Kamogawa Noryo YUKA

A delightful Kyoto summer experience

Summer (May to September) is traditionally the season when eateries, bars and cafes along the west bank of the Kamo River erect large wooden platforms, called yuka. If you’re in Kyoto this month, don’t miss this often exotic and always relaxing experience. Kyoto summers are said to be the hottest and most humid in all of Japan. This has a lot to do with the fact that the city is surrounded on three sides by mountains, which makes it hard for the humidity to escape. This is why outdoor yuka dining is so popular and so perfectly suited to relaxing at the end of a long, hot summer day.

Yuka extend east (facing the Kamo River) from many downtown restaurants and make for an unforgettable location for relaxing, enjoying a fine dinner or even just for dessert. These open-air dining areas are unique to Kyoto and, though they have a reputation for being very expensive, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how reasonable the prices can be. The serendipitous effect of the beautiful views over the river and the eastern skyline make the excellent food and drink in the lively open setting taste even better.

Today, there are about 90 yuka set up along the downtown area of the river. Each of Kyoto’s active yuka restaurants serves a slightly different form of cuisine. Most specialize in traditional Kyoto cuisine, some serve ethnic food, and others Western fare. Enjoying a fine meal on one of these unique dining platforms will surely be the evening, summer highlight of your time in Kyoto, the heart of traditional Japan. If in doubt, have your concierge call to set up a reservation.