jump from stone to stone to cross the river.
It doesn’t look scary from the photo, and in fact it is quite scary when jumping over!
Crossing seriously.
I felt a mystery sense of accomplishment after crossing to the opposite site.
*However, it is dangerous to cross on the day after a rainy day as the water level may increase.
Of course, it is OK to start the walk from the middle of this route or end halfway.
Please have your own Kamogawa walk and rediscover the charms of Kyoto~
This article is originally from Japanese Short Trip Information Website “SPOT” and we edited it for FUN! JAPAN.
“SPOT” provides information about spots recommended by the writers who are living in the area or who have a lot of knowledge about the spot.
If you want to read more articles on SPOT, then please check here! ＞＞＞https://travel.spot-app.jp/
Comments