Kamogawa River
Kamogawa River
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The area
Neighbourhood: Pontocho
Though small by comparison, Pontocho is one of Kyoto's most spirited and memorable neighborhoods. A narrow street straddling the Kamogawa River, it is Kyoto's busiest nightlife spot. When darkness falls, Pontocho's many signs and lanterns bolt to life, making the area glow with invitations to passers-by to come inside and pull up a chair. Its restaurants and bars sprawl onto the riverbank, providing a friendly atmosphere and delicious food. Verandas are always filled with people young and old crowding tables, biting into hot yakitori or sipping cold beers. It is a culinary heart of Kyoto as much as one of its most laid-back, clamorous, and entertaining evening hotspots. Pontocho has more of an amiable vibrancy to it than an elegant one, attracting newcomers, local veterans, and everyone in between, in casual attire like sneakers and jeans.

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4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles781 reviews
Excellent
289
Very good
370
Average
116
Poor
3
Terrible
4

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LolaGo1
Washington DC, DC6,632 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Solo
On my first day in Kyoto, I walked to the Kyoto Station to catch the buses for the attractions I was visiting. On my way back to the hotel, I got lost and came accross this attraction. There is a small red Shrine on the right side of street, before crossing the bridge.

Down by river, I noted some people having picnic. The weather was perfect, with some breeze. Took some pictures here and proceede with my walk around here.
Written 27 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

David
Florida3,433 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022
The river runs through Kyoto. You can rent a boat or go on a tradition Japanese boat. Areas where you can relax on the water. It is also used for hydro power. Lots of peaceful areas to relax. Obviously, not the area in the heart of the city which is tamed.
Written 9 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

お遍路さんアキラ
Kyoto, Japan23,502 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Couples
On Sunday afternoons, I usually go to Kamogawa Onsen by the Kamo River, but today the cherry blossoms are in full bloom along the river. There were more people than usual, and I even met some of my neighbors. It's April now, and it's suddenly getting warmer, so seeing the cherry blossoms in full bloom makes me feel happy.
Google
Written 7 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

viaggioSensoriale
Cesena, Italy1,181 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2019 • Friends
To get a different perspective on the city of Kyoto this walk is really ideal.
The river is very relaxing and the walk reveals a completely different image of Kyoto in the evening is truly magical with the lights and lanterns of the rooms that are reflected in the waterway
If you are in Kyoto you cannot not try this beautiful experience
Written 12 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

swift314
Sheffield, UK12,099 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2015 • Couples
When we visited it had not rained for some weeks properly so the water level was quite low nice river but really nothing special nice to wander down the paths on the river banks which are meant to be free from cyclist just to get away from the traffic of the city
Written 28 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sketcherazzi
Kyoto, Japan44 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2018 • Friends
On a summer day, walk up or down stream this gentle river. Feel its lullaby lure you to sleep. Wet your feet in cold water. Sit here and think nothing! Like the rest of Japan this river has continuously flowed from one era to the next —- and bears witness to the ever changing time. It helps to clear one’s mind here while watching the heron fishing, the ducks quacking, and children giggle -and the river gurgle with them! . Enjoy the gift of being just you — here and now!
***For the foreigners— this is a place which the locals revere and frequent with their kids and families. Be respectful —- keep your clothes on! It’s a river bank not a beach!
And if you can’t resist the urge to gulp a beer or two —- do it , but quietly!
Written 19 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tote919
Bangkok, Thailand5,325 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2017
It's a nice river to walk along or take a boat ride & admire the scenery on the river banks. In spring, you will see cherry blossoms along this river as there are many cherry trees. Perfect photo spot!
Written 9 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Shirley L
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia93 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2015 • Family
This river is very near to the hotel that I checked in - Kyoto Royal and Spa hotel. So I had my morning walk everyday when I was there. It is really relaxing to watch ducks swimming and birds flying near the river.
Written 3 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rima P
Indonesia54 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2015
Our hostel is only 10 minutes walking from Kamo river. It is the perfect place if you want to enjoy the feel of Kyoto. Idyllic atmosphere and the pristine river is all that you need as an escapism. Especially if you visit during autumn like I did. Plus, presence of herons, fish, ducks and birds along the river is some of the many privileges you could have if you come from country like Indonesia. Cycling is also a great way to enjoy the riverside.
Written 28 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mzzyap
Philippines3,418 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2019 • Family
While walking along this strip of land, you can hear water flowing on either side of you. I was very relaxed as I saw lovers quietly sitting on the banks holding hands, and people on the other side having dinner or drinks on the well-lit restaurant terraces. It truly was a peaceful walk and I felt it was a privilege to be amidst this urban tranquility.
Written 29 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Kamogawa River - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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