Kamo River Summer Terrace and Kibune Riverside Dining: Saturday, May 27, 2023

[Summary]
There are two ways to read the term "kawadoko" (riverside dining) in Kyoto: "kawayuka" and "kawadoko." The Kamo River's kawayuka began in the era of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and is currently operated as elevated platforms from May to September. On the other hand, the Kibune kawadoko began in the Taisho era as a resting spot along the Saba Kaido (Mackerel Road), and it became established as a culture of enjoying cuisine above the river. Both are cherished as summer traditions in Kyoto.

[Main Text]
When referring to "kawadoko" in Kyoto, be aware that there are two ways to read it: "kawayuka" and "kawadoko."

Kawayuka along the Kamo River, which is said to have begun in the era of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, can currently be enjoyed every year from May 1st to September 30th on the right bank of the Kamo River (this year, there are 87 establishments in the Kamikiyamachi, Pontocho, Saiseki, and Shimokiyamachi areas). It is said that there were establishments on both banks of the Kamo River until the Meiji era.

It is believed that during the Edo period, Kamo River's kawayuka featured both low-profile floor seating and elevated platforms. The current Kamogawa Noryo-yuka, which now only uses the elevated style, begins construction at the end of April each year, with removal work taking place in early October.

On the other hand, the Kibune kawadoko is said to have started in the Taisho era as a resting place along the Saba Kaido, where people began to enjoy riverside cuisine by placing floor tables over the river (according to the Kibune Fujiya website).

Kawadoko (kawayuka and kawadoko) is one of the iconic traditions of Kyoto.

Kamo River Summer Terrace and Kibune Riverside Dining: Saturday, May 27, 2023

Summary
In Kyoto, the term kawadoko (riverside dining platforms) has two pronunciations: kawayuka and kawadoko. The kawayuka along the Kamo River dates back to the era of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and is now enjoyed from May to September as elevated platforms on the river’s right bank. In contrast, kawadoko in Kibune began in the Taishō period as a resting spot along the Saba Kaidō, where diners enjoy meals on platforms placed above the river. Both are cherished summer traditions in Kyoto.

Main Text
In Kyoto, there are two ways to read the term "川床": "kawayuka" and "kawadoko," so please be careful.

Kawayuka, which is said to have originated in the era of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, can be enjoyed on the right bank of the Kamo River from May 1st to September 30th each year (this year, there are 87 shops in the areas of Kamikiyamachi, Pontocho, Saiseki, and Shimokiyamachi). It is said that there were shops on both banks of the Kamo River until the Meiji era.

During the Edo period, there were both sukiya-style and elevated-style kawadoko along the Kamo River. The current Kamogawa Noryo-yuka, which has only the elevated style, begins construction at the end of April each year and removal work is carried out at the beginning of October.

On the other hand, Kawadoko in Kifune is said to have started in the Taisho era as a resting place along the Saba Kaido, where they placed a floor table on the river to enjoy Kawadoko cuisine (according to Kifune Fujuya's website).

Kawadoko (kawayuka and kawadoko) is one of the iconic traditions of Kyoto.