Katsura River

There are two main rivers in Kyoto. On the East side the famous Kamo River flows while the scenic Katsura River flows in the West. Farmland stretches alongside the Katsura River, especially by Kisshoin in the South Ward where vegetables are grown on both sides of the river. Furthermore, there are different animals along the river. Carps swim in the water and cormorants can be found diving in the water and drying their wings on the concrete. Insects like butterflies and bees pollinate the vegetables along the river.

There is a walk and bicycle path alongside the East side of the Katsura River. You can enjoy the farm scenery from the road. Besides farmland there is a simple graveyard hidden along the river. It's only one single shed in the middle of the farmland which makes it easy to miss.

The railway crosses the Katsura River. When the train rides on the bridge the structure shakes. Those who are really lucky might see the train known as 'Doctor Yellow' on the Shinkansen line.

South of the bridge there is a path lined with cherry trees. Katsura River flows west of the path and Tenjin River flows on the East side. After a 20 minute walk on the path one will get to a lonely tree where the two rivers meet. In the background the white apartment complexes of Kisshoin can be seen on the left and Muko can be seen on the right.