御室川

Gazing at Omurogawa River, can you hear the whispers of its past? Omurogawa River, a tributary of the Kamogawa River, flows through Kyoto’s right district. Its source lies within the Mikyō Highlands. Omurogawa River flows southeast, alongside Route 162, also known as the Shuzenji Road. It merges with the Takano River before finally joining the Kamogawa River. Omurogawa River once flowed directly into the Kamo River. The devastating flood of June 1935 changed its course. The floodwaters wreaked havoc on the Takano River. Consequently, river improvement works began in September 1938. These works redirected Omurogawa River into the Takano River. Then the Takano was rerouted into the Kamo. Omurogawa River features a small waterfall called Omuro-daki Falls. It’s nestled near the Kitakōsan Bridge. This area was believed to be the site of Ninna-ji Temple’s deer park during the Heian period. Legend has it that this waterfall and its surroundings hold a unique history. They were said to be the location of the thunder god’s sanctuary. The falls got its name “Omuro-daki” which translates to “Thunder Falls” because of an old story. The story tells of an odd daily occurrence. Every afternoon the river, otherwise calm, would produce a booming sound. Concerned, the villagers consulted the local temple, who, failing to find an explanation, sent the villagers to higher ground for safety. That night a great flood surged through, devastating homes and fields, but sparing the villagers on the hill. From that day forward, the waterfall, and the surrounding area, became known as “Omuro,” meaning “thunder enclosure”. Near the Kitakōsan Bridge, you can also find a stone monument. It’s dedicated to Emperor Saga. Near the falls you might discover a poem inscribed on a stone. It’s by the poet Matsuo Bashō. The poem reads: “White plum blossoms of yesterday, stealing thunder.” A monument stands nearby, commemorating river improvement works on Omurogawa. These works, completed in 1906, were a collaborative effort by four villages. The villages were Ukyo Ward’s Baishun, Saion, Keigoku and Kikka.