Kyoto

Aug 3, 2014 - 1 min read

The Shirakawa flowing through Gion

Willows and wooden machiya beside the Shirakawa

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

There are many traditional wooden machiya, or townhouses, beside the river

Narrow stone bridges cross the Shirakawa as it flows between Sanjo and Shijo

Cooling off in the summer heat

Each bridge has the name of the river on one of the end posts, and the name of the bridge on another post

In hot Kyoto summers parents bring their children to play in the shallow river

The entrance to this riverside establishment is also a bridge

Girls in summer kimono meet on a bridge in Gion

Rickshaws are often seen on Minami-Shirakawa Street which runs beside the river

It's interesting to read about the history of this area

There are many interesting monuments and marker stones in this history-rich area

Many restaurants and traditional Japanese inns stand on the banks of the Shirakawa as it runs through Gion

This attractive plaster wall needs some repairs

The Shirakawa finally flows into the Kamogawa

Gion is a fascinating area, and one of my favorite parts is Minami-Shirakawa Street, which follows beside the river, under willow trees, past wooden machiya and historic bridges. There are many traditional inns and restaurants beside the river, and you stand a very good chance of of sighting geisha and maiko. You're almost certain to see rickshaws too. Don't forget to take your camera!

Was this article helpful?

Help us improve the site

Give Feedback

Cathy Cawood

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

Following Follow

Olga

Olga 10 years ago

The river becomes even more beautiful in spring. I like to walk around that area when we visit Kyoto.

Reply

Cathy Cawood

Cathy Cawood Photographer 11 years ago

I've often seen people in Kyoto rivers - including Kamogawa - in Summer, so I think they must be pretty clean.

Reply

Yui Yamaguchi

Yui Yamaguchi 11 years ago

The river must be very clean as people get in which is very special. The great summer scenery in the city.

Reply

3 comments in total

Thank you for your support!

Your feedback has been sent.