Shiden Hiroba (市電ひろば)

Flow of the course

About this spot

This plaza inside Umekoji Park preserves streetcars that once ran through the streets of Kyoto. The cars are not only on display but also put to use as rest areas and shops, so they make a place to catch your breath out of the sun. Lawn and shade are close by, making this a good corner for spreading out a packed lunch. Streetcars supported daily life in Kyoto during the Showa era, and seeing them after the latest rolling stock at the railway museum makes the passage of time clear even to children. Once lunch and your break are done here, all that is left is to walk to Kawara Asobiba.

Tips

If you buy food inside the park, note that hours and what is on sale can vary by day, so bring a packed lunch if you want to be sure. Taking your trash home is the rule, so having plenty of bags is reassuring. If you spread out lunch on the lawn you will need a picnic sheet. Avoid entering the water right after eating; heading to Kawara Asobiba after a 20- to 30-minute gap is safer.

Best time to visit

About 50 minutes. Spending the hot hours just after noon in the shade makes the afternoon in the water easier.

Access & map

〒600-8835 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Shimogyo-ku, Kankiji-cho