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Pontocho

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Pontocho

Kyoto’s busiest downtown since Edo Period.

3.87 2

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

2

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 安西老師
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    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
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    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.

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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)
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