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Kawadoko Dining - Kyoto's Summer Tradition
Kyoto Kawadoko Restaurants

By , About.com Guide

Kyoto Noryoyuka Picture

Noryoyuka on the Kamogawa River in Kyoto on May 1, 2004

Photo by Junko Kimura / Getty Images
Kawadoko (or noryoyuka) are dining decks built above rivers in Kyoto. Various restaurants open kawadoko from May to September. Customers eat and drinks, enjoying the nice breeze and river views. Summer in Kyoto is very hot, so eating out in the decks is wonderful. It's said that kawadoko started in the late 16th century, and it became a nice summer tradition in Kyoto. Visit kawadoko if you are visiting Kyoto in summer.
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Kyoto Kawadoko Restaurants

  • Kamogawa Noryoyuka
    Kawadoko along the Kamogawa River is known as Noryoyuka. Restaurants between Nijo and Gojo areas illuminate the river at night.

    Access: Kaihan Sanjo/Shijo/Gojo Stations or Subway Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station or Hankyu Kwaramachi Station
    Map
    Open: May 1 - September 30
    Noryoyuka Restaurant Lists 1 2 3
    More Restaurants

  • Kibune Kawadoko
    There are about 20 restaurants set kawadoko on the Kibune River. Customers can enjoy the sound of the river in Kibune Kawadoko.

    Access: Take a shuttle bus from Eizan Dentetsu Kibune-guchi Station
    Open: May 1 - September 30
    Kawadoko Restaurants in Kibune

  • Takao Kawadoko
    It's located along the Kiyotaki River in the mountainside.

    Access: Takes 10 minutes by taxi from Sagano Line Hanazono Station / Takes about 50 minutes by JR bus for Takao from JR Kyoto Station
    Open: late April to late November *early June to mid. September (night opening)
    Kawadoko Locations: Takao Kanko Hotel, Momijiya, and Takao Kinsui Tei

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