Kamogawa - Kyoto

November 23, 2018

Kamogawa (鴨川) and its scenic riverbanks in Kyoto City are popular destinations for tourists looking for a relaxing place to stroll and also dating couples. This river is located in Kyoto Prefecture in Japan,

Kamogawa (鴨川)

Kamogawa Details

Kamogawa or Kamo River whose kanji compound (鴨川) means (鴨) wild duck and (川) river stretches for 3 kilometers from its source which are Mount Sajikigatake and the other mountains near it. A theory suggests that the river was actually diverted about a kilometer east from its former course to its present course during the establishment of the Heian Capital (present-day Kyoto City). It was due to the belief that a river flowing through the capital symbolizes the disunity of the nation.

Kamogawa River - Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Are you ready for some adventure?

Kamo-Ohashi, one of the several bridges that crosses Kamogawa

Jump!!!

Throughout history, Kamogawa often threatened the ancient capital with floods during times of heavy rains. Emperor Shirakawa even included Kamogawa's floods when he recited his three unmanageable things which also included the Sohei (armed monks of Enraku-ji) and the dice. Presently, the riverbanks were reinforced with concrete, and the drainage system was also improved to lessen this problem.

Turtle riding

Where are you heading little turtle?

The Kamogawa scene in the 2016 film My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday

Actors Sota Fukushi and Nana Komatsu crossing Kamogawa

Despite the destruction brought by Kamogawa, it still brings wealth and beauty to Kyoto City. The river and the riverbanks have become popular tourist spots in the city. It is highly recommended to visit it during spring when the sakura blossoms add a romantic vibe and Instagram-worthy background to the river. Speaking of riverbanks, the pathways running alongside it are also a popular walking spot for residents and tourists. There are also some stepping stones (most of which are designed like turtles) that allow visitors to have an alternative and unique way to cross the river. These stepping stones were featured in the 2016 Japanese film My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday, and the 2019 anime Hello World. Aside from these, dozens of restaurants near the riverbanks incorporated open balconies that use the river's beauty as an additional ambiance to their establishments.

Just a little more!

My family and I got to visit the part of Kamogawa where the "turtle jumping stone scene" in the movie was shot during the 7th day of our 2018 Japan trip. We had quite a memorable experience as my wife, my five-year-old daughter Ella, and I managed to cross the river jumping from these stepping stones. We were just thankful that the water level was still normal during our visit despite the continuous rain that day. Sadly, we didn't stay long or dine in one of the nearby restaurants as we still visit Shimogamo Shrine that day.

The view of the stones and the Kamogawa delta

Ella successfully crossed the river! Yahoo!

Kamogawa Admission Fee:

It's FREE to visit and explore Kamogawa.

Kamogawa Opening Hours:

Kamogawa is open 24 hours.

Why visit Kamogawa?

Overall, if you enjoyed My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday, and Hello World then you'd surely include this in your itinerary when you visit Kyoto. As for me, I hope that one day I'll get to revisit Kamogawa again but hopefully, it's during the cherry blossom season.

Getting to Kamogawa:

From Kyoto Station, ride bus number 205. Board down at Kawaramachi Imadegawa Bus Stop which is 12 stops away. From there walk for about 2 minutes going to Kamo-Ohashi. There is a path at its side leading to the riverside.

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