Where to stay, eat and drink in Kyoto
Kamogawa Delta
Kyoto
By Kenji Hall
In summer the banks of the Kamogawa Delta – where the Takano and Kamogawa rivers meet – fill with sunbathers and picnickers. Not far from the forested grounds of the Shimogamo Shrine, the delta is a popular place for splashing around, with residents often frolicking among the large stones that span the water. These concrete blocks – some of which are carved in the form of birds and turtles – were placed here in the 1990s to stabilise the riverbed.
Kyoto’s riversides play an important role in the city’s life in general. Summer is humid so a walk along the bank, a splash in the shallows or just a drink overlooking the water are indispensable – and a staple of the ancient capital’s close relationship with its waterways.
A few recommendations are below, and Monocle’s complete city guide to Kyoto is here.
Where to stay
Hotel Kanra Kyoto
Located near Higashi Honganji temple, this 68-room hotel has an attractive interior that fuses Japanese and western elements. It’s also got a traditional in-house spa.
hotelkanra.jp
Where to eat
Kiln
Set on the banks of the Takase River, this bistro specialises in charcoal grilling: think Wagyu beef, chicken brochette and charred yellowtail.
kilnrestaurant.jp
Where to drink
Where to shop
45R
Launched in 1977, 45R is famous for aizome (indigo) dyed clothes made in Japan. See the brand’s full line-up at the Kyoto branch.
61 Masuya-cho, Nakagyo-ku
See
Saiho-ji Temple
The temple is no more but there is an eerily beautiful moss garden: more than 120 varieties create a delicate carpet under a canopy of trees. The upper level is a karesansui-style dry-rock garden.
56 Matsuo-jingatani-cho, Nishikyo-ku
