©Arukikata. Co. , Ltd.  |  ©Bringer Japan Z Inc.

Pontocho

Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.

Pontocho

Kyoto’s busiest downtown since Edo Period.

3.25 4

Last update :
Supervised by :  Ponto-cho Noren-kai

Pontocho Street runs north to south sandwiched by Kamo River and Takase River, which was originally an island in Kamo River. In the early Edo Period, Takase River was opened and connected to Fushimi, and it began to prosper as a logistics hub. In the late Edo period, it became a downtown. By the early Meiji Period when Kamogawa Dance was performed to promote Pontocho, it was established as a red-light district.

The unique name is said to have derived from Portuguese ponta (ahead), ponte (bridge) or the geography sandwiched by two rivers is like a drum that makes “Ponto” sound. Now, the quaint narrow alley lines up all kinds of restaurants from Shijo to Sanjo with added charm of lanterns at night.

Kamogawa Dance is performed every year from May 1 to 24 at Pontocho Kaburenjo. You can watch the brilliant Geisha dance up close.

Highlights

  • The street lined with restaurants which were former Geisha houses and their training places.
  • A variety of restaurants to choose from.
  • Geishas’ brilliant performance, Kamogawa Dance, in May every year.
  • Some restaurants set up Noryo-Yuka over Kamo River in summer, offering Kyoto-style hospitality.

Photos

  • Pontocho Street with narrow alleyway and home shops *Photo provider: iStock

    Pontocho Street with narrow alleyway and home shops *Photo provider: iStock

  • Lights are lit and evening adds a special ambience *Photo provider: iStock

    Lights are lit and evening adds a special ambience *Photo provider: iStock

  • Takase River was opened in Edo Period. Commerce with Takase boats shaped Pontocho *Photo provider: iStock

    Takase River was opened in Edo Period. Commerce with Takase boats shaped Pontocho *Photo provider: iStock

  • Noryo-Yuka is set up along Kamo River in summer, attracting many who seek cool air *Photo provider: iStock

    Noryo-Yuka is set up along Kamo River in summer, attracting many who seek cool air *Photo provider: iStock

  • Pontocho Noren Association was formed to preserve history, contributing to maintaining the townscape *Photo provider: iStock

    Pontocho Noren Association was formed to preserve history, contributing to maintaining the townscape *Photo provider: iStock

Reviews

4

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • wendy
    See More

    When visiting Kyoto, Pontocho is a street well worth taking your time to explore. It has been a bustling downtown district in Kyoto since the Edo period, and the street still retains a strong sense of old Kyoto. This time, I visited during the day. Without the lively nighttime crowds and noise, the street felt especially quiet and peaceful. Traditional machiya townhouses and narrow alleys line both sides, giving it a uniquely Kyoto charm. Strolling leisurely through the area and experiencing the atmosphere of daily life in the ancient capital has a charm of its own. It's also a great place to take beautiful photos.

  • Linda Liao
    See More

    Pontocho is close to Shijo Street, Shijo Kawaramachi, and the Kamo River, and is one of Kyoto's famous nighttime alleys. As the lights come on, many restaurants begin to open and the street gradually comes alive. There are many unique shops and restaurants to choose from along the way, and the area is full of Kyoto charm.

  • 安西老師
    See More

    There are tons of izakayas and Japanese restaurants lined up here. The famous Yakiniku Fufutei also has a branch in this area. Many of the restaurants used to be old tea houses that have been converted.

  • Mimi Chang
    See More

    The alley is quite narrow, lined with all kinds of Japanese restaurants on both sides. Tourists are constantly coming and going along this charming street.

Details

Name in Japanese
先斗町通
Address
Area from Ishiyacho to Nabeyacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Directions
1) From Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station 1A Exit, walk 2 min.
2) From Keihan Gion-Shijo Station Exit 7, walk 3 min.
3) From Keihan Sanjo Station Exit 5, walk 3 min.
4) From Subway Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station Exit 1, walk 5 min.
Official Website
Pontocho Noren Association (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa