Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy Lunar New Year 2026 in advance to all Hivers! Most civilizations including that in Kyoto begun along the river. Kamo River is such a suitable place for dating. My husband and I enjoyed spending our time here. For those with weight management concerns, it is a good idea to take a walk along the gorgeous river banks for two hours or more then proceed to savor lunch in the Kyoto city center. Such a well thought out light dating plan even for novices.
Strolling along the Kamo River was so interesting. There were locals either running or biking here. Since, the fishes in the river were huge, I assumed that fishing was prohibited in Kamo River. All the mandarin ducks, egrets and other bird varieties hunting for food along the edges of the river banks were simply too adorable. Kamo River bank is good place to rest, relax, observe nature, and have a picnic or two. It’s super convenient to obtain ready-made food supplies here in Kyoto.
We walked for an hour against the direction of the Shijo Bridge and then another hour towards the direction of the bridge to get back to the center of Gion. There was a nice little dessert shop serving green tea confectionaries we wanted to try there. When we were walking towards the Shijo Bridge, there were several murals explaining about the history of civilizations along Kamo River. During summer especially in the Edo period, civilians enjoyed spending time near the river either playing with small handmade boats, soaking their feet along the river banks, watching plays, eating grilled food sold from food stalls, and etc. The depictions were all so vivid and lively.
The traditional houses along the river banks were too pretty. We couldn’t help but to stop in between walks once in a while to admire them. The next time we return to Kyoto, we’ll definitely choose stay near the river bank. There are just so much to see here. It’s a perfect vacation spot for those treasuring a slower pace. Sitting still by the river bank while reading a book and allowing time to passed by peacefully is so romantic. The fact that we were in no hurry to rush anywhere at all is a wonderful luxury.
Maybe I am romanticizing Kyoto a bit excessively because those born here seem to be too busy earning a living to enjoy Kyoto to the fullest. Perhaps I’m right in a way as locals have been coming here since they were young. Either way, the most important is to live in the moment.
Thank you for reading! 💗
IN CHINESE | 中文
提前祝所有蜂巢朋友们情人节快乐，并祝大家2026年农历新年快乐！包括京都在内的许多文明都起源于河流沿岸。鸭川是约会的绝佳地点。我和丈夫在这里度过了愉快的时光。对于那些有体重管理顾虑的人来说，沿着美丽的河岸漫步两小时或更久，然后再前往京都市中心享用午餐，是个不错的选择。即使是约会新手，这也是一个精心策划的轻松约会方案。
沿着鸭川漫步非常有趣。我看到当地人在这里跑步或骑自行车。由于河里的鱼个头很大，我以为鸭川是禁止捕鱼的。河岸边觅食的鸳鸯、白鹭和其他各种鸟类真是太可爱了。鸭川河岸是休息、放松、欣赏自然风光和野餐的好去处。在京都，购买现成的食物非常方便。
我们逆着四条桥的方向走了一个小时，然后又朝着桥的方向走了一个小时才回到祗园中心。那里有一家很不错的甜品店，卖抹茶点心，我们很想尝尝。去四条桥的路上，我们看到几幅壁画，讲述着鸭川沿岸文明的历史。尤其是在江户时代，夏天的时候，人们喜欢在河边消磨时光，玩玩手工小船，在河岸边泡脚，看戏，吃吃小吃摊上的烤肉等等。壁画上的描绘都非常生动鲜活。
河岸边的传统民居也很漂亮。我们忍不住时不时停下来欣赏一番。下次再来京都，我们一定会选择住在河边。这里有很多值得一看的地方。对于那些喜欢慢节奏生活的人来说，这里是完美的度假胜地。坐在河边静静地看书，让时间慢慢流逝，真是太浪漫了。我们完全不急于赶路，这真是一种莫大的奢侈。
也许我对京都有些过度浪漫化了，因为在这里出生的人似乎都忙于生计，无暇尽情享受京都的美好。也许我的说法也有道理，毕竟当地人从小就来这里旅游。无论如何，最重要的是活在当下。
感谢阅读！💗
[//]:# ([//]:# (!worldmappin 35.00384 lat 135.77143 long Shijo Ohashi Bridge, Kyoto d3scr))