Top 8 Kawadoko River Dining Restaurants in Kyoto (Kamogawa, Kibune & Takao)

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.   Index What is Kawadoko (kawayuka) in Kyoto? The 3 Main Kawadoko Areas in Kyoto and Their Unique Features 3 Must-Try Dishes on the Kawadoko: Sweetfish (Ayu), Sukiyaki, and Somen Recommended Kawadoko Restaurants in Kamogawa Recommended Kawadoko Restaurants in Kibune Recommended Kawadoko Restaurants in Takao 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.   Opening Period Number of restaurants Atmosphere Access Kamo River May 1 (Thu) – Oct 15 (Wed)   About 90 Despite being close to lively districts, the Kamo River area offers a refined and atmospheric setting, thanks to the river itself and the lush greenery along its banks. ・Get off at Hankyu Kyoto Line Kyoto Kawaramachi Station ・Get off at Subway Tozai Line Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station Kibune May 1 (Thu) – Sep 30 (Tue)   About 20 Nestled in the forested mountains of northern Kyoto, the Kibune area is surrounded by rich greenery and the soothing sounds of flowing water, creating a truly relaxing atmosphere. ・Take the Eizan Railway to Kibuneguchi Station, then transfer to Kyoto Bus No. 33 and get off at Kibune Bus StopTake the Eizan Railway to Kibuneguchi Station, then transfer to Kyoto Bus No. 33 and get off at Kibune Bus Stop Takao May 1 (Thu) – Nov 30 (Sun)   *Evening Kawadoko operates until Sep 21 (Sun). About 10 A refreshing escape from the city, the Takao area is immersed in nature and offers a peaceful ambiance where the sound of the clear river is especially prominent. ・From Hankyu Kyoto Line Shijo-Omiya Station or Kyoto Station, take the JR Bus (Keihoku Line) and get off at Toganoo Bus Stop ・From JR Sagano Line Hanazono Station, take a taxi (about 10–15 minutes)   *Latest information for 2025 @media screen and (min-width:700px) {.table_outer{width:100%;}} @media screen and (max-width:700px) {.table_outer{overflow-x:scroll;} .table_outer table{width:200vw;}} 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.

6 Tadao Ando Buildings You Should Visit in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe

Tadao Ando is world-famous for his innovative buildings made of cast concrete. As his hometown is Osaka, there are many architectural works by Mr. Ando in the Kansai region. Here are some spots where you can experience culture and art while enjoying his distinctive architectural designs.   １．【KOBE】Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art ２．【KOBE】Chapel of the Wind ３．【OSAKA】Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest ４．【KYOTO】Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art ５．【KYOTO】Garden of Fine Arts Kyoto ６．【HIMEJI】Himeji City Museum of Literature Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art opened in 2002 as a symbol of “cultural recovery” from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. Nicknamed the “Art Museum,” it houses approximately 10,000 works of art, including modern sculptures and prints from Japan and abroad. In addition to exhibiting these works of art, another highlight of the museum is the building designed by Mr. Ando, which is a simple but gigantic labyrinth-like structure that creates changes in light. Visitors can savor a complex and diverse spatial experience in a place of fusion of various art forms.   After passing through the entrance hall with its calm atmosphere, visitors are greeted by a glass-walled corridor surrounding the exhibition rooms, which are flooded with natural light, and other various parts of the building, each with a richly shaded expression. The “circular terrace,” the symbol of the museum, connects the first basement floor to the outdoor space on the second floor, linking the exhibition buildings, gallery buildings, and the sea and mountains. The cast concrete forms a beautiful spiral, creating shades of light and shadow. In 2019, Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art open a second exhibition building (Ando Gallery) to showcase Ando’s architecture. With exhibits of architectural models of his masterpieces such as “Sumiyoshi Row Houses” and “Church of Light,” as well as introductions to various projects in Japan and abroad, this is an unmissable spot for visitors to learn about Ando’s work. The Sea Deck, an observation deck on the third floor of the outdoor space of Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, looks as if it extends out to sea. A large green apple sculpture, which Mr. Ando designed based on the poem “Youth” by the American poet Samuel Ullman, is placed here. The fourth floor also includes the “Mountain Deck” and the “Wind Deck”. On the other side of the first floor entrance, there is a large staircase leading up to the outdoor areas on the second and third floors, where visitors can sit with their backs to the museum and look out over the ocean spread out before them.   The greatest charm of this museum is that it changes its appearance in various ways depending on the time and season you visit, changing both in terms of getting lost and inconvenience. And the pleasure of finding this museum architectural gimmick! Why not visit to savor a spatial experience that can only be felt at any given moment?   ▼Check out this article▼ 10 BEST Museums and Art Galleries in Kobe The Chapel of the Wind is one of the “church trilogy” designed by Tadao Ando, and was the first church building for him, completed in 1986. Located on top of Mt. Rokko, it is called the “Church of the Wind” because of its refreshing natural surroundings. It was designed and operated as a wedding church for the hotel, but is now closed to the public. It is open to the public during “Kobe Rokko Meets Art”, a contemporary art event held every year from late summer to autumn.   The Chapel of the Wind has a rectangular tower mounted on a cast concrete frame, a characteristic of Ando’s architecture, and light streaming through the gaps between the walls and ceiling creates a sacred and serene space. The design originates from the “Notre Dame de Senancq Abbey” in Provence, southern France, which was built in the 12th and 13th centuries. It was created after Ando visited the chapel and was impressed that the light shining through the small windows in the rough-hewn stone walls was the star of the spatial presentation. One of the most distinctive features of the Church of the Winds building is the “Colonnade”, a 40-meter colonnaded corridor leading to the chapel. It is made of celadon-colored frosted glass. The colonnade was developed from the colonnade surrounding the courtyard of the “Notre-Dame de Senancq Abbey” in the form of a straight line. The wind blowing through, the surrounding greenery, and the building are fused together to create a fantastic space. The Church of the Wind is tucked away in the forest on Mt.Rokko. The shadows of the light create a beautiful space, a special spot where an extraordinary time flows. Spend your time listening to the tones of nature and feeling the wind blowing through the air. From the top of Mt. Rokko, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kobe and Osaka.   The Church of the Wind is normally closed to the public and will be open only during the “Kobe Rokko Meets Art” exhibition period. For more details about the event, please check the official website. Don’t miss this rare opportunity!   ▼Check out this article▼ KOBE ROKKO MEETS ART 2024 beyond – Art Festival Held on the Mountain “I want children to pick up a variety of books and develop unlimited creativity and curiosity. I want them to spontaneously come into contact with the words, feelings, and ideas in books and learn that there are people and lifestyles in the world that are different from their own”.  With this in mind, Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest was designed by architect Tadao Ando himself and donated to the City of Osaka to be established in Nakanoshima,Osaka in 2020. Its daily operation is supported by donations from citizens and companies. A green apple stands out on the entrance terrace of Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest. The motif is based on the poem “Youth” by the American poet Samuel Ullman, and represents Mr. Ando’s wish that many people will be touched by this symbol of youth full of challenging spirit. In designing the Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest, Mr. Ando placed importance on making more than adequate use of the Nakanoshima location, which is steeped in Osaka’s history and culture, and on ensuring that children would play a leading role in the facility. The building along the Dojima River is made of fair-faced concrete, a characteristic of Ando’s architecture. To the west are the Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka, the Osaka Central Public Hall, and other cultural and artistic facilities. The interior of Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest is a three-story atrium with staircases and bridge passageways that resemble a three-dimensional maze. All the walls are covered with wooden bookshelves, creating an exciting atmosphere as if one were to wander into a “forest of books” and search for books. In the “rest room,” a cylindrical space with no concrete floor, video works are shown to arouse children’s interest in books. The same books displayed on the top shelves are also placed on the lower shelves for browsing. The books are placed on the lower shelves for browsing. All the furniture is made of wood, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Sculptures of words” are displayed here and there on the bookshelves. Impressive short sentences extracted from books appear in three-dimensional letters in the space. Although a book must be picked up and its pages turned in order to experience its world, children often pass by the bookshelf. We wanted to create an opportunity for children to start reading a book with the charm of a single sentence by slipping a word into their field of vision. This was the idea behind the production. “Children’s Book Forest” is a place where children and adults alike can immerse themselves in the fascination of books. The facility is a fusion of Ando’s architecture and the riverside scenery of Osaka, the city of water, where visitors can fully enjoy the world of books. Advance reservation required for use of facilities. Check the official website of Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest for information on how to enter. Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art was built by businessman Shotaro Kaga as a villa from the Taisho era (1912-1926) to the early Showa era (1926-1989). Over time, the villa was on the verge of falling into disrepair, but in 1996, in response to calls to preserve the precious architecture and surrounding nature, it was restored to its original state and reopened as an art museum with a new wing designed by Tadao Ando. The main building portion, designed by Shotaro Kaga, was constructed of wood in the Taisho era and substantially expanded in the early Showa era. The main building incorporates an eclectic mix of techniques, including carved beams and columns. The upper section of the main building incorporates a half-timber system showing the wood frame characteristic of the English Tudor Gothic style, and is constructed of reinforced concrete with a steel frame for the roof section. The terrace on the second floor offers a magnificent view of the three rivers flowing through Kizu, Uji, and Katsura, unchanged since its construction. Designed by Ando, the Jichu-kan addition is connected to the main building by a passageway. The passageway is made of fair-faced concrete with glass walls on the upper four sides and the front. The surrounding seasonal scenery is visible to the eye, creating a sense of harmony between the building and nature. A small pond with water lilies blooms beside the stairs leading to the Chichu-kan “Chichu-no-Jewel Box. From the window at the end of the long flight of stairs, you can see the pond at the same height as your eye level. Since the building is located on a slope, it is important to be able to enjoy the view from inside the building as well. The Chichu-kan, named the “Underground Jewel Box” by Mr. Ando, is designed in a cylindrical semi-underground structure to harmonize with the surrounding landscape. The roof above the exhibition space is planted with trees to blend in with the surrounding greenery. In 2012, a new building, Yamatekan “Box of Dreams,” designed by Ando, was completed. The new building is a box-shaped structure, in contrast to the “Chichu Jewel Box. The straight concrete building is placed so that it is buried in the trees, and like the Chichu-kan, the upper portion is planted to create a sense of unity with nature.   The new Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art, which has been brought to life in a perfect balance of old and new buildings and the surrounding environment, offers visitors a sense of “rebirth” in the Ando style. The Garden of Fine Arts Kyoto opened in 1994 as the world’s first painting garden that can be viewed outdoors. Designed by Mr. Ando, this facility exhibits outdoors sturdy ceramic board paintings that reproduce the beauty of masterpieces in their original form. The garden features a waterside setting with large and small waterfalls and ponds, and the atmosphere of the works changes depending on the viewing location, viewpoint, and weather conditions.   The Garden of Fine Arts Kyoto is a three-story structure, with a gentle slope leading down from the ground level to the second basement level, where visitors view the works in order from the bottom. On display at the Garden of Fine Arts Kyoto is a total of eight masterpieces from around the world. Four of them were created for the “International Garden and Greenery Exposition” held in 1990 and displayed in the “Garden of Masterpieces,” a pavilion designed by Mr. Ando. The other four were created for this facility.   Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgment,” which is almost full-size and over 13 meters high, can be viewed from all floors of the corridor. Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper” sandwiched between the sky and the water. The painting is designed to be reflected in the water, and it is also interesting to see how differently the painting looks on the surface of the water. A doubly enlarged version of the National Treasure, Caricatures of Birds, Beasts, and Humans. The long scroll, read from the right, is displayed so that visitors can appreciate it in a natural flow along the direction of travel.   The works of Van Gogh and Renoir, viewed through windows in the concrete walls, offer a different atmosphere from the paintings. Monet’s “Waterlilies, Morning” is displayed underwater to give visitors an impression of his worldview, and viewing it as if peering into the painting from above is a unique experience. The unique way to enjoy the paintings along with the changes in light and the shimmering surface of the water is only possible with ceramic board paintings.   The Garden of Fine Arts Kyoto, designed by Tadao Ando to take advantage of the outdoor environment, is a recommended place to experience art in a different way than an indoor museum. The Himeji City Museum of Literature, located northwest of the World Cultural Heritage and National Treasure Himeji Castle, was established in 1991 as a center for all literary activities, including the collection and study of materials by writers and scholars associated with Himeji and other Harima areas. Ando’s unique building design, “designed as a space for circulation and dialogue with literature with the castle in the background,” blends in with the old townscape and creates a new landscape. As the design concept suggests, Himeji Castle, nicknamed “Shirasagijo Castle,” can be viewed from inside the building, making it a special place where visitors can feel Himeji from both inside and outside the building.   The Himeji City Museum of Literature consists of the three-story North Wing and the two-story South Wing. The grounds also include the “Boukeitei”, a Taisho period(1912-1926) Japanese house with a 40-mat Japanese-style room and a tea ceremony room. The “Himeji Castle Historical Story Corridor” on the first floor of the North Wing introduces the stories and history of Himeji Castle and the region through video and graphics. A total of 26 episodes are displayed in a long arc-shaped corridor, which visitors can appreciate by following the curve. On the same floor is the “Forest of Words” exhibition room, where visitors can come into contact with the impressive words left by literary figures associated with Harima and their lives, and on the second floor is a corner dedicated to Watsuji Tetsuro, a philosopher born in Himeji City. The South Wing includes the “Ryotaro Shiba Memorial Room” and a café where visitors can relax. This glass-walled space seen from the outside is a “yoiko no heya” for parents and children to enjoy together. It is a bright and colorful space like a sunroom. Here, visitors can take off their shoes, read picture books, and play with toys while relaxing. The tapestries and mobiles are inspired by the stories in “Harimakuni Fudoki,” which is also the origin of the name of Himeji. The landscape where the building stands in harmony with the surrounding nature, blending straight lines and curves, light and shadow, is like a beautiful work of art. The buildings are like beautiful art, blending lines, curves, light, and shadow in harmony with the surrounding nature.   ▼Check out this article▼ Top 12 Recommended Tourist Spots in Kobe for Parents and Children to Enjoy! In addition, we also recommend “VS.”, a facility with a distinctive cube-shaped exterior designed and supervised by Tadao Ando, which will be built in 2024 in “Grand Green Osaka” in Umeda, Osaka. “TADAO ANDO YOUTH” is on view through July 21, 2025. When discussing architecture, Tadao Ando is a must-see. If you travel to Japan, why not experience the world-renowned architecture of Tadao Ando along with sightseeing?   ▼Check out this article▼ This is the place to go! An overwhelmingly beautiful architectural spot that harmonizes with the nature of Awaji Island!

10 Best Places to see Hydrangea in Kansai

Hydrangea is a seasonal flower which is native to Japan and there are more than 50 diverse varieties of this flower. In Japan, a rainy season called Tsuyu starts around mid-June, and actually many people hate this season because of this gloomy weather. However, at the same time, you can feel many Japanese attractions which can’t be found in any other season, and Hydrangea is one of them.   Hydrangea flowers change color depending on the acidity of the soil. We will introduce spots in Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo where various kinds of hydrangeas such as blue, purple and pink bloom. <Table of Contents> 【Osaka, Suita】Expo ’70 Commemorative Park 【Osaka, Ikeda】Kyuan-ji Temple 【Kyoto, Ukyo-ku】Umenomiya-taisha Shrine 【Kyoto, Nishikyo-ku】Yoshimine Temple 【Kyoto, Nagaokakyo】Yanagitani-Kannon 【Hyogo, Kawanishi】Shounsan Raikouji Temple 【Hyogo, Kobe】Kobe Municipal Arboretum 【Hyogo, Rokko】Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden 【Hyogo, Rokko】Rokko Cable Car 【Hyogo, Rokko】Rokko Musical Box Museum & Garden MORINONE About 4,000 hydrangeas of about 30 varieties, including Western hydrangeas and Yaenoamacha, will be in full bloom at the Hydrangea Forest in the Nature Park of Expo ’70 Commemorative Park. Enjoy the fantastic space surrounded by diverse hydrangeas in red, blue, pink, etc. ▼Check out this article▼ Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is a great place to visit in Osaka! Highlights Explained! Kyuan-ji Temple has a path of hydrangeas so overgrown that they hide people. The gradation of hydrangeas on both sides of the path is a feast for the eyes. Floating hydrangeas on the pond are also popular as they look great on Instagram. The “Ajisai-Ukabe” usually held from mid to late June is even more impressive than the “Hana-Chozu”(flower water with handkerchiefs)! At Umenomiya Taisha Shrine, visitors can enjoy approximately 140 varieties of unique hydrangeas from the East Shrine Garden to the North Shrine Garden. You can also appreciate Hanashoubu, which blooms at the same time of the year. Located in the precincts of Yoshimine Temple halfway up the mountain is the Hakusan Hydrangea Garden, which boasts an area of 3,000 tsubo (about 1,000 square meters). About 8,000 hydrangea plants, including gaku hydrangea, color the entire slope of the garden. ▼Check this article▼ Kyoto Nishiyama｜An undiscovered sightseeing spot in Kyoto! Visitors to Yanagitani Kannon can enjoy a cluster of about 5,000 hydrangea plants, including Japanese and Western hydrangeas. The hydrangea corridor in the precincts of the temple allows visitors to view the hydrangeas at their leisure without getting wet, even if it is raining. Yanagitani Kannon is famous for its “Hana-Chozu” (flower water with handkerchiefs). Many visitors come to the temple for Hana-Chozu, which is decorated with colorful seasonal flowers. Shounzan Raikoji Temple is commonly called “Hydrangea Temple”. About 500 plants, including Western hydrangeas lovingly nurtured by the temple’s priests, bloom in large profusion. Take a stroll through the temple grounds and enjoy the different colors of the flowers. The Kobe City Forest Botanical Garden is home to many rare hydrangeas, such as the fantastic Shichidanka flower and the clustered white Annabelle. The forest of approximately 50,000 hydrangeas of about 350 varieties is a sight to behold. At the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, located near the top of Mt. Rokko, 865 m above sea level, the “Shichidanka” hydrangea, said to be a phantom hydrangea, blooms. Characterized by its double-petaled flowers with overlapping petals, visitors can enjoy its pretty purple appearance. Also recommended is the “Hydrangea Garden,” where a wide variety of hydrangeas bloom, including the “Himehydrangea,” the city flower of Kobe City. The Rokko cable is a rare spot where you can enjoy hydrangeas while riding the cable car. The beautiful blue coloring of the hydrangea is known as “Rokko Blue”. Starting from the hydrangea at the lower station of the cable car, more than 2,500 hydrangeas in total will be in full bloom from early to mid-July. The cable car has a lovely retro body, and from inside you can enjoy the view of the city of Kobe and the sea. Located on top of Mt. Rokko, where the temperature is about 5 degrees cooler than in the city, the hydrangeas are at their best about a month later than in the city, and more than 350 hydrangeas of more than 20 varieties can be enjoyed. The southern German-style building and the harmony with the surrounding nature provide an extraordinary experience and a peaceful space where visitors can appreciate the flowers in a more natural state. Flowering conditions may vary depending on the weather. Please check SNS for the latest blooming status. ▼Check out this article▼ Enjoy “sound” in the great outdoors Rokko Musical Box Museum & Garden MORINONE Hydrangeas shine in the rain. Feel the change of the season by looking at the pretty blue, purple, and pink flowers.

11 Summer Events in Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe area)! Experience and learn about Japanese traditions and customs

Praying with one’s feet in the river water and dancing in a circle! At first glance, Kansai’s summer events and rites may seem strange. Traditional events are filled with wisdom and ingenuity to keep you cool and comfortable during the hot summer.   Please enjoy your trip to Kansai with events and rites that can only be experienced in summer!   １．[Kyoto] Various places in Kyoto City / Gion Festival ２．[Kyoto] Matsuo-taisha Shrine / Wind-bell Prayer: Sound of Good Luck and Disaster Elimination ３．[Osaka] Mizunase Jingu Shrine / Wind of Invitation ４．[Kyoto] Shops along the Kamo River in Kyoto City / Kawayuka(Riverside Terrace) ５．[Osaka] Minoh Waterfall / Summer Festa Minoh Park 2025 ６．[Osaka] Umeda area / Umeda Yukata Matsuri (Yukata Festival) ７．[Nishinomiya, Hyogo] Nishinomiya Shrine / Summer Ebisu ８．[Kyoto] Shimogamo-jinja Shrine / Mitarashi Festival ９．[Osaka] Yodogawa riverside / The 37th Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival １０．[Kyoto] Various places in Kyoto City / Kyoto Gozan Okuribi (Bonfire on Five Mountains) １１．[Kobe] Meriken Park / Kobe Umi no Bon Dance 2025 Period: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 – Thursday, July 31, 2025   If you are traveling to Kyoto in the summer, a visit to the Kyoto Gion Festival is a must! You will be overwhelmed by the gorgeous floats!   For more information, check out the article below! ＜Kyoto＞Gion Matsuri｜Highlights of Japan’s Greatest Festival Period: Usually from June 1 to September 1   About 800 wind chimes will be displayed on the ceiling of the Matsunoo Taisha Shrine awarding office and throughout the shrine grounds. It is said that the tones of the wind chimes comfort the gods and purify sins and impurities. At Matsunoo Taisha Shrine, you can write your wish on a strip of paper. Let your wish be delivered to the god. Period: Usually July – early September   A wind-bell prayer will also be held at the Mizunase Jingu Shrine. Passing through the wind chimes, visitors can listen to the cool sound of the light chirping of the wind chimes. During the period, the shrine will also be decorated with kazaguruma, toys that rotate with the wind, and illuminated with lanterns. Period: May 1 – October 15, 2025 (period varies by store)   “Kawayuka” riverside terrace is one of the traditional summer cultures of Kyoto. It is a place to enjoy the cool air while dining on delicious food at outdoor terrace seats that jut out into the Kamo River. Visitors can enjoy a variety of gourmet foods at 87 restaurants ranging from Japanese cuisine to Italian and French cuisine. Among them, “B STORE 1st” opens from 8:00 a.m. as riverside terrace morning. Why not start your day with  “Kawayuka” riverside terrace? ▼Check this article▼ 7 Best Breakfasts in Kyoto | Near JR Kyoto Station and Popular Tourist Attractions Period: Usually mid-July to early September   Minoh Waterfalls and other famous spots in Minoh Park are illuminated in this popular event! Also, until Monday, November 3, 2025, “Kawayuka (riverside terrace)” will be held at riverside restaurants in Minoh Park, where you can enjoy kaiseki cuisine while enjoying the sounds of nature. Enjoy a quaint moment (reservations required). ▼Check this article▼ 8 recommended gourmet restaurants in Minoh Waterfall! Cafes & Shops to stop by for sightseeing Note on how to get to Minoh Waterfall! Points that international travelers should know before going there Main Content Dates: The dates for 2025 have not yet been announced.   Umeda Yukata Matsuri (Yukata Festival) is a large-scale event held in the Umeda area of Osaka, where you can enjoy Japanese summer culture all at once! Umeda Yukata Matsuri (Yukata Festival)  will feature a traditional “Bon Odori Dance”, “Uchimizu” (sprinkling water on the streets to cool off), and “fairs” like typical of summer festivals. The entire town will be decorated in summer! Period: Monday, July 7, 2025; Wednesday, July 9 – Thursday, July 10, 2025   Natsu Ebisu is an event that takes place mainly on July 10, and on Thursday, July 20, miko (shrine maidens) perform “Yutate Kagura,” in which they sprinkle visitors with bamboo branches submerged in boiling water, praying for the reprieve from the heat and for good health. At the “Ebisu Mandoro (Lantern Festival)” starting at 6:00 p.m., the precincts of the shrine are transformed into a fantastic world of light with lit andon (lanterns) and candles. Period: Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 27, 2025   The Mitarashi Festival is a summer event in Kyoto, also known as “Ashitsuke Shinji(Ritual of Foot-soaking)”, in which people take a knee-deep dip in the Mitarashi Pond on the grounds of Shimogamo Shrine to purify themselves of any impurities and pray for good health. Walking through the cool water is a great way to feel cool, and is a fun event for the whole family to participate in. Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025 *October due to the duration of the Osaka-Kansai Expo   Fireworks festivals held in various locations are also a major annual summer event! Please come and see the delicate Japanese fireworks display! ▼Click here for more details▼ 5 fireworks shows in Kansai! This is how Japanese people enjoy fireworks! Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025   This is a traditional summer event in Kyoto to return the spirits of ancestors who were welcomed during Obon to the underworld. A fire is lit on a pyre in the middle of the mountain, and the Chinese characters “Dai”, left “Dai”, “Myou”, and “Hou”, as well as the shape of a boat, float on the pyre. The lights are lit one after the other starting at 20:00, and each can be viewed for about 30 minutes. See the website below for the lighting time and viewing locations. https://kyoto.travel/en/ Date: The dates for 2025 have not yet been announced.   The Bon Odori Festival is held at Meriken Park, the port of Kobe. People dance in a circle to typical folk songs from all over Japan. The choreography of Bon Odori is simple! Let’s join in while watching everyone else dance! Summer events & activities are held mainly at night. Even if you have visited Japan many times, you may discover something new by participating in these limited-time events!

[2025] The best time to see flowers is from April to May! 12 spots to enjoy spring flowers in Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe area)!

Spring is the season when all the plants and flowers that have been sleeping begin to move at once. Why don’t you go out to see colorful plants and flowers that give you a warm spring feeling? Here are some spots where you can enjoy flowers and plants in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe.   -INDEX- [Nemophila] Osaka Maishima Seaside Park, Osaka [Nemophila]Kobe Agri Park “Nemophila Hill 2025”, Kobe [Poppy] Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, Osaka [Aomomiji] Minoh Park, Osaka [Yamabuki] Matsuo-taisha Shrine, Kyoto [Kirishima Azalea] Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto [Peony] Otokunidera, Kyoto [Water Lily] Ryoanji Temple, Kyoto [Wisteria flowers] Nakayamadera, Takarazuka [Azalea] Sorakuen Garden, Kobe [Rose] Aramaki Rose Park, Itami [Japanese Primrose]Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, Kobe Nemophila is a small, lovely flower of clear blue. It is a popular flower in recent years because of its spectacular view of the whole area spreading out like a blue carpet.   About 1 million nemophila plants will be in full bloom in the 44,000 m2 Osaka Maishima Seaside Park, located along the sea with a view of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. On Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays, the opening hours are extended so that visitors can enjoy the orange flowers and the setting sun over the nemophila fields. There will also be limited edition gourmet foods available only at Osaka Maishima Seaside Park. The most popular item is the soft-serve ice cream, which is a lovely pale blue color like the nemophila flowers. It is recommended to take a picture of the soft-serve ice cream with the nemophila field in the background. The “Kitchen Car Fest in Maishima” will be held at the same time in the park. About 15 kitchen cars from all over Japan will gather to offer visitors the opportunity to taste a variety of Japanese gourmet foods. There is also an area in the park where visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms and tulips with nemophila, so if you are coming to Japan in spring, be sure to visit Osaka Maishima Seaside Park.   Nemophila Festival: 2025 has been cancelled due to the Osaka-Kansai Expo, and will be held again in 2026. Usual viewing time: early April to early May   A new spot in Kobe, Kobe Agri Park “Nemophila Hill 2025” with approximately one million nemophila flowers in full bloom is now open! Held from April to May, when nemophila are at their best, the harmony of the hills covered in blue nemophila and the clear blue sky is a panorama you will want to capture in your photographs. The park is situated on a small hill, from the top of which you can see the mountains of Kobe. Kobe Agri Park also has restaurants, barbecue facilities, a winery, a ceramics museum, and other facilities, allowing visitors to enjoy “food” and “agriculture” in various ways along with the nemophilas. Nemophila Hill 2025: Saturday, April 12 – Sunday, May 11, 2025 Usual viewing time: late April to early May Poppy is a member of the poppy family that has long been cultivated for ornamental and medicinal purposes. The seeds are also used in cooking. The Expo ’70 Park’s Shizen Bunka-en (Nature Park) and Hana-no-oka (Flower Hill) are decorated with approximately 380,000 poppies. The contrast of colors between the yellow and orange poppies and the fresh blue nemophila can also be enjoyed.   Usual viewing time: early April to early May Aomomiji refers to the leaves of maple trees that turn from young leaves in spring to increasingly darker green. You can enjoy the fresh and crisp leaves of ao-momiji until they turn red in the fall. Minoh Park is famous for its autumn leaves, but it is also very beautiful in the fresh green season. Enjoy forest bathing surrounded by the sparkling green maples in the sunlight while listening to the murmuring of a mountain stream and the chirping of wild birds.   Usual viewing time: Late April to late May ▼Check this article▼ 8 recommended gourmet restaurants in Minoh Waterfall! Cafes & Shops to stop by for sightseeing Note on how to get to Minoh Waterfall! Points that international travelers should know before going there Yamabuki is a deciduous shrub in the rose family with beautiful, almost orange-yellow flowers. The flower has been familiar to the Japanese people since ancient times.   Matsuo-taisha Shrine, known as a place of famous water, has about 3,000 yamabuki trees, which turn the shrine grounds yellow. The Yamabuki Festival is held every year when the flowers are at their best.   Usual viewing time: mid-April to early May It is very familiar in Japan and is often planted as a roadside tree or garden tree. It is loved by many people for its very vivid flowers.   Vivid Kirishima azaleas are in full bloom at Hachijogaike Pond at Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine. The crimson-tinged path surrounded by azalea plantings more than 2 meters high is magnificent.   Usual viewing time: Late April – early May The peony is a plant that symbolizes beauty and has long been used as a design for crafts and paintings. It produces beautiful and large flowers like roses.   There are 2,000 peony plants of about 30 varieties at Otokunidera Temple. Protected by white Japanese umbrellas for sun protection, the bright pink and red buttons bloom in large profusion.   Usual viewing time: mid-April to early May Water lilies are striking aquatic plants with flowers that seem to float above the water. It is widely distributed in ponds and swamps.   Kyoyoike Pond at Ryoanji Temple, a World Heritage site, is famous for its water lilies. Not only white but also red and pink flowers cover most of the pond. The flowers often open in the morning and close at noon, so the best time to see them is in the morning.   Usual viewing time: Mid-May to late August The Japanese Wisteria flowers is a species endemic to Japan and is mentioned in the Manyoshu(Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves, refers to the extensive collection of poems compiled during the Nara period in Japan). The long, hairpin-like flowers hang down in a drooping manner. Purple flowers are common, but white and pink flowers also exist. At Nakayama-dera Temple’s Star Plaza, there is a magnificent wisteria trellis that stretches about 80 meters. The rows of white wisteria flowers look like “clouds floating in a blue sky. The sweet fragrance of the flowers can also be enjoyed.   Usual viewing time: Mid-April to late April ▼Check this article▼ 7 Best Spots for Wisteria Flowers in Kansai: The Spring filled with purple flowers Sorakuen garden is Kobe City’s only Japanese garden, covering an expansive area of approximately 20,000 square meters, where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the seasons. In early summer, approximately 4,000 brightly colored white and pink azaleas fill the garden. Every spring, an event called “Tsutsuji Yuusan” is held, during which important cultural properties are opened to the public, musical concerts, tea ceremonies, and other events can be enjoyed.   Usual viewing time: Late April – early May Roses have long been cultivated for perfumery and medicinal purposes.” It is said to be “the flower that symbolizes love,” and is often used in arrangements and bouquets because of its gorgeous appearance and wide variety of types and colors.   At Aramaki Rose Park in Itami, approximately 10,000 roses bloom in a stylish southern European-style garden. The view of the park, with its sloping terrain and colorful colors, is a must-see.   Usual viewing time: Mid-May to mid-June Japanese Primrose is the largest member of the primrose family, with flower stalks that can reach 80 cm in length. It grows in clusters in wetlands at the foot of mountains.   At the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, numerous alpine plants bloom from May to June. The 5,000 or so Japanese Primrose that fill the wetlands are especially breathtaking.   Usual viewing time: Mid-May to late May ▼Check this article▼ Mt.Rokko, Kobe-1 Day Trip｜Perfect Panoramic Views and Outdoor Adventure Park! The colorful flowers that bloom in spring are a source of comfort and relaxation for those who see them. Why don’t you take advantage of the warm, sunny weather and visit some of the best places and spots for flowers in Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe?

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