A Water Tour of Kansai Creating Abundant Sentiment KYOTO City Kawayuka: Cool to the Five Senses Kawayuka along the Kamo River During the Edo period, people would crowd river banks and bridges all over the city to enjoy the evening cool on summer nights. Like Edo's Ryogoku Bridge and Osaka's Okawa areas, Kyoto's Shijokawara used to be a popular spot for those seeking cooler temperatures. In the past, kawayuka, or river floors, were set up along both the east and west banks of the Kamo River and fitted with stools called shogi. Tea houses and amusing show tents were also set up. Today, however, kawayuka are set up only on the west side of the river, above the smaller Misogi River and mainly near the Shijo-ohashi Bridge. People visit this area, with its refreshing river breeze, to enjoy viewing the wavering reflections on the river surface and other scenic beauties from elevated locations, eating delicious dishes and drinking good sake. There, they enjoy the cool with all five senses. Kawayuka are also set up at Kibune, up the Kamo River. The food and beer chilled in the fast-flowing Kibune River bring the cool to visitors. Kawayuka along the Kamo River, popularly called “yuka” by the local people, offered an ideal spot for the people of Kyoto to escape the city's hot and humid summer nights in the days before air conditioners. Nowadays, the views from the other side of the river have more of Kyoto's well-known elegance. Kyoto City Tourist Association TEL 075-752-0225 BACK NEXT All images Copyright. 1999 Kansai International Public Relations Promotion Office. All Rights Reserved.