A thousand years ago, the Emperor Shirakawa was writing that there are three uncontrollable things, the dice, the warrior monks of Enryaku-ji and Kamo-gawa, the Kamo river of Kyoto. One of Kyoto’s main sources of water, the river was also a constant flooding threat.

Today Kamo river is tamed, with shores reinforced with concrete and the level of water kept under strict control. In the evening, especially in the summer, it is one of the most picturesque places in Kyoto, popular for a stroll on the riverbanks and for the many restaurants with open balconies.

Traditional restaurants, Kamo river, Kyoto

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Nagamachi, old samurai district in Kanazawa