Apr. 06, 2021 UPDATE
Story & Recommendation
The Takase River – A canal that cuts through the heart of Kyoto’s nightlife
The Takese River is a canal that was made for transporting rice and sake from Kyoto’s city center to the southern Fushimi Ward.
Running about 10 km from Nijo street, south of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, to the southern most tip of Kyoto City, this canal stayed active for over 300 years between 1611 and 1929.
The central city section of the canal boasts a bustling strip of restaurants, bars and cafes. In particular, the basin near the Hankyu Kyoto-kawaramachi Station is an especially popular spot with many of the area’s bars and restaurants open well into the early hours of the following day.
If you want to get a taste of Kyoto’s nightlife, then there’s nowhere better than the Takase River at night!
Below we’re going to show you the river in four parts, with a selection of our favorite restaurants and cafés that we’re sure you’ll love!
Running about 10 km from Nijo street, south of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, to the southern most tip of Kyoto City, this canal stayed active for over 300 years between 1611 and 1929.
The central city section of the canal boasts a bustling strip of restaurants, bars and cafes. In particular, the basin near the Hankyu Kyoto-kawaramachi Station is an especially popular spot with many of the area’s bars and restaurants open well into the early hours of the following day.
If you want to get a taste of Kyoto’s nightlife, then there’s nowhere better than the Takase River at night!
Below we’re going to show you the river in four parts, with a selection of our favorite restaurants and cafés that we’re sure you’ll love!
1Highlight
Nijo Street: The Ichino-funairi Port
The ichino-funairi port is the start of the Takase River. In the port, you’ll find a replica of the old-fashioned freight boats that were used to transport rice and sake up and down the canal.
Funairi were traditionally places where cargo was offloaded and boats were turned around – and the Ichino-funairi looks like it could be still used today!
*Must visit restaurant: Kappo Yamashita
Authentic Kyoto cuisine served by a friendly chef.
2Highlight
Kiyamachi: Kyoto’s Strip
Stretching from the Hankyu Kyoto-kawaramachi Station north to Sanjo-dori, Kiyamachi is bar-none the most popular, energetic and downright rowdy area of Kyoto.
If you’re looking for a taste of a wilder side of Kyoto, then this strip is a must-visit.
Also, as the Takase River is famous for its cherry blossoms, the flashy lights of the restaurants and bars lining its banks highlight the soft colors of the flowers, making for an astonishing contrast with the harsh energy of the area.
*Must Visit: BAR Sand
Tucked away down a narrow, somewhat dingy alleyway, BAR Sand with its bar counter of glistening glasses never fails to feel like you’ve tripped and fallen into a dream.
3Good Experiences
South of the Hankyu Kyoto-kawaramachi Station
Standing in stark contrast to the lively atmosphere of its northern counterpart, this section of the Takase River offers a slew of restaurants and cafes inside renovated old Japanese houses.
Taking a seat on the river’s banks reminds one of cities like Venice, Amsterdam or Bruges.
While the recent addition of hostels, craft beer bars and cafes is slowly changing this, this area sees hardly anyone except locals and is one of the best places in the city for a leisurely walk.
*Must Visit: Murmur Coffee Kyoto
Enjoy a delicious cup of original coffee while listening to the gentle murmurs of the Takase River.
4Good Experiences
Cross a Rope Bridge
Between the Keihan Gojo and Shichijo stations, the Takase River runs under a canopy of cherry blossoms. Among the tunnel of pale pink petals, you’ll spot this nifty looking bridge. On closer inspection, you’ll notice that it’s actually a rope bridge.
While this narrow, rickety bridge may be a little bit of a frightening cross for those unacquainted, it’s a daily necessity for many of the neighborhood’s residents.
*Must Visit: Kyoto Beer Lab
Have a pint of Kyoto’s finest beer while you dip your toes in the cool waters of the Takase River.
- Manner & Tips -
Some sections of the river have stone steps leading down to the water that are great for pictures. But just be careful not to fall in!
