18 April 2016 – As Kyoto's warm summer nights approach, fans of al-fresco dining can look forward to the start of the historic riverside 'yuka' dining season in the former capital. The famous Kawayuka riverside dining concept is an aspect of the city's culture dating back over 300 years, and thanks to the rising value of the Japanese Yen against Sterling, Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau is encouraging all those looking for a long haul break to make this summer the time to experience Japan's cultural capital.

Each May restaurateurs build wooden platforms named 'yuka' along the city's Kamogawa River for their customers to dine on whilst enjoying the cool breeze from the river. The erected yuka are open for guests to enjoy until September each year.  The Yuka extend east facing the Kamogawa River, and with their open-air dining areas, are unique to Kyoto and provide a beautiful viewing platform of the city's eastern skyline.

Today, there are about 90 yuka set up along the downtown area of the river with most specialising in traditional Kyoto cuisine.

Yuka along the Kamogawa river first appeared in the late 16th century and were originally simple wooden benches placed either alongside or in the river. Wealthy people would often set up their own prestigious tables and benches along the river to entertain their important visitors. During this period, people brought their own food and drink and some of the local people would dip their bare feet in the river.

For those who would like to enjoy the yuka summer dining season, late deal packages include:

Japan Backpacking Tour: 13 Day 12 Night Tour From £ 1,499 Per Person
The Dragon Trip is offering a brand new Japan tour that features four nights in Kyoto. The tour also visits cities such as Tokyo, Hiroshima and Osaka. Travellers will take the bullet train to Kyoto and amongst other activities will visit the Geisha district, enjoy rafting down the Hozugawa River and a hike through Arashiyama bamboo forest. Price is based on departures on 12 September 2016. For more information, visit thedragontrip.com/japan-backpacking-tours.

Classic Japan: 10 Day Self-Guided Tour Of Japan From £2,349 Per Person
TRAILFINDERS is offering its Classic Japan tour that allows travellers to experience Japan's many different faces, from Tokyo's bright lights to Hakone's spectacular mountain scenery and Kyoto and Nara's historic sites. Price is based on selected travel dates in May and June 2016, is per person based on twin share including flights and is subject to availability. Call TRAILFINDERS on 020 7368 1200 to book or visit trailfinders.com.

Jewels of Japan: 11 Day Group From £3,890 Per Person
Wendy Wu Tours is offering its 11-day Jewels of Japan tour with four nights in Kyoto from £3, 890 per person. The group tour also visits Tokyo and Fuji Five Lakes. Price is based on dates departing on 16 May 2016 or 12 September 2016 and includes international flights and current taxes, domestic transportation, accommodation, all meals, touring with guides and entrance fees. For more information, visit www.wendywutours.co.uk/japan/tours/jewels-of-japan.htm. 

For more information on Kyoto, visit  kyoto.travel/en.

-ENDS-

Notes To Editors
Photo Captions (From Left to Right):
Image 1: Kawayuka on Kyoto's Kamogawa river. Image courtesy of Kyoto CVB.
Image 2: Traditional sushi ryori from Kyoto. Image courtesy of Kyoto CVB.
Image 3: Kyoto's Kamogawa river. Image courtesy of Kyoto CVB. 

About KCVB
Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official partnership for international tourism representation of the City of Kyoto, Japan. Kyoto's diverse history and reputation as Japan's original capital and cultural centre provide a wealth of opportunities for tour operators and travel agents.  The city is home to the Imperial Palace whilst also being the only place where 'real' geishas can still be seen, its old temples and Zen gardens interspersed with urban living means that Kyoto is a striking contrast of heritage and modern city.  Its location just 25 minutes from Osaka and 2hrs 15 minutes from Tokyo, make it easily accessible from Japan's two main international gateways.

For more information or imagery, please contact:
McCluskey International 
Fiona Anderson / Lauren Hill
T: 020 8747 2170
E: kyoto@mccluskey.co.uk