In the summer in Kyoto, Kifune is a must-visit place with its high altitude location, surrounded by deep forests and a rich flowing river. During the hot daytime, it is cool and comfortable compared to the city, and at night, it is enchanting with lanterns and the lights of shops, resembling the world of "Spirited Away". Sitting by the river, it feels so refreshing that you want to put on a light long-sleeved shirt. Although Kifune's history is said to be around 100 years, it offers a unique and delightful experience with its clear atmosphere, unlike the 400-year-old cool riverbed in Kamogawa. There are many shops in Kifune, but "Kibune Ugenta" has high ratings on Tabelog, and the fact that you can reserve a shuttle to get there from Kyoto Station, which is difficult to reach, was the deciding factor for my first visit. The shuttle bus was supposed to pick up at the "Festival Clock Square" in front of the Hachijo East exit, but when I arrived early, no one was there. I was disappointed to see that many people had already boarded a microbus with the restaurant's name on it, but I was happy to be there and vowed to come back again. The temperature on that day was 37.9°C in Kyoto, but it was surprisingly cool and comfortable in Kifune at 3 p.m. Sitting by the river, surrounded by nature, with the sound of waterfalls, and the cool breeze, I enjoyed a delightful time. The meal I had there included various dishes such as appetizers, soup, sashimi, grilled fish, tempura, rice, dessert, and more. Everything was delicious, especially the soup and the fine noodles in the interlude dish were outstanding. Despite the many dishes, the timing of serving was excellent, and the quality was consistently high. The craft beer "SUIGEN KIFUNE," limited to 3000 bottles, was refreshing and flavorful, and it paired perfectly with the grilled sweetfish. I also tried the original sake from Ugenta, which was also delicious and complemented the food well. The staff, mostly young and cheerful, provided excellent service with a smile. Overall, it was a delightful experience in Kifune, and I would definitely love to visit again next summer. Thank you for the wonderful meal.

Kibune Kawadoko was really nice. This time we went to "Ugenosuke". We sat down by the river, but it would have been better if we could have felt more of the "river" and "water". That was a bit disappointing. We had received two dishes when it started raining, so we moved indoors. The staff guided us smoothly with a numbered ticket. The large room we were seated in had large windows and felt new, so it was a bit of a good deal. The food was okay, nothing special. Enjoy the atmosphere more than the food at Kawadoko. Also, for those planning to go, the restaurant offers round-trip shuttle service to Kibuneguchi Station (confirm by phone). Be careful if you go by car, as the roads are narrow and there is hardly any parking available.

I knew that there are restaurants around Kibune Shrine where you can enjoy "kawadoko" without reservations, but they are either very crowded or the quality of the kawadoko itself is not great. So, for high-quality kawadoko like the ones featured on TV, you need to make a reservation to get in. I prefer to line up on the spot, but some people, like my dad, who hates waiting in line, insist on making reservations. The dishes served on the kawadoko have a great view and are delicious, but since it is known as the "back parlor of Kyoto," the prices are quite high. For example, if you make a reservation at "Ugen" the minimum price for a meal starts at ¥9,900 per person... This time, because my dad, a government official, was with us, the meal with photo posting cost ¥13,900 per person... Well, even the cheapest option is too expensive for me alone. Five days before our visit, my mom suddenly asked me to check the reservation sites for various shops in the Kibune area, but they were all fully booked. Since cancellation fees usually apply from three days before the visit, I called the restaurant directly on the morning of three days before our visit without using the web and managed to secure a reservation... It seems that a cancellation spot became available! The food was excellent and worth the price. Here is a summary of the dishes we enjoyed: - Appetizer: Yuba with salmon roe - Side dish: Edamame salad with scallops and wasabi - Soup: Cumin-flavored herbal soup with jellyfish - Sashimi: Pike conger eel, sea bream, and tuna - Grilled dish: Grilled ayu fish with salt - Noodles: Somen noodles with green onions and shiitake mushrooms - Fried dish: Fried sweetfish, green pepper, and konjac stuffed with wild boar meat - Vinegared dish: Pickled pike conger eel with onions and okra - Rice dish: Rice with small fish - Dessert: Warabi mochi with black sugar and fruit jelly The difference between "noryo-yuka" and "kawadoko" is that "noryo-yuka" refers to the terrace extension of restaurants in the bustling area between Sanjo and Shijo in Kyoto, where the legs supporting the floor are inserted into the river, creating a considerable distance between the river surface and the floor. On the other hand, "kawadoko" refers to the floor laid just above the river surface in the vicinity of Kibune Shrine, where the Kibune River flows. Therefore, "kawadoko" is a gamble as it cannot be used during typhoons or heavy rains, so making a reservation to visit is a risk. I have visited Kibune several times, but this was my first experience with "kawadoko." We happened to get the best seat, where we could even dip our feet in the river. The river was cold and refreshing. Although Kibune is already cool, the breeze at the kawadoko made it even more enjoyable. Honestly, each kawadoko is different, and even within the same restaurant, the atmosphere can vary greatly...

I went to a place far from my daily life to enjoy riverbed cuisine. I took the shuttle bus from Kibune Ugenta and departed from Kyoto Station at 10:15 AM. The bus was labeled "Ugenta" and "Ugenta Left". While the city was hot, the riverside was very cool and pleasant. There were many dishes, and they were served just in time for when we finished eating. Each dish was delicious in its own way. After the meal, we took a stroll nearby and departed from Kibune at 2:15 PM. Most of the people there were women.

I often visit Kyoto, but this was my first time making a reservation at Kibune's riverside dining platform. There was a shuttle bus departing from Kyoto Station at 10:30, and we could use the 14:00 return service. The bus was full with three buses in total. We were a party of two. The riverside dining platform had a great atmosphere and we were able to enjoy the coolness. We opted for the 9900 yen course available only on weekdays. The dishes were all delicious, and the soup and sweetfish were warm and much appreciated. The soup and sweetfish were so delicious, it was impressive. The somen noodles were also impressive with their thinness and refreshing texture. The meal and warabi mochi were also delicious. Being able to enjoy such a meal at a riverside dining platform with shuttle service at this price is understandable why it is so popular. Thank you for the feast. It was delicious, enjoyable, and a good experience.

I finally fulfilled my dream of experiencing kawadoko dining in Kibune, which I had always wanted to visit. I visited on a sunny day in May, so I thought a light jacket would be enough. I made a reservation in advance and was able to secure a parking spot. I arrived a bit early, so I parked my car first and explored Kibune Shrine and its surroundings. I could leave my car parked even after the meal, allowing me to leisurely visit all three Kibune Shrines. Now, onto the meal. I had the kawadoko kaiseki course (9,900 yen), which included appetizers, soup, sashimi, grilled fish (sweetfish), a palate cleanser, tempura, pickles, rice, and warabi mochi. The service was good and everything was delicious, but I felt that the food wasn't particularly elaborate considering the price. It might be because of the Kibune brand. Despite the warm weather, it was still a bit chilly on the kawadoko. However, it was unavoidable to avoid the peak season crowds. Also, for those who are not fond of insects, beware as there are various creatures near the water.

Visited during Golden Week on the recommendation of a friend from Kyoto. It took about 50 minutes by shuttle bus from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit. The riverside terrace was still a bit cool, but we had a luxurious time enjoying the murmuring of the Kibune River and delicious riverside cuisine. The ayu fish was exceptional, and the drinks included craft beer from Minoh Beer and junmai ginjo sake from Haneda Shuzo. We received plenty of souvenirs as an apology for the slight delay of the bus, and I would love to visit here again when I go to Kibune next time.

This is a dining ryokan in Kibune, Kyoto. In the summer, you can enjoy dining on the riverside platforms along the Kibune River. Despite the heat in Kyoto, it is quite cool here. The narrow roads can get congested on weekends, but it adds to the lively atmosphere. It takes about 1 hour from Kyoto city, but it's worth visiting for a longer stay and exploration.

It was quite cold. It took about an hour by car from Kyoto Station to a place in the mountains. There was a tatami room right above a river, where we could forget about the heat of Kyoto and enjoy delicious food and drinks. The temperature felt about 10 degrees cooler. The alcoholic drinks were priced from 850 yen to 1000 yen. It was a fun experience. Thank you for the meal.

Unfortunately, due to rain on the day of our visit, we were unable to dine outside by the river and had to eat inside the restaurant. 1) We had requested a pick-up at Kibune Station in advance via email. There was a review mentioning that the shuttle did not arrive despite waiting, so we sent two confirmation emails. Unfortunately, the shuttle did not show up at the designated location. Additionally, we tried calling the restaurant multiple times but could not get through as the line was busy. The reason we wanted the shuttle service was because there was a lack of communication between the restaurant reception and the bus driver. We ended up having to take public transportation to get to the restaurant. 2) During our meal, we witnessed a male staff member scolding a female staff member in a kimono at the neighboring table for serving dishes without permission, which made us feel uncomfortable from a customer's perspective. 3) Not only at our table, but at other tables as well, we had to wait for over 40 minutes from the soup to the sashimi course. 4) On our way back, we had confirmed via email our transportation from the restaurant to Kyoto Station. Given the previous experience, we double-checked with the staff inside the restaurant. However, when we boarded the bus, the driver informed us that there was a miscommunication. It seemed that the staff's understanding and communication were not aligned. Advice: When communicating via phone or email, it is recommended to remember the name of the person you are speaking with.

In the morning, due to the rain, we couldn't eat by the riverbed, so we had room service. The night was perfect, so I expected the morning to be as well. And it was. The menu may seem very traditional, but everything was incredibly delicious. It's similar to Asaba in Shuzenji in that sense, but I prefer this place much more. The only thing that bothered me was that the tea wasn't that great, despite being in Kyoto. The room was very spacious and comfortable, and with the quality of the food, I think 50,000 yen per person in Kyoto city is a great deal. I will definitely come back here.

I stayed at Migita in Kibune. There are only two rooms available. Dinner is served on the riverside, of course. Kibune itself is slightly cooler than the city, but the riverside at night can be a bit chilly. Now, the food. Everything was amazing and impressive. The ingredients, cooking techniques, and presentation were all perfect. Just by looking at it, you can tell it's delicious. They bring it to the riverside, there are many customers, and above all, is it just expensive for tourists? I used to think that, but that's not the case at all. It's actually the best.

I have been living in Kyoto for over 20 years, and for the first time, I made a reservation at the authentic Kawadoko at Hiroen Sogen and Sagen for our anniversary. It was a pleasant surprise that they offered to pick us up from Kyoto Station or Kibune Station. The lunch course at the Kawadoko was 8,900 yen per person, which included beer, sake, and shochu. The meal started with a variety of appetizers and then moved on to a traditional Kyoto-style kaiseki meal. While it may not be on the same level as some high-end restaurants in the city like Douraku or Harikiyoshi, the quality was still impressive. The grilled ayu (sweetfish) and tamago (sweet omelette) were particularly delicious, and I enjoyed the fine somen noodles as well. Eating delicious food in nature was already wonderful, but the attentive service provided by the proprietress made the experience even more enjoyable. My companion was also very satisfied, and we both had a fantastic time enjoying this extraordinary dining experience.

If you want to enjoy dining by the riverside, this place is highly recommended! The service, taste, and atmosphere are all top-notch. They even offer a shuttle service, making it easy to get there. I made a reservation for 11:30 am on a holiday, but there was an accident. I had to wait for an hour inside the pick-up car before being taken to the restaurant. However, the way they handled the situation was impressive. The driver apologized sincerely without making any excuses, and the staff at the restaurant also apologized and listened to my concerns. The meal, a riverside kaiseki course with 9 dishes for 8900 yen, was delicious. Each dish was well-prepared, served at the right temperature, and the pacing was perfect. The riverside setting added to the experience, and even at the end when they presented me with a fan and some sweets as an apology, I had almost forgotten about the initial wait. The customer service was exceptional, and I have never experienced such hospitality before. It may be a bit far from the center of Kyoto, with not much else to see around besides Kifune Shrine, but it's definitely worth the trip. If you're not comfortable driving on narrow roads, I recommend taking public transportation. I will definitely visit again and recommend it to my friends. Thank you for the wonderful meal!

Kyoto is not the only place that is hot this year, it is hot all over the country. Even on this day, the weather was no exception, but sitting by the riverbed, the breeze made it feel cool and even a little chilly. I was grateful for the pick-up service to Kibune. We had riverbed cuisine. Eating outside makes the food taste better. I enjoyed the meal while feeling refreshed. The food itself was nothing special, but it was a good memory of summer. Thank you for the meal.

Enjoying the famous Kawadoko cuisine in the summer of Kyoto, by the clear stream of the Kibune River, listening to the soothing sound of the water, surrounded by a gentle breeze and lush greenery, we had a relaxing time. The menu included: - Appetizer: Fresh tofu skin with salmon roe, Torimatsu-style appetizer, edamame, scallop with wasabi, and yam and mountain jelly salad. - Soup: A herbal soup with cumin, pine nuts, kuko nuts, white seaweed, and sprout onion. - Sashimi: Sliced conger eel, sea bream, tuna belly, and assorted garnishes. - Grilled dish: Grilled ayu fish with salt, topped with tade vinegar, and served with cold somen noodles, chopped green onions, shiitake mushrooms, and ginger. - Fried dish: Sweetfish tempura, green pepper tempura, and wild boar meat stuffed konjac jelly. - Steamed dish: Awanofu vinegar dish with conger eel, yellowtail with egg yolk, Nanbanzuke (vinegared fish), and grated yam. - Dessert: Amarela, dried fish rice, red miso soup, and pickles. It was cool, delicious, and fantastic. Thank you for the meal.

I made a reservation at a relaxation restaurant. I booked the plan with Kyoto Station pick-up, and it was nice to wear a yukata on the cool riverside of Kibune, even in summer. I enjoyed the sounds of flowing water, insects, and rustling leaves while relaxing. I tried the restaurant's original sake, which was served in a blue glass cup. The lunch menu for the day included various delicious dishes, all served beautifully to evoke a sense of coolness in summer. I would like to visit again next year. At the end of the meal, we also received an original fan as a gift.

Memorandum Arrived around 1 pm on a holiday. This time, I splurged and went to Kawado in Kibune, Kyoto. The drive up to Kibune is on a single lane road with cars going up and down, causing a big traffic jam. I used to live in Kyoto for 2 years, but Kibune is truly a summer resort in Kyoto. In this area, Kawado is a famous restaurant. The food, the atmosphere inside the restaurant, and the riverside setting are all excellent. The grilled ayu fish and somen noodles are especially delicious. You can truly feel the coolness of summer. I would love to visit this restaurant again.

After exploring Kibune Shrine, we took a little break at this riverside cafe. It's a limited-time cafe and quite popular, so I recommend visiting with some extra time. I had some matcha tea there. The riverside area provides shade, so it can be a bit chilly, making warm drinks a good choice. I enjoyed my break, savoring the Kyoto atmosphere with my matcha tea. Thank you for the meal!

When it comes to summer in Kyoto, it's all about the cool dining platforms, especially in Kibune rather than along the Kamo River. Trying to pass as a Kyoto local, I visited in a yukata for the first time in 4 years. The dining platform alone makes everything taste delicious, so it's not really suitable for detailed food reviews like on Tabelog, but the dishes were decent. I was mesmerized by the thinness of the Sanawa Somen noodles, but there wasn't anything particularly outstanding. The warabi mochi was tasty though. This year, perhaps due to the influence of COVID-19, there were fewer people at the Kibune dining platforms, but it's a place I definitely want to visit again. I don't like crowds, but I want to come back to enjoy delicious drinks in a yukata during the hot season.

Known as the "inner parlor of Kyoto," Kibune offers "kawadoko cuisine" where you can enjoy a riverside dining experience. I was worried about enjoying the kawadoko due to the rainy weather on the way there, but I was safely guided to my table. The river had a strong current, but unlike another restaurant where water splashed onto the floor, this one was fine. The tables were spaced out for COVID-19 measures, allowing for a relaxing and open-air dining experience by the river. Today's menu included: Appetizer of fresh yuba, assorted appetizers, soup with scallop, sashimi of sea bream and tuna, grilled ayu fish, somen noodles, fried sweetfish and wild boar meatballs, pickled horse mackerel, rice with shredded mountain pepper, and black sugar warabi mochi and grapefruit jelly for dessert. Despite some shortcomings in service like not receiving a hot sake or a half-coat when requested, the overall experience of the food and riverside dining was satisfying. Thank you for the meal.