I went north along right side of Kamogawa (Kamo River) by bicycle, because the rain stopped after a long time then. The river was a muddy stream making big sounds because the heavy rains raised the river stage though it is usually shallow. Kamogawa, has been flowing from north to south on central Kyoto, is a symbol of Kyoto. The Japanese Giant Salamanders which live in the upper Kamogawa make news that the heavy rains sweep them away to the lower sometimes.
A long time ago, Kyo-Yuzen, the Japanese stencil-dyed fabrics using traditional method, had colored the Kamogawa, but nowadays it is not possible to see that scene due to the deterioration of the water quality. However you can see it at the annual event, “Yuzen Nagashi fantasy“. It will take place on 5th- 6th August this year.

Though the shallows has not changed, the banks of the river has maintained and made wooded area since the floods happened at 1935. Now it is a place of recreation and relaxation for citizens.



In the banks of Kamogawa in the evening, there are a person who hurries home, a person who take the dog for a walk, and a jogging person, etc,. And sounds of brass band (maybe it belongs to Kyoto University) practicing comes from a distance, in surface of the river, there are wild ducks which are busy to look for foods there. Under some bridges there are some houses which were made by plastic blue sheets in which the Homeless people are living. It is possible to feel that has also another nice face of Kyoto there which is different from busy people who come and go on the bridge.


Well, I arrived at Shimogamo shrine that is on the meeting place of Kamogawa and Takanogawa.



Many people were entering the inside of shrine. That day was festival “Mitarashi matsuri”, which is a divine event that has continued since the Heian era. People bathe up to their knees in springwater of “Mitarashi ike (pond)”and pray for living in good health everyday at the same time.



I saw that two girls who were wearing “Yukata”, which is an informal cotton kimono for the summer season, walked eating “ringo ame (a whole apple is coated by sugar candy)” which was bought in stall. Such scene in summer festival doesn’t change for a long time.

Then I went home along left side of the river which became dark by bicycle. As I looked up the lights of “Yuka (Riverside dining-Kyoto style)” which is poetic thing of summer of Kyoto on its way, cheerful laughter heard from there. Couples sit in the banks of Kamogawa, and young people enjoy fireworks. Street musician are ready! In muggy summer of Kyoto, that place will do for cooling yourself in the evening.



If you come to Kyoto in summer, you must enjoy a stroll in the banks of Kamogawa in the evening!