There are many famous Ao-Momiji, or Green Maple sightseeing area in Kyoto, but if you'd love to experience the complete nature, you can't miss Kibune area.
Kibune is about 30 minutes by train up into the north mountains from the city. With an ancient Kibune shrine nearby. Walking along the beautiful stream is so cozy and special.
Especially the things making this area quite popular is "Kibune Kawadoko", an unique style of Kyoto Dining!!
You enjoy the gorgeous Kyoto Kaiseki food on a platform built over the beautiful river, Enjoy not only food but feeling and listening to the sound of the stream.
Kyoto in summer, is really hot and humid... so here is a nice idea to escape from the muggy heat and have a rest! :)
Kamogawa-Yuka, was already started from May! Kibune area is located at very north, area so their best season is in Summer, but you can enjoy this another world even from June!! through September!! You'd be amazed to find it quite exotic and romantic...
Are you interested in Kaiseki? a traditional multi-course Japanese meal filled with ayu (river fish), daggertooth pike conger, red-spotted masu trout, cold somen noodle, sashimi(sliced raw fish) and fresh Kyoto vegetables etc.
We, Japanese eat kaiseki on special occasions. One of the big reason to come to visit Kyoto in summer is to enjoy Kyoto Kaiseki!
Sitting atop this stream and are literally cooled by the temperature and the sound of the running water.
Kaiseki cuisine is very fancy and formal so very expensive. Depending on the restaurant, you may need enough budget around $100 - $157 per person. Reservation needed especially in their peak season of July!
I've once guided American couple around Kibune area and they enjoyed a gorgeous Kaiseki at one of the most authentic Kibune restaurant, "Hiroya". It was in a private room of the restaurant at that night because it's rainning unfortunately, but they still couldn't stop smiling and enjoying for such secret mood in the Japanese traditional architecture like authentic Japanese ryokan!!
Why don't you try this special experience, eating on the river! Create your own unforgettable late spring and summer memories in Kyoto. :)