.png)
The Kamogawa River provides one of the best dining experiences in Kyoto, Japan. If you are looking for the best places to eat along the Kamogawa River, we highlighted the 4 Best Restaurants Near Kamogawa River.
“Kawadoko” is a popular Kyoto-style dining experience in Japan where restaurants, cafés, and other establishments have outdoor spaces, usually made of wood, built over or beside a river. This type of dining is designed for socializing and appreciation of natural scenery, especially in the summer months in Japan—from May to September—when it’s hot and sunny.
The most popular kawadoko areas in Kyoto are Kamogawa, Takao, and Kibune. Each place has a distinct approach to kawadoko and, of course, different sceneries. But kawadoko in Kamogawa is the oldest dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868).
You also have a wide range of options in Kamogawa, from traditional Japanese restaurants to French, Italian, Indian, Chinese, and more! Kawadoko in Kamogawa is also one of the most scenic as you get a panoramic view of the river.
The Kamogawa River (or just Kamo River since “gawa” already means river) plays a major role in Kyoto, flowing through the city for 55 kilometers. Along the river are temples and shrines, and it’s also popular for fishing and boating.
If you are looking for the best restaurants in Kamogawa River, here are our top recommendations:
1. Idumoya Pontocho
This unagi restaurant provides an unobstructed of Kamogawa. Idumoya specializes in unagi or freshwater eel. You should try their unagi kabayaki (soy sauce-marinated and grilled eel).
Price: From 1,000 yen
Hours: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM (Monday-Sunday)
Location: 173-2 Kashiwayacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8014, Japan
Contact: +81 75-211-2501
2. Hiro Kiyamachi
For any barbecue with a view, you can never go wrong with any restaurant. But our top recommendation near Kamogawa would be Hiro. It’s not just any other yakiniku (barbecue) restaurant as it specializes in Wagyu beef.
Price: From 3,000 yen
Hours: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM (Monday-Sunday)
Location: 527 Kamiosakacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8205, Japan
Contact: +81 75-213-5000
3. Moritaya Kiyamachi
This popular sukiyaki (hotpot) restaurant in Kyoto is a must if you are looking for a top-quality hotpot dining experience. They have private rooms with a good view of the Kamogawa.
Price: From 10,000 yen
Hours: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Monday-Friday), 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM (Saturday & Sunday)
Location: 531 Kamiosakacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8001, Japan
Contact: +81 75-231-5118
ALSO READ: Kyoto Soba Guide: Top 5 Best Soba in Kyoto
4. Takara
If you are looking for a high-end multi-course meal, this kaiseki restaurant serves a range of traditional Japanese meals to satisfy your cravings, plus a good view of the river.
Price: From 5,000 yen
Hours: 12 NN - 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Tuesday-Sunday)
Location: 173-2 Kashiwayacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8014, Japan
Contact: +81 50-5485-4877
That’s all for the best restaurants near Kamogawa River! When in Kyoto, whether it’s summer or not, experience dining along Kamogawa is a must.
Looking for a fun food tour in Kyoto? Come join us at our Nishiki Market Kyoto Food Tour where we bring you around the best food spots at Nishiki Market and feast on various delicious dishes.
Sign up today! Limited slots only.