Stay Cool in the Summer at Kyoto’s Kawadoko and Noryo-yuka Terraces

Get to know kawadoko and noryo-yuka terraces

Kyoto, being a basin, experiences hot and humid summers. Historically, people have sought relief from the heat by cooling off along the riverbanks on terraces known as noryo-yuka and kawadoko.

The tradition of setting up raised platforms along the Kamo River in Kyoto is said to have originated in the Momoyama period (1568-1603.) From May to October, around 100 inns and restaurants along the western bank of the Kamo River, between Nijo Street and Gojo Street, set up elevated outdoor seating, collectively known as Kamo River Noryo-yuka. This allows visitors to enjoy the evening view of the Kamo River and feel the cool breeze that dissipates the day's heat.

In the Kibune and Takao areas of Kyoto, the kawadoko seating is set directly over streams, with some seats even allowing diners to touch the refreshing water.

Kawadoko and noryo-yuka etiquette

Noryo-yuka and kawadoko are both set up along rivers and often feature open-air seating, making them vulnerable to rainy weather. It's advisable to check the forecast before making a reservation. The best time to visit is from July to August, after the rainy season when the summer weather is relatively stable.

For an enjoyable Kyoto summer experience, keep these tips in mind:

Book early: Kyoto's noryo-yuka and kawadoko are highly sought after, especially from July to August. Make your reservation early to avoid disappointment.

Avoid same-day cancellations: In case of rain or high river levels, the restaurant will help arrange alternative seating. Avoid canceling on the day of your reservation to prevent inconveniencing the restaurant, which may charge a cancellation fee.

Bring mosquito repellent: Being near the river in summer can mean dealing with mosquitoes. Bring insect repellent to ensure an enjoyable dining experience.

Avoid bare feet: Most noryo-yuka and kawadoko seating involve tatami mats and cushions, requiring diners to remove their shoes. Wearing socks is recommended to adhere to local etiquette.

Keep noise levels down: While the atmosphere at kawadoko is relaxed, the proximity of seating means noise travels easily. Maintain a moderate volume to respect everyone's right to enjoy their time by the river.

Best places to enjoy noryo-yuka and kawadoko

In Kyoto, noryo-yuka along the Kamo River and kawadoko in Kibune are set up from May to September, offering a refreshing riverside dining experience. If visiting in April, head to Takao for a tranquil kawadoko experience by the streams in the mountains. Additionally, the Shozan Resort Kyoto (in Japanese only) in the Taka no Mine area offers keiryo-yuka (a riverside terrace) from late April to September, featuring Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine and seasonal events like maiko (apprentice geisha) performances and firefly viewing.

Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Sanjo Ohashi Branch

If you find yourself at the Kamo River wanting to experience noryo-yuka outside of lunch or dinner hours, the Starbucks Kyoto Sanjo Ohashi branch is a great option. During the hot summer, enjoy a refreshing iced coffee or a seasonal Frappuccino on their noryo-yuka seating while taking in the beautiful views of the Kamo River and Mount Hiei.

Starbucks Kyoto Sanjo Ohashi Branch
Address: Omiya Building 1F, 113 Nakajima-cho, Sanjo-dori, Kawaramachi Higashi-iru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: 5-min walk from Sanjo Station (Keihan Electric Railway)
Official website: https://store.starbucks.co.jp/detail-68/ (in Japanese only)

Salon de Royal Kyoto

Founded in 1935, Salon de Royal is a renowned chocolatier and a pioneer in Japan's chocolate industry. Its Kyoto branch by the Kamo River offers indoor seating as well as noryo-yuka seating from May to September, where you can enjoy afternoon tea. Select the signature Bonbon Chocolat or other desserts from their display case and pair them with coffee or tea for an elegant tea time by the Kamo River.

Salon de Royal
Address: 502 Kamikoriki-cho, Kiyamachi-dori, Oike-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: 4-min walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station (Kyoto City Subway)
Official website: https://www.s-royal.com/kyoto/ (in Japanese only)

Wabiya Rakuchu-tei

Located in Pontocho by the Kamo River, the restaurant Wabiya Rakuchu-tei specializes in creative cuisine, transforming the Osaka street food kushiage (deep-fried skewers) into a stylish and elegant dish. Select ingredients, coated in a special breadcrumb mixture, are fried to a golden crisp and served in beautifully arranged dishes that are sure to whet your appetite.

Paired with the restaurant's selection of red and white wines, you can enjoy these seasonal kushiage delights on the noryo-yuka as the evening deepens.

Wabiya Rakuchu-tei
Address: East side of Pontocho, Shijo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: 5-min walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu Railway;) 5-min walk from Gion Shijo Station (Keihan Electric Railway)
Official website: https://www.wabiya.com/rakuchu/

Bar Atlantis

When visiting Kyoto, many tourists are drawn to Pontocho by the Kamo River at night, eager to explore its narrow stone-paved streets, flickering lanterns, and an array of Japanese cuisine. Bar Atlantis in Pontocho has a spacious interior featuring a sofa area, bar counter, and highly sought-after noryo-yuka seating in the summer where bartenders mix drinks on the spot.

Bar Atlantis
Address: 161 Matsumoto-cho, Shijo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: 3-min walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu Railway;) 4-min walk from Gion Shijo Station (Keihan Electric Railway)
Official website: http://www.atlantis-net.co.jp/ (in Japanese only)

Hirobun

Kawadoko in Kibune are famous for nagashi somen, a unique dining experience where thin noodles flow down a bamboo slide, accompanied by the soothing sounds of flowing water.

Hirobun, the only ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in Kibune offering this experience, not only boasts a prime location along the upper reaches of the Kibune River but also features refurbished interiors with rooms adorned with millennia-old Kibune cedar. Visitors can enjoy a variety of dining options, including kaiseki course meals and hotpot dishes.

Hirobun
Address: 87 Kuramakibune-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: 4-min bus ride from Eizan Electric Railway Kibuneguchi Station to Kibune bus stop, from there it's a 10-min walk
Official website: https://hirobun.co.jp/

Hyoue

After passing through the approach of Kifune Shrine, you'll find the ryokan inn Hyoue quietly nestled in the forest. Combining accommodation with dining services, Hyoue sets up its kawadoko surrounded by lush greenery in early summer.

The Kifune Kaiseki set meal on its menu showcases meticulous attention to detail, from carefully selected ingredients to exquisite plating of locally sourced ingredients. Moreover, the Hyoue Cafe offers delicious coffee, matcha, and desserts. Order a cup of coffee and enjoy a refreshing afternoon by the river.

Hyoue
Address: 101 Kuramakibune-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: 4-min bus ride from Eizan Electric Railway Kibuneguchi Station to Kibune bus stop, from there it’s a 16-min walk
Official website: https://hyoue.com/en/

Momijiya

Momijiya, situated at the entrance of Mount Takao in Kyoto, is a spacious ryokan inn comprising the main building and an annex connected by a dedicated suspension bridge. It offers stunning kawadoko terraces along the Kiyotaki River during spring, summer, and fall.

Accessible via an exclusive shuttle service, guests can also visit nearby temples. Non-staying guests can enjoy the kawadoko by reservation. Momijiya also features open-air baths with scenic views, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers in Kyoto.

Momijiya
Address: Takao, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: Take the ryokan's shuttle bus (reservation required) from either Uzumasa Tenjingawa Subway Station or JR Hozukyo Station; or 10-min taxi ride from JR Hozukyo Station
Official website: https://www.momijiya.jp/en/

Relax on Kyoto's terraces in a yukata

When exploring Kyoto's historic streets, adding a touch of elegance with traditional Japanese attire enhances the experience, especially for photos at shrines or historical sites. Yukata (light cotton kimono) are ideal for summer. To secure yukata rentals during the busy summer season, check out the different kimono rental packages and experiences available on WAmazing Play.

When traveling to Kyoto, don't forget to purchase the Kansai Area Pass and Kansai Wide Area Pass to get a bang for your buck when exploring the Kansai Region and beyond.

Explore more of Japan by using one of the many different transportation passes.

*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.