A Special River in Kyoto

The Kamogawa River is the fourth longest river in Kyoto and its source is the 895.8 meter high
Mount Sajigatake (located in the northern part of Kyoto). It runs from north-eastern Kyoto and flows
down south-west to Katsuragawa River. It is about 33 kilometers long and the basin is about 208
square meters in area. The water is used for both agriculture and industry. A section of the water
flows into Kamigamo-Jinja Shrine and is turned into sacred water. People in Kyoto have used the
water from the Kamogawa River for a long time.

Five Bridges on the Kamogawa River

In this article, you will find out about five special bridges: Marutamachi-bashi Bridge, Nijo Ohashi
Bridge, Sanjo Ohashi Bridge, Shijo Ohashi Bridge and Nanajo Ohashi Bridge, on the Kamogawa
River. Can you imagine that you are now walking beside the Kamogawa River in fine weather, such
as warm sunshine and soft breezes? The goal will be Nanajo Ohashi Bridge, near KyotoTower.

Marutamachi-bashi
We are starting off from Marutamachi-bashi Bridge. The Kamogawa River was known for flooding
repeatedly in olden times. In those times it was called Abare-Gawa. Here, on the site of of todays
Marutamachi-bashi Bridge, people built a wooden bridge and crossed the overflowing river. Walking
down from Marutamachi-bashi Bridge, you will see Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, which includes

court nobles houses and gardens, lots of trees, and many people having a rest in such a peaceful
place.

Nijo Ohashi

The Misosogigawa

Go down from Marutamachi-bashi Bridge for about 500m, and you will see the next bridge, NijoOhashi Bridge. TheMisosogigawa is an artificial watercourse which is located to the west of Nijo
Ohashi Bridge. Famous cooling off places along the way are Noryo Yuka, which are wooden
terraces connected to restaurants, where you can eat traditional dishes. People can go there and
enjoy their meal in a little more luxury than usual during the summertime. (They are open from the
beginning of May to the end of September.) Apart from the Noryo Yuka, lets have a closer look at
Nijo Ohashi Bridge.

Stepping stones across the river

In the past, there was no bridge at Nijo Ohashi. The place was once the site of a battle. A defeated
general had his head cut off and his neck was kept on public display with a bulletin board. (The victor
was making an impact on people by doing this.) This place is also known for a famous notice board
which was written by people who complained about the chaotic government. There are stepping
stones across the river. The stones are shaped as plovers, turtles or ships. It is fun to try to cross the
river by hopping on the stones.

Sanjo Ohashi

Sanjo Ohashi Bridge

Now we pass Oike Ohashi Bridge and onto the next bridge, Sanjo Ohashi Bridge. Beloved by Kyoto
people, it was built byHideyoshi Toyotomi (a famous general in the Sengoku era [16th
century]). Have you ever read the funny story Tokaidochu Hizakurige written by Jippensha
Ikku? The Sanjo Ohashi Bridge is the start point of the western part of Tokaido Gojusantsugi which
are the 53 post stations of the Tokaido. (The Tokaido was one of the five highways in the Edo era
[1600-])

Yaji-san and Kita-san

There are two statues of Yaji-san, and Kita-san who are the main characters from Tokaidochu
Hizakurige near the bridge. Besides these Yaji-Kita Statues, there is a stone, called Nade Ishi.
People who stroke the stone will find good fortune. Lets walk across the bridge and experience the
feeling of standing at the crossroads of peoples lives in old Kyoto city.

Shijo Ohashi

Maiko-san

The fourth bridge is called Shijo Ohashi Bridge. Everyone must have walked across this bridge when
they visited Kyoto. It functions as an entrance to downtown Shijo Kawaramachi. There is one
practice hall for Maiko and Geiko at Pontocho Street. In May, the event Kamogawa Odori
(traditional dance performance by Maiko and Geiko) is held. Their performance is so beautiful, like a
dream. If you walk down east a little more, you will see Yasaka Jinja Shrine. It is a major sacred place
of the Gion Matsuri which is a famous festival held every July. Yasaka Jinja Shrine is also famous
as a place which is used for other important rituals people grieved here and held memorial services
for those who had died of plague because of the repeated floods. We could say that Shijo Ohashi is a
bridge that connects people who are alive and the spirits of people passed away.

Nanajo Ohashi.. and five more

Finally, we will talk about the last bridge, Nanajo Ohashi Bridge. Before starting this, I want to tell
you, briefly, about five more bridges which we have been skipping.
Oike Ohashi: built in 1964
Oike-dori is the street which connects Shinsen-en Temple. In the past, the pond of Shinsen-en
Temple never ran dry so people called it Oike. (In Japanese, Oike means a Great-pond.)
Donguribashi: built in 1963
This bridges name originates from a big chestnut (a chestnut means donguri) tree. The Ayu-fishing
begins in July.
Matsubara-bashi: built in 1959

Benkei and Ushiwakamaru

Originally, here was the Gojo Ohashi which was moved south by Hideyoshi Toyotomi. In the HeianEra (about A.C.794-1192), it was called Gojo Dori where the Matsubara-bashi is located today.
Gojo Ohashi: built in 1959
The place of the famous episode of Ushiwakamaru (Yoshitsune Minamotos childhood name) and
Benkei (followed Yoshitsune after this battle)
Shomen-bashi: built in 1952
The name came from the street, Shomen Dori, which is located in front of the Daibutsu-den (Great
Buddha Hall) of Hoko-ji Temple. (By Hideyoshi Toyotomi)
*all of the years indicate the latest year of rebuilding

'Secession' style. A pattern with arrow motifs

Shall we go back to the story of Nanajo Ohashi Bridge? Nanajo Ohashi is the oldest of all of the
bridges on the Kamogawa River. It dates from 1913. It has been renewed once and the design of the
handrail is based on Sanjusangen-do Temples first bow-pulling of the year. If you walk down south
a bit more from here, you will see Kyoto Tower, one of the most popular tourist spots in Kyoto.

Our Suggestions
Now, we have talked to you mostly about our favorite bridges. Thank you for reading to the end.
Lastly, we have a few suggestions for you before you start your own exploring. Here you go:

Mind the birds!

1.
2.
3.

Please look at the nature beside the river.

Get some background information before going. It will make your walk more fun!
Mind black kites, the birds flying over your head. They might snatch your lunch from you.
One of us lost his lunch after just one bite.