Kibune River is a tributary of the Kamogawa, which runs through central Kyoto. From May to September, the restaurants alongside the Kibune set up tables that extend out over the river (川床 Kawadoko) . It is a good way to enjoy the cool air and a delicious meal, while avoiding the hot humid summer. In the old days, a god descended upon the upper reaches of Kibune River at the exact Year, Month, Day, and Time of the Ox. In the Noh chant “鉄輪 Kanawa” a woman worshiped at nearby Kifune Shrine (same name as the river, but the pronunciation is different) for the purpose of placing a curse on her husband. But, contrary to popular belief, the god in this shrine was (and still is) responsive to all wishes, not only to curses. Today, Kifune Shrine has also become famous as a healing Power Spot. The shrine is a 30-minute walk from Kibune-guchi Station on the Eizan Tesudo Line.
- 1 min read
Kyoto Kibune Riverside Walk
Enjoy cool air and the healing power of the forest
Join the discussion
Geraldine Buergel
5 years ago
Looks like a very tranquil place.
Sleiman Azizi
6 years ago
That is just beautiful. Really, it is. The idea of eating over a river sounds like the most obvious thing to do but it seems that it actually isn't.
Kim Bergström
7 years ago
I love the whole concept of kawadoko in summertime!
Aobh Bodewig
9 years ago
So serene !
Jihad Mahmoud
9 years ago
The atmosphere seems so refreshing!
Top Articles
-
![Nara Beyond the Crowds With Two Peaceful Retreats]( "Nara Beyond the Crowds With Two Peaceful Retreats")
1Nara Beyond the Crowds With Two Peaceful Retreats
Nara - Sponsored -
![Exploring Tokyo’s Food Culture]( "Exploring Tokyo’s Food Culture")
2Exploring Tokyo’s Food Culture
Tokyo - Sponsored -
![An All-Inclusive Osaka Escape With KAMENOI HOTEL TONDABAYASHI ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT]( "An All-Inclusive Osaka Escape With KAMENOI HOTEL TONDABAYASHI ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT")
3An All-Inclusive Osaka Escape With KAMENOI HOTEL TONDABAYASHI ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT
Osaka - Sponsored -
![Nature, Art, and Culture Along an Ancient Route]( "Nature, Art, and Culture Along an Ancient Route")
4Nature, Art, and Culture Along an Ancient Route
Culture - Sponsored -
![Ultimate Fukuoka Food Guide: Hakata Ramen, Yatai Culture & Beyond]( "Ultimate Fukuoka Food Guide: Hakata Ramen, Yatai Culture & Beyond")
5Ultimate Fukuoka Food Guide: Hakata Ramen, Yatai Culture & Beyond
Fukuoka - Sponsored -
![Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours]( "Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours")
6Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours
Culture -
![Kamenoi Hotel Aso: A Grand Nature Resort in Aso]( "Kamenoi Hotel Aso: A Grand Nature Resort in Aso")
7Kamenoi Hotel Aso: A Grand Nature Resort in Aso
Kumamoto - Sponsored -
![Shopping in Ginza: 10 Unexpected Finds at Matsuya Ginza]( "Shopping in Ginza: 10 Unexpected Finds at Matsuya Ginza")
8Shopping in Ginza: 10 Unexpected Finds at Matsuya Ginza
Tokyo - Sponsored -
![Inside Nagasaki’s Tea World with Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea Tours]( "Inside Nagasaki’s Tea World with Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea Tours")
9Inside Nagasaki’s Tea World with Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea Tours
Nagasaki - Sponsored -
![A Spring and Summer Guide to Lake Tazawa, Complete with the Perfect Stay]( "A Spring and Summer Guide to Lake Tazawa, Complete with the Perfect Stay")
10A Spring and Summer Guide to Lake Tazawa, Complete with the Perfect Stay
Akita - Sponsored
-
![Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan]( "Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan")
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
![Guide to Suica Cards in Japan]( "Guide to Suica Cards in Japan")
2Guide to Suica Cards in Japan
Transportation -
![Akishinodera Temple]( "Akishinodera Temple")
3Akishinodera Temple
Nara -
![Tax-free Shopping in Japan: 2026 Changes]( "Tax-free Shopping in Japan: 2026 Changes")
4Tax-free Shopping in Japan: 2026 Changes
Planning -
![The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo]( "The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo")
5The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
![Punch the Monkey: Japan's Viral Baby Macaque]( "Punch the Monkey: Japan's Viral Baby Macaque")
6Punch the Monkey: Japan's Viral Baby Macaque
Chiba -
![May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)]( "May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)")
7May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
![Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo]( "Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo")
8Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
![Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)]( "Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)")
9Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)
Culture -
![Japanese Urban Legends]( "Japanese Urban Legends")
10Japanese Urban Legends
Culture
