People in Kyoto, the city that old tradition still exists, they give weight to the seasons and enjoy four seasons in authentic ways. Summer in Kyoto is known as its hotness and people there even enjoy this boiling season in the very beautiful way. In Kyoto during summer, restaurants by the river builds platform by/over the river so that they can feel the breeze as people dine. This summer tradition is called “Kawadoko”, literary means “floor at the river” There are three popular place to enjoy Kawadoko; the Kamo River, Kibune and Takao. Kawadoko by the Kamo River is probably the most famous and popular spot for people as the river runs through the center of Kyoto and easy to access even for the tourists. Many restaurants and cafes by the river open their balconies to serve drinks and cocktails along with their traditional Kyoto cuisines. Kibune is located in northern Kyoto here they place the tatami floors above the river where you feel the breeze coming from the water. If you dine there at night, you can observe the idyllic undulating illuminations of genji fireflies. Another one is at Takao, the area which is 50 minutes away from the Kyoto city by bus and surrounded by mountains. Kawadoko in Takao usually has a roof thus you don’t need to worry about the weather. We collect the list of Kawadoko to reccomend. Please see the following options for your alternative summer trip in Kyoto. FUNATSURU KYOTO KAMOGAWA RESORT
https://www.facebook.com/funatsuru/photos/pcb.1062285423811913/1062396883800767/?type=3&theater
FUNATSURU KYOTO KAMOGAWA RESORT is a french restaurant/wedding venue founded back in 140 years ago. Here you can enjoy a french course in a modern architecture. From May to September, you can enjoy their french cuisine at the patio by the river.
Bistro Sumire Chinese
https://www.facebook.com/193346581042850/photos/a.207537882957053.1073741828.193346581042850/228800240830817/?type=3&theater
Bistro Sumire Chinese is a chinese restaurant by the Kamogawa River. They renovated 100 years old Kyoto-style house. You can enjoy Hong Kong inspired cuisine and dim sum made by a special dim sum creator. They have special menu plans for Kawadoko tables.
Italiana SAGRA
https://www.facebook.com/694726290601708/photos/pcb.902056289868706/902055786535423/?type=3&theater
SAGRA is a Italian fusion restaurant that they add a new essence to the tradition using seasonal ingredients. What they are good is they serve during lunch time at the Kawadoko in affordable price. Thus those who want to go casually, this is the place for you.
Tankuma
https://www.facebook.com/honketankuma/photos/a.565657696839583.1073741825.144757652262925/852343648170985/?type=3&theater
Tankuma is an authentic Kyoto cuisine restaurant. They hold two stars from Michelin. Many historical writers went there during their time. There you can enjoy the Kyoto’s traditional and authentic seasonal menu like hamo fish at their kawadoko. If you are lucky you might be able to see Geisha and Maiko or you can even ask restaurant to accompany with you upon request in advance.
Kifune Torii Chaya
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=273028626139274&set=a.122987791143359.21870.100002964167236&type=3&theater
Kifune chaya is a restaurant in Kifune. During summer, they prepare the tatami floor just above the river and you can enjoy the food while you feel the nice breeze coming out from the river. Their table and the floor are divided for the group so you can just concentrate looking around the view and their food.
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