Kyoto has a river running through it: It’s called the Kamo-gawa and it’s really just one long park which Kyotoites use for relaxation, exercise and contemplation.
Like the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park (the Gosho), the Kamo-gawa Riverside functions as Kyoto’s central park.
Both sides are lined with wide green areas and bike paths, with plenty of benches and exercise areas. Up near the Demachiyanagi end of the river (in the north, where Imadegawa-dori crosses the river), there are wide play areas that are great for picnics and for letting children run around.
There are also imaginative “bridges” made from stone turtles that children can use to hop across the river.
At Demachiyanagi, the river splits. The west branch remains the Kamo-gawa, while the east branch is the Takano-gawa. Both are lovely, but my vote goes to the west (Kamo-gawa) branch. It’s lined with wide park areas and has some of the best cherry blossom trees in the city. This area is perfect for hanami (cherry blossom viewing parties). Also, if you’re on a bicycle, the bike paths along the Kamo-gawa are easily your best bet for moving fast between northern and southern Kyoto or vice versa.
Where Is This Place Located?
- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Near To Here:
Kamo-gawa Riverside is located in Central Kyoto. See our complete list of things to do in Central Kyoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- ESSENTIALS – For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- HOTELS – Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- BULLET TRAIN – You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- WHERE TO STAY – Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- PACKING LIST – See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- SIM CARDS – You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- FLIGHTS – Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- JAPAN RAIL PASS – If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- TRAVEL INSURANCE – World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- WANT HELP? – Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
