Overview: The Kamo River flows 23km north-south through the city center. Emperors on their enthronement would once purify themselves in its waters, and dyers would rinse bolts of fabric downstream. An entertainment district evolved downtown along the banks, and remains today. Wild birds can be seen year-round, and in summer anglers catch sweetfish. The river is also habitat to the Japanese giant salamander, a protected species. Discover the river's history and its cultural influence on life in Kyoto.