Yodogawa Riverside Park Sewaritei

The Sewari-tei Area of Yodogawa Riverside Park is a levee in Yawata City, Kyoto Prefecture. It stands where three rivers—the Kizu, Uji, and Katsura—converge. The area suffered frequent flooding in the past; after river improvements created the current channels, the Sewari-tei levee was constructed. Today it is a local recreation area with a barbecue zone and the Sakura-deai-kan facility. In early April, about 220 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom along the levee, creating a roughly 1.4 km ‘cherry tunnel.’ During cherry season, the Sakura-deai-kan observation tower becomes paid access; the view from 25 m above ground over the cherry-lined embankment is spectacular. Sakura-deai-kan, opened in 2017 (Heisei 29), includes an observation tower, rest area, and multipurpose plaza, and hosts markets featuring local products and community concerts, serving as a hub for regional exchange and information. It is about a 10-minute walk from Keihan Ishimizu-Hachimangu Station. Heading the other direction (up toward the mountain) from the station leads to Ishimizu Hachimangu, famous for warding off misfortune and referenced in Tsurezuregusa.