★ Kibune, Kawadoko, Kaiseki (Kyoto Cuisine) over the River!

After a big festival of Aoi Matsuri finished in 15th of May, now the people in Kyoto are starting to enjoy a Greenery Paradise covered with here and there.

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!

Here is the official Kyoto website for restaurants of Kyoto Kaiseki in north Kyoto and Ohara.

Kaiseki Reataurant

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. :)

★ Aoi Matsuri Gorgeous Parade on 15th of May

In coming 15th of May, there is a big festival in Kyoto, Aoi Matsuri Festival!! This is one of the three big festivals in Kyoto along with the Gion Festival and the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of Ages)!  The highlight is the gorgeous parade recreating the exact scene of the ancient Heian Court.

I will guide two Australian couples (4 seniors) on that special day. :)  They will be arriving by train from Kobe after a cruise that includes day tours at Nagasaki and Kagoshima, very unique!! I will start the tour from Kyoto station in the morning as usual.

After visiting either must-to-visit temple of Tenryuji in the west or Kinkakuji in the north in the morning, I'm planning to head for Kamigamo shrine directions in the afternoon, where is the final location of the parade.

Kamigamo and Shimogamo shrines are said to be the origin of Kyoto, the most traditional and sacred area for Japanese people like Ise Jingu Shrine in Mie prefecture. I like the Kamigamo shrine area very much with such pure mood in the air... on your each breathing you may feel the whole body to be purified. 

My recommended viewing location is along the upper part of Kamo riverside if in the afternoon. The parade takes the route of narrow street called "Kamo Kaido" trail. I think those sacred mother nature and the ancient style parade will be the perfect combination. It's expected very crowded, but I hope we can enjoy the mood and taking many memorial pictures!!


Oh, when you visit Kamigamo shrine, don't miss to try "Yaki-mochi" rice cake at Jinba-do store near from the shrine!!

This is very traditional Kyoto Sweets originated in this area (run out very quickly!!). The soft rice-cake buns with sweet red beans inside, not too sweet, and very delicious!! I like them! :)

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The Parade Course and Time Table:
Imperial Palace (10:30am)
Demachiyanagi Bridge area (11:15am)
Shimogamo Shrine (12:00pm to 14:30pm)
Kitaoji-street to Kamo-Kaido trail (14:40pm to 15:00pm)
Kamigamo Shrine (15:30pm)

Suggested Access to Kamigamo shrine :
Kitayaja Subway station in Karasuma line.

Information :Aoi Matsuri Parade Preservation Society
Tel: 075-254-7650
* Delayed into the following day if in the rain.
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★ Kamogawa River Yuka Started!

After enjoying the gorgeous Sakura, the famous sign telling the next season, Summer has come up in the riverside of Kyoto!! Kamogawa Yuka, a riverside platform for dining, is one of the symbol of Kyoto.

When you see it's set up above the west bank of Kamogawa River, it reminds Spring's finished and the city has set up to welcome the Summer!! It's originally appeared in the late 16th century, just the outdoor wooden benches at first, then, it's gradually set up more elaborate current form.

In this season, the people are enjoying their relaxing time on their own style, watching the beautiful view while listening to the sound of a stream in the riverside. Seeing that young couples enjoy their lunch in the sunny open-air riverside is very popular. Also people enjoy cycling in a cozy gentle breeze along the river.

At night, this riverside is turned to be the scenic site well-known for its gorgeous Pontocho! The traditional lantern light is really exotic.  

 Now there are about 90 yuka platforms, meaning 90 restaurants are located along the river. There are many kinds of cuisine available such as traditional Izakaya, Sumibi-yaki (charcol grilled), Kyoto Kaiseki, Sushi, Tenpura, Sukiyaki, Italian, French, Beef etc...

There is the theater of Geiko/Maiko at the end of the Pontocho street, so if you're lucky, you may come across the beautiful Maiko walking on the street or enjoy dining with their guests...

The riverside dining will last until the summer will be finished in September.
Enjoy Summer in Kyoto.




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