Kamogawa Riverside restaurants around the Ponto-cho area set up special open terrace seating (May to September) during Kyoto's hot, humid season. People have tried to cool down by sitting near the water and enjoying their dinner like this since the Edo Era. At the Star Festival (Tanabata 七夕) in Kyoto, decorations made up of bamboo grass line the same area. From August 4-11 you can also enjoy beautiful illumination along the river at night. More information about Tanabata can be seen here.