People come to Kyoto for shrines and temples, but if you’ve lived here long enough, it’s sights like the Kamo River that stay by your side.
Kyoto is one of the most popular destinations for tourists coming to Japan, so it can be difficult to get away from the noise when you want to unwind. One of my favorite things to do in Japan for peace and serenity is to walk alongside the Kamo River.
The Ultimate Navigation Guide
Stretching through the entire prefecture right through to the city’s surrounding mountains and forests, you can access the Kamo River from just about anywhere in Kyoto. In fact, this incredibly vast water bank has helped me find my way back home on countless occasions.
As convenient as it gets, the Kamo River stretches past all of Kyoto’s major attractions. From Fushimi Inari-Taisha to Kiyomizu-dera and right up to the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, you can simply follow the river for a marathon tour of Kyoto.
A Safe Haven From The Noise
The Kamo River is more than a practical navigation point, but is also a place of refuge from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto’s major cities. You can rest on the rocky pavements near the river or take a seat on one of the benches that pop up here and there.
Naturally, the overpass bridges and surrounding roads of the Kamo River can get quite crowded, given its convenient location as Kyoto’s unifying waterway. However, you will always find a peaceful spot if you take the stairs leading you under the bridges, getting you away from the busy streets and on equal grounds with the river.
The Occasional Street Performer
Whether they’re practicing on their own or performing for an audience, you’ll occasionally find musicians doing what they do best along the Kamo River. Given the sheer length of the river, a few instruments being played here and there doesn’t affect the overall atmosphere of peace and serenity.
In fact, oftentimes the music is quite tranquil and can help ease your thoughts as you stroll along. If you happen to play a musical instrument yourself, the Kamo River can be a great place to either practice in solitude or gain some exposure, depending on the part of the river you choose.
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!