Enjoying a meal while listening to the gentle murmur of the river—this is the charm of kawadoko, a unique and luxurious summer tradition in Kyoto.

If you’re visiting Kyoto during the summer, don’t miss the chance to dine on a kawadoko and make your trip even more memorable.

In this article, we introduce the three main areas where you can experience kawadoko: Kamo River, Kibune, and Takao, along with their distinct features and recommended restaurants.

Kawadoko or Kawayuka refers to outdoor seating set up by restaurants along or above riverbanks in Kyoto. Originally devised as a clever way to escape the sweltering summer heat of Kyoto’s basin climate, this tradition has been passed down through generations. From spring to autumn, restaurants offer meals on these riverside platforms, allowing guests to enjoy not only the cuisine but also the uniquely atmospheric charm of Kyoto. It’s one of the must-try seasonal experiences when visiting the city.

There are three main areas in Kyoto where you can enjoy dining on kawadoko platforms: Kamo River in the city center, Kibune, a mountain village in northern Kyoto, and Takao, a nature-rich area. Interestingly, the terminology differs slightly depending on the location. In the Kamo River area, the platforms are generally referred to as kawayuka or noryo-yuka, while in Kibune and Takao, the traditional term kawadoko is used.

■Kamo River
In this area, elevated wooden platforms are built over the Misosogi River, an artificial stream on the west bank of the Kamo River. A wide variety of restaurants—including those serving traditional Kyoto cuisine, French, Italian, and café fare—line the river, offering diverse dining experiences.

■Kibune
Here, the platforms are placed directly above the Kibune River, so close that you can almost reach out and touch the clear stream. The temperature is said to be around 10°C cooler than in central Kyoto, making it a perfect summer retreat.

■Takao
Located about an hour’s drive from central Kyoto, Takao features platforms set along the Kiyotaki River. With covered seating, this area offers a more weather-proof kawadoko experience, allowing visitors to enjoy their meal comfortably even on less sunny days.

*Latest information for 2025

When dining on a kawadoko (riverside terrace) in Kyoto, there are a few dishes you definitely don’t want to miss—especially during the summer season. Here are three seasonal specialties to enjoy: Ayu (sweetfish), sukiyaki, and somen noodles.

■ Ayu (Sweetfish)

Ayu is a freshwater fish in season during the summer and is a staple of kawadoko cuisine. The most popular way to enjoy it is shioyaki—grilled slowly over charcoal with a light sprinkle of salt to enhance its delicate flavor. Another recommended preparation is tempura, where the whole fish is coated and deep-fried until crispy, making even the bones deliciously edible.

■ Sukiyaki

This traditional Japanese hot pot dish originated in Kyoto. The Kyoto-style sukiyaki begins by greasing a cast-iron pan with beef fat, then grilling slices of domestic beef. The meat is flavored with a blend of soy sauce and sugar, and then cooked together with locally sourced seasonal vegetables in alternating layers. The savory-sweet flavor makes it a hearty favorite, even in summer.

■ Somen (Thin Wheat Noodles)

Somen are thin noodles made from wheat flour, boiled and then chilled in cold water before serving. Typically enjoyed by dipping into a homemade broth made from soy sauce and mirin, these noodles are refreshingly cold and smooth, offering a perfect way to cool down during Kyoto’s hot and humid summer.

A Beloved Local Bistro

[Ikariya Shokudo]

Housed in a beautifully renovated 100-year-old kyomachiya townhouse, Ikariya Shokudo offers a uniquely Kyoto-style bistro experience, blending traditional Japanese architecture with elegant Western interior design. Run by chefs who have trained in Italy and France, the restaurant is known for its outstanding cuisine at reasonable prices.

A standout dish here is the “Cocotte Souffle Fromage,” a fluffy and comforting blend of egg, white sauce, and cheese, baked slowly in a cast-iron cocotte. Other popular options include the tender “Confit of Chicken Thigh” cooked at low temperature, and the seasonal “Kawadoko Lunch Course,” which lets you enjoy your meal riverside during the summer.

Enjoy a Stylish Kawadoko Experience

[B STORE 1st]

Located along the banks of the Kamo River in Kyoto, B STORE 1st is a stylish restaurant housed in a beautifully renovated 100-year-old machiya (traditional townhouse). Blending classic Kyoto charm with a modern sensibility, this elegant space offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience. Its kawadoko (riverside terrace) seats provide front-row views of the changing seasons, perfectly complementing the creative dishes served.

At lunch, guests can enjoy a casual set menu featuring seasonal vegetables, charcoal-grilled meats, and pasta. The restaurant also offers coffee roasted in-house by its sister shop, B STORE 2nd, and pastries crafted by an in-house pâtissier.
Dinner is served in a “neo-izakaya” style, with a focus on à la carte dishes and a carefully curated selection of wines and original cocktails by a dedicated sommelier—perfect for a laid-back yet sophisticated evening by the river.

A beef specialty restaurant with over 150 years of history

Moritaya Kiyamachi Branch

Founded in 1869 as Kyoto’s first restaurant specializing in beef, this historic establishment offers premium Kuroge Wagyu—including Kyoto-raised beef from its own ranch in the Tamba-Wachi Highlands—as sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, oil-grilled dishes, and steak.

If you’re dining on the kawayuka, the sukiyaki—cooked right at your table by the staff—is highly recommended. Lightly seasoned, it lets you fully savor the rich flavor and aroma of the beef. Another standout is the oil-yaki, where thick cuts of loin, tenderloin, and seasonal vegetables are grilled on a heavy iron plate to juicy perfection.

Seasonal Kyoto Cuisine with the Sound of a Flowing River

[Kifune Hiroya]

Overlooking the clear stream of the Kifune River—the headwaters of the Kamo River—Kifune Hiroya offers an open-air riverside dining experience that feels one with nature. Every seat is designed to be close to the flowing water, creating a refreshing atmosphere that helps guests forget the summer heat.

The restaurant serves traditional kaiseki meals that showcase the seasonal flavors of Kyoto. Signature dishes include salt-grilled sweetfish (ayu), pike conger (hamo), and yuba (tofu skin), beautifully presented to evoke a cool, seasonal elegance. While lunchtime kaiseki on the kawadoko (riverside platform) is delightful, the evening experience—with the riverside illuminated—adds a magical touch. Please note that advance reservations are required.

A Serene Riverside Retreat Surrounded by Nature

[Kifune Beniya]

Nestled in a tranquil forest setting along the Kifune River, Kifune Beniya is a long-established ryokan that offers a deeply atmospheric kawadoko (riverside) dining experience. With the soothing sounds of the river and dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, guests can enjoy Kyoto’s seasonal delicacies in a truly picturesque setting.

Meals are served in a traditional kaiseki style, with the menu changing to reflect the ingredients of each season. Signature dishes include salt-grilled sweetfish (ayu), pike conger (hamo), and yuba (tofu skin)—all carefully prepared to delight both the eyes and the palate. Dining is available on the kawadoko for both lunch and dinner, with the evening ambiance enhanced by soft lighting creating an unforgettable, romantic experience. Advance reservation is required.

Casual Dining Without Reservations

[Kibune Sagenta]

Located in the upper reaches of the Kibune River, Sagenta is a self-service style café and restaurant where you can casually enjoy kawadoko dining without the need for a reservation. If you’re looking for a more formal kaiseki dining experience, visit its sister restaurant Ugenta, located 200 meters south.

Sagenta offers a colorful bento box featuring 25 different dishes, salt-grilled ayu (sweetfish), and their unique “Deep-fried Ayu with Sômen,” which lets you enjoy both ayu and chilled noodles in one dish. You’ll also find a variety of refreshing sweets and drinks perfect for summer, including cream sodas, matcha parfaits, and cheesecakes.

More to Explore in Kibune

After enjoying kawadoko dining in Kibune, why not visit Kifune Shrine, one of Japan’s most renowned power spots? Check out the link below for more information about Kifune Shrine and make the most of your visit!

▼For more details▼

＜Kyoto＞ Kifune Shrine｜Perfect guide from benefits and access to omamori!

Enjoy Kawadoko Cuisine Even on a Day Trip

[Kinsuitei Takao]

Kinsuitei is a traditional ryokan in Takao that serves kawadoko cuisine from May 1 through the end of September. While it’s known for its private family baths with views of vibrant greenery, guests can also enjoy a meal here without staying overnight. Around mid-June through early July, fireflies light up the nearby Kiyotaki River, creating a magical summer atmosphere.

At lunch, you can savor Kyoto-style bento meals or multi-course kaiseki featuring seasonal Kyoto vegetables and salt-grilled ayu (sweetfish). In the evening, the menu transforms into a refreshing summer kaiseki with Kyoto delicacies like hamo otoshi (parboiled pike conger) and hamo shabu (hot pot).

Beautiful River Views from Every Seat

Togano Chaya

Built to extend over the Kiyotaki River, Togano Chaya offers sweeping views of Takao’s lush nature and clear streams from every seat. One of its highlights is that you can enjoy kawadoko dining without needing a reservation.

The menu ranges from light and comforting dishes like chicken miso udon—featuring Kyoto-raised young chicken, grilled mochi, shimeji mushrooms, and seasonal vegetables—to more traditional meals such as a set that includes salt-grilled ayu (sweetfish). You can also stop by just for drinks and dessert with their café menu.

Enjoying kawadoko—a tradition that is said to have begun along the Kamo River around 1670—will surely make your stay in Japan even more memorable. While some restaurants require reservations, others may not accept them, so be sure to check the latest information on each restaurant’s website before your visit.