The Kamogawa is one of the biggest every day attractions in Kyoto City for locals and tourists alike. In the spring and summer months, you'll find its banks adorned with people enjoying picnics, drinking, relaxing, reading, playing instruments, and all manner of other actvities. The river has a long and rich history with the city, with the common theme being that it has always been a place to gather, to enjoy company, and to help beat the intense summer heat.

In the mid 20th century, the river had a lot of issues with large amounts of industrial waste, coupled with regular fly tipping from the locals. After a massive beautification program and an overhauling of the structure of the river bed (which is why you'll now see a second smaller river to the side), the Kamogawa has become a beautifully clean stripe of nature that cuts right through the city. Litter is an ongoing issue, and with the increasing tourist population paired with the riverbank becoming more popular than ever, Kyoto is currently working hard to keep its treasured river clean.

This activity is an opportunity for you to become an active part of the Kyoto community by giving back to this beautiful city with a day of volunteering at Kamogawa. In collaboration with the Kyoto Prefectural Office’s river beautification program and other local universities, we'll spend the day collecting litter, walking along the river's banks, and enjoying lunch in the warming spring weather. Let's all help give back to our beautiful city!

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