The Chushojima riverside is easily one of Kyoto’s most underrated places of scenic beauty, offering stunning rivers, sakura, and shrines.
Chushojima station is typically used for changing train lines, acting as the transit point between Kyoto’s main city lines and the more remote train lines of the Uji area.
As a resident of Mukaijima, one of Chushojima’s neighboring towns, I’ve come to find the true beauty of the Chushojima area from its stunning rivers to its perfect cherry blossom trees.
Breathtaking Rivers
Despite living in the area for over a year, it wasn’t until the last few weeks that I realized what a beautiful area this little town really is.
Located on the port side of Fushimi ward, Chushojima rests between the city and countryside of Kyoto, linked by the Yodogawa River which passes right through the prefecture and into Osaka.
As you follow the river near Chushojima station, you will pass many iconic spots including the Kyobashi Bridge, Fushimi Port Park, and Go River.
Absolutely breathtaking scenes along the way, I was most captivated by the abundance of cherry blossom trees and the way they were perfectly reflected across the crystal clear river.
Stunning Sakura
While they can be admired from afar, true appreciation of the cherry blossoms can only be obtained when one takes a closer look.
Each flower perfectly bloomed with exactly five pretty pink petals apiece, there is an instant calming effect on the mind and soul when you get up and personal with these gifts from God.
One of the challenges for tourists in Japan is to find sakura spots that aren’t too crowded, and Chushojima being located far out from the city certainly makes this ideal attainable.
Authentic Shrines
There are quite a few authentic shrines and temples around Chushojima’s riverside, many of which seem to have been there for hundreds of years.
As I walked along the Go River, I had to go up the stairs onto the main street when I spotted a torii gate bathed in pink cherry blossom glory.
To my surprise, there wasn’t a single person in the area despite what a beautiful shot this was, another great testimony to the secluded beauty of Chushojima’s riverside.
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