いねる
The streets of Kibune are quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of the Gion Festival. The sound of the river can be heard, with the water level slightly higher than usual, perhaps due to the recent heavy rain. As I walk up the slope from Kibune Shrine towards Okunoin (Inner Shrine), I notice the river on my right lined with riverside dining platforms. Normally, in June, it's less crowded and offers casual menu options, but mostly set courses like flowing somen, soba, etc. I've always thought it would be nice to have a cafe as well... Wait, there is one!! The main dining area is the usual riverside platform, but there are 24 seats in a cafe setup facing south. The southernmost seat overlooks a waterfall, and it seems to fill up quickly from that end. You can order at the main building and inform them that you'll be using the riverside dining area. The menu includes cafe options with alcohol and some sweets. There is a seating fee of 500 yen for the riverside dining area, with a 30-minute time limit. The seating is assigned based on numbers, and if you prefer the waterfall seat on the far right, you may have to wait for up to 30 minutes. Since it's a riverside dining area, you have to cross the road and serve your own food. It can be a bit daunting for someone clumsy like me, but the location is sheltered from strong winds so it's not too risky. I always think riverside dining is amazing. It's cool and refreshing. I can't believe someone came up with this idea and made it happen. The riverside dining area at Kamogawa in the city is hot, crowded, and full of insects, but the one in Kibune is much more relaxed. The slightly louder sound of the waterfall and water may be due to the recent rain. I ordered an "iced coffee" which was reasonably priced. Including the seating fee, it cost just over 1000 yen, which may seem a bit expensive for just a cafe. However, the experience of dining by the river is priceless! The taste was average, but the presentation with the leaf garnish added a nice touch. I couldn't help but take photos of the picturesque setting. Many people seemed to be there for the same reason, enjoying the cool breeze and the tranquil atmosphere. It's a simple and enjoyable experience. It would be great if more cafes like this were available. Overall, I'm grateful for the opportunity to experience this riverside dining cafe. It's simply the best!

