{"id":3712,"date":"2014-10-17T07:30:18","date_gmt":"2014-10-17T17:30:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/auto-draft\/"},"modified":"2014-10-16T13:37:29","modified_gmt":"2014-10-16T23:37:29","slug":"japan-kyoto-river","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/blog\/japan-kyoto-river\/","title":{"rendered":"Down by the River"},"content":{"rendered":"

We’re making our way to one of Kyoto’s many temples when we come to a bridge that crosses over a wide river. Along the wide banks of this shallow river, people are everywhere.<\/p>\n

This is a gathering place.<\/p>\n

\"Bridge<\/a><\/p>\n

We’re at one of the many bridges that cross the Kamogawa<\/em>, a river that runs through Kyoto from north to south. The banks on either side of the river are wide and level, reminiscent of the broad paths along Paris’ river Seine.<\/p>\n

\"Low<\/a> \"Hanging<\/a>\"Along<\/a> \"Abandoned<\/a><\/p>\n

Though there are people walking, running, and biking along the river bank as far as the eye can see, this bridge is a nexus– groups of people gather here more than anywhere else along the river for picnics, after-school chats, and even dance lessons.<\/p>\n

\"Gathering<\/a> \"Activity\"<\/a> \"Dance<\/a><\/p>\n

Despite the activity, the bridge is still a good place to find a quiet corner to read a book or to just look out over the river and reflect on your day.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a> \"Reflection\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The crowds thin out as you move further down the path away from the bridge. Here, people travel in pairs, from a child exploring the river rocks with this mother, to a couple sharing a moment to themselves as they silently walk hand in hand.<\/p>\n

\"Cranes<\/a> \"Dare\"<\/a>\"Inu\"<\/a> \"Race\"<\/a> \"Fishing\"<\/a> \"Hand<\/a><\/p>\n

Along the path, there are makeshift bridges composed of large stepping stones– perfect for small groups of friends and family to come together.<\/p>\n

Classmates laugh and play games as they hop from stone to stone.<\/p>\n

\"Steps\"<\/a><\/p>\n

An elder fisherman passes on the family secrets to his eager grandson, while grandma looks on with a smile from under the cool shade of an umbrella.<\/p>\n

\"Lesson\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Kyoto does not feel as big<\/em> as some of Japan’s other cities, but it’s still nice to find a spot where you can escape the noise of the city and catch your breath.<\/p>\n

Down by the river, you can relax, take a stroll, or just go with the flow.<\/p>\n

\"Kyoto<\/a> \"Rolling<\/a><\/p>\n

Gear<\/h2>\n