Kamo River

Home of all the Kyoto Lovers.
This river holds every positive value you need in life.
Great place for day drinking, day dreaming, jogging, meditating, partying, skate boarding, playing instruments, meeting people, drinking, singing and sobering up.
It’s also surrounded by many great restaurants, cafes and bars.
You could easily spend a day doing nothing but still feel greatly satisfied here.

This river connects to Biwako in Shiga and Yodo River in Osaka.
A very nice spot for Sakura Viewing, jogging, cycling, picnic and other outdoor activities with friends and families.
Free spot for different activities.

One of the most relaxing spots in Kyoto. I just love the sound and enjoy watching the waves and also what people around me are doing. Some traditional restaurants have great seats to enjoy this view and local seasonal dishes.

This place brings so much nostalgia for me during my stay in Kyoto. The location near Sanjo is perfect, next to the hustling and bustling of downtown so it makes a great escape from all that is hectic. I came here in spring when the cherry blossoms were blooming and the view was incredibly breathtaking. During the day times, you can see school children coming here to hang out and take pictures, and honestly, I thought I was in an animated film. I love coming here early to grab Starbucks and just find a place to sit to talk with friends. OH YEAH it makes a good spot for couples (and there are a lot that come here. Funny thing is all the couples sit a very specific distance away from the other couples that it seems really systematic xD)
During the weekends, college kids come out here to drink and socialize (I think it’s a form of pregame before they go clubbing) and depends on who you’re with, you can meet a lot of international students from Europe and America (well I was one of them). Even a friend of mine who doesn’t like drinking felt like it was fun to be able to come here and watch the college scene and had a few sips here or there. If you travel to Kyoto, this place is a must come (and you can’t even miss it)!

Kamo river is well-​known for large numbers of couples sitting on the bank, forming a long line with the same interval. It becomes one of the legends in Kyoto. Although I spent a college life in Kyoto, I have never had such an experience.
Note for every couple that now the bank of Kamo river is being under redecoration.
I heard that lawns on the bank is being planted now. I suppose that couples would feel stressed as they can’t flirt with each other. Hahaha…
The most recommendable is delta spot, which looks like a short cake. In the back Tadasunomori or forest is located. University students are making a fuss during a new school term. I saw people taking a walk (with their dog), jogging, playing in the river, or sitting down and talking. Spring is the best season, I think. Around here you can enjoy cherry-​blossom or fresh green viewing.