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Kyoto Kamogawa River

The River of Kyoto's Soul

The Kamogawa River originates in the northern part of Kyoto in the Mount Sajikigatake area and is about 31 kilometers long, passing through the busy Shijo and Gion areas. This "Duck River" runs from north to south through Kyoto and joins other waterways in Kyoto, such as the Takano River, Lake Biwa Canal, and the Katsura River, before entering Osaka.

The Kamogawa River 鴨川 originates in the northern part of Kyoto in the Mount Sajikigatake area and is about 31 kilometers long, and is also known as the Kamo River or Duck River, partly because it used to flow through the family territory of the Kamo clan. Today’s Upper Kamogawa still has two of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, Kamigamo Shrine 上賀茂神社 and Shimogamo Shrine 下鴨神社, which are dedicated to the ancestors of the Kamo clan, and both of these shrines have entered the World Heritage List of Kyoto.

The Kamogawa River runs from north to south through downtown Kyoto, and is connected to the Kurama River, the Takano River, Gion Shirakawa River, Lake Biwa Canal, Katsura River, and other waterways in Kyoto, then flow through Osaka into the sea.

Kamogawa, the Duck River

The Kamogawa River in the Sanjo to Gojo area of Kyoto is the busiest section of the river, with Gion, the center of traditional arts and cultural entertainment in Kyoto on the east side, and Shijo Bridge Across the Kamogawa River is the main access point to the Gion area.

Kyoto Gion

Teahouse, Geisha and Festival

Gion 祇園 is centered around Shijo-dori Street, and is famous for its well-dressed Geisha, who can often be seen in the streets. The streets of Gion, Shirakawa and Hanamikoji are very traditional, and the Gion Festival 祇園祭 held every year by Gion Yasaka Shrine is one of the three major festivals in Japan.

This section of the river is also a popular Summer Party Spot for local residents. Every summer, more than a hundred shops located along the river set up wooden cooler beds on the west side of the Kamogawa River for diners to enjoy the river view while dining.