Katsura River

Overview

The Katsura River is a first-class tributary of the Yodo River system flowing through Kyoto Prefecture. In its upper reaches near Kameoka it is called the Oi or Hozu River, and only from around Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama does it take the name Katsura. Long regarded as the western boundary of the old capital, it forms a counterpart to the Kamo River in the east, and its calm surface framed by the hills of Arashiyama draws travelers in every season.

Highlights

• ●River views blending with Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama
• ●The ancient Matsuo Shrine in the valley
• ●Ayu sweetfish raised in the summer stream
• ●Gorge scenery upstream where it is called the Oi and Hozu

History

The river valley is home to some of the oldest shrines in Kyoto and Japan, including Matsuo Shrine, which have supported local life and worship for centuries. In contrast to the heavily channelled Kamo River, the Katsura retains the character of a farming river, nourishing fields spread across its flood plain and preserving a rural landscape shaped by water.

Map

34.8790, 135.6778 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Arrive in Arashiyama and take in the river from Togetsukyo Bridge
2. 2Walk the riverside path and enjoy the seasonal scenery
3. 3Visit ancient shrines in the valley such as Matsuo Shrine
4. 4Extend your view toward the Hozu gorge upstream

Did you know?

💡 Running roughly 114 kilometers, the river changes names along its course, from the Oi and Hozu in the upper valley to the Katsura downstream, before joining the Kamo and finally the Yodo within Kyoto.

Nearby spots