Summers in Kyoto can be testing with heat and humidity often comfortably high. This often takes visitors by surprise who flock to the city from July to September only to discover that Kyoto can be hotbox and walking from temple-to-temple can be a challenge. Anyone looking for an escape from the heat might consider heading to the banks of Kamogawa (Kamo River) to enjoy ‘kawadoko’ dining on the long row of restaurants facing onto the river.

Extending from Nijo-dori and Gojo Ohashi Bridge (and easily accessible from Gion-Shijo Station), raised platforms are put in place from May to September on which diners can enjoy a meal and drink outside, cooled by the air moving off the river and up and around the platforms.

Most are open for both lunch and dinner with the evening being by far the most popular time to enjoy kawadoko dining. Restaurants of course serve plenty of Japanese but you’ll also find international cuisine including Thai, Italian and more. To access the platforms, walk north from Nijo-dori along the narrow Ponto-cho alleyway. You’ll be amazed the most restaurant entrances on the narrow lane take you through to the open-air dining of the river – one of Kyoto’s best summer experiences!