Heavy rains cause havoc in Kyoto’s traditional restaurant Kawadoko

An area that feels as if it is floating on the river.

Looking to cool off in the summer heat of Kyoto, many tourists and locals alike flock to kawadoko in the Kibune area of the city.

The tradition of these riverside establishments dates back over a thousand years and allows guests to cool off in the cool breezes along the river while enjoying a meal.

However…

On August 12, that scenery has completely changed.

This restaurant’s kawadoko had collapsed.

The tatami mats were about to be washed away.

The river has become brown and muddy.

A call came into emergency services on the morning of August 12.

[Re-enactment] Caller: The floor collapsed and three or four people fell into the river and are about to be swept away.

According to the fire department, there were seven people on the kawadoko at the time: six customers and one male employee.

All of the customers fell into the river, but 5 of them managed to get out on their own.

One of the customers, a woman in her 70s, was unable to get out on her own, but she was rescued by the employee.

The woman was feeling unwell and the employee suffered bruises to both legs, with both being taken to hospital, but none of the 7 suffered life-threatening injuries.

The cause of the collapse is believed to be flooding due to heavy rain.

From August 10 to 12, the city of Kyoto has seen rainfall equivalent to 70% of its average rainfall for August.

The Kamogawa River was also raging.

Upstream from here…

This is the Kibunegawa River where the accident occurred.

The kawadoko at Kibune is so close to the river that you can almost touch it if you reach out your hand.

According to nearby shops, they decide whether or not to open the kawadoko each day based on the condition of the river.

We talked to people from the area about the river on the 11th and 12th.

[Re-enactment] Local resident: It rained until around noon on the 11th, and the river was flowing fast.

[Re-enactment] Local resident: Today, the condition of the river was such that each store had to decide for itself whether or not to open their kawadoko.

Police are investigating the circumstances at the time, including the cause of the kawadoko collapse.