There’s a tree-lined canal that runs between Shirakawa and Higashioji Dori that is one of Kyoto’s best kept secrets. Follow it south and then east and it leads on to the far more famous 哲å¦ã®é“ (“The Path of Philosophy”), but follow it north in the springtime and you can enjoy the cherry blossom here minus the crowds of tourists, and in June it’s also a good area to spot fireflies. ã‚Šã»ã† (“Rihou”) is a charming cafe and art gallery that sits by this canal just north of Mikage Dori. Bring a book, enjoy the excellent coffee and maybe even treat yourself to a slice of cake. They have regular exhibitions on the second floor too. All in all an excellent way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Here are some pictures from the first floor cafe. You can click through to flickr for a better look.
And here is a previous exhibition on the second floor. The title of the exhibition was: æ¤ç‰©ã¨ç¡å㨠or ” With Greenery, With Glass” by ä¸æ‘彩 and 今井美智 (March 2007).
To find ã‚Šã»ã† go north on Shirakawa Dori from Imadegawa, and then turn left onto Mikage Dori. After a short walk you will see a flower shop and then the canal, turn right and ã‚Šã»ã† will be on your left again.
Tel: 075-721-2628
Open: 11:00 ~ 19:00 / Closed on Wednesdays