Riverbed at Kibune

Every year from May to September, the Kibune River, which echoes with the cool sound of water along the approach to the Kifune Shrine, is the site of Kyoto's summer tradition of kawadoko (riverbed). 20 or so inns and restaurants set up their beds on the river and welcome tourists with a variety of hospitality. There are a variety of ways to enjoy Kawadoko, such as sitting on the bed by the waterfall and watch the water flow while enjoying the bountiful food from the mountains and rivers, or dipping your feet in the river and drinking tea while cooling off.

Kurama and Kibune

Kurama and Kibune, called Kyoto's back room, is an area with a rich history that has appeared in many waka poems and literary works since ancient times. Kuramadera Temple, located on the hillside of Mt. Kurama, where the legend of Kurama Tengu and Ushiwakamaru still remains, and Kifune Shrine, located at the foot of Mt. Kibune, are the two major power spots in the area. Kawadoko (river beds) are served in summer at ryokan and ryotei (Japanese-style restaurants) along the Kibune River, which flows between the two mountain valleys, offering coolness and comfort to worshippers and hikers.