Photo= Guests enjoying the cuisine while being entertained by "Maiko" on "Yuka" terraces (7 p.m., May 1, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto)

"Noryo Yuka" or dining terraces on the Kamo River, a summer tradition of Kyoto, opened on May 1. Amid the lights shining at dusk and the gracefully resounding music of the "Naginata Hoko" float of the Gion Festival, the restaurants' regular customers and sightseers enjoyed the authentic taste of Kyoto.

"Ikumatsu," a traditional Japanese-style restaurant in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, had its customary performance of festival music by members of "Naginata Hoko Gion-bayashi Hozonkai." With the feeling of summer just around the corner, guests enjoyed food and drinks accompanied by the "Kon Chiki Chin" melody, as well as entertainment by "Maiko," or apprentice geisha.

A woman from Shimogyo Ward, who has been familiar with the Noryo Yuka since her childhood, said, "Eating dinner on the Yuka with the mountainous view of Higashiyama represents the unique essence of Kyoto."

According to "Kyoto-kamogawa-nouryouyuka-kyoudoukumiai," or the cooperative group for terraces on the Kamo River, 97 restaurants along the approximately 2.5-kilometer bank between Nijo-dori and Gojo-dori Streets set up dining terraces projecting over the riverside. The decks of 88 member restaurants opened from this day.