Hello from Kyoto, Japan! This is Kei from the MACHIYA INNS & HOTELS team in Kyoto. Have you heard of the Kamogawa Noryo Yuka (Kawayuka Dining)?
It’s a summer tradition in Kyoto dating back to the Edo Period, and it’s back again in 2026! Wooden decks (yuka) are set up over the Kamogawa River, letting diners enjoy open-air seating right along the water while savoring local specialties in the cool summer evening air. Around 90 restaurants participate in this tradition, and this year you can enjoy it through October 15th. You can read about its history here.
There are 4 main areas where you can experience this open-air dining, running along the Kamogawa River from Gojo-dori Street (Gojo Ohashi Bridge) north to Nijo-dori Street (Nijo Ohashi Bridge): Shimo Kiyamachi Area, Saiseki Area, Ponto-cho Area, and Kita Kiyamachi Area.
Our Recommendations / Tips to Keep in Mind
As Kamogawa Noryo (Kawayuka Dining) draws large crowds every year, here are a few tips:
⚫︎ Make reservations ahead of time: Our guest services team is happy to help you make a reservation at any restaurant, so please feel free to ask!
⚫︎ Plan for an early reservation: Depending on the restaurant, seating may be available for morning, lunch, and evening. We recommend a lunch or early evening reservation to avoid the crowds.
⚫︎ Kyoto summers get very hot, so don’t forget to stay hydrated and take precautions against the heat.
⚫︎ Using public transportation will get you to the area smoothly. If you’re already planning on visiting the Gion or Pontocho-area, you can stop by for lunch or dinner on the way, too!
One of our favorite things to do in Kyoto during the summer is to simply stroll along the Kamogawa River. The riverbank, which cools down gradually from evening into night, is one of the most popular strolling spots in the city. After dinner, walk along the banks and take in the summer atmosphere; the warm glow of lanterns lighting up the wooden decks, the sound of the river flowing, and maybe even a few interesting local birds and animals along the way. It makes for a special summer memory, whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or a partner.
Feel free to ask our guest services team if you’d like more information or recommendations!
From THE MACHIYA EBISUYA Hotel
– On foot: about 15–20 minutes
– Official Website: https://www.machiya-inn-japan.com/kyoto/ebisuya-machiya/
Head north on Kawaramachi-dori, and once you cross Shijo Bridge, the venue is right there.
From THE MACHIYA KAMIUMEYA Hotel
– On foot: about 20–25 minutes
– Official Website: https://www.machiya-inn-japan.com/kyoto/kamiumeya/
We recommend the route heading north along the Kamogawa River from Gojo Bridge. You’ll feel the river breeze on your way to the venue, adding to that classic Kyoto atmosphere.