In 1899, 22-year-old Hana travels to the Kino River to marry Keisaku, son of the aristocratic Shintani family. Her life changes, as she struggles to conform and become accustomed to the ways of a family of distinguished ancestry, and she eventually gives birth to a daughter, Fumio. At school Fumio is inspired by modern ideas, and, to the consternation of her parents, becomes actively involved in the feminist movement. After having a daughter herself, Fumio devotes herself more to her home and child.

Set in what is now Wakayama Prefecture, The Kino River follows the story of three generations of women in the Shintani family, spanning the Meiji, Taisho and Showa eras. The film impressively depicts the fate of a woman who has married into a family of pedigree and privilege, and the effect that events have on her over the years.