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Furukawacho Shopping Arcade

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Furukawacho Shopping Arcade

A retro and modern shopping arcade adorned with colorful lanterns swaying under the arches.

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Supervised by :  Furukawacho Shopping Arcade

Located near Heian Shrine and Okazaki Park, this small shopping arcade is charmingly retro yet modern, adorned with about 1,000 colorful pastel lanterns hanging from its arcade. The blend of nostalgia and novelty creates a unique atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists looking for Instagram-worthy spots.

Historically known as the "Mackerel Highway," Wakasa Road was used to transport seafood to Kyoto. Shops began to cluster at the Sanjo-dori end of the road, which developed in tandem with Nishiki Market. Today, about 30 shops line the 250-meter-long arcade, offering a mix of traditional goods, eateries like cafes and pubs, craft shops, and galleries. Additionally, several renovated traditional townhouses now serve as lodging, popular among international tourists.

The street hosts the "Lantern Festival" in spring and autumn, filled with handmade charm. Even on rainy days, the covered arcade offers a dry path to attractions like Chion-in and Gion.

Highlights

  • Located at the endpoint of Wakasa Road, historically developed as the "Mackerel Highway."
  • Mix of traditional shops and modern eateries and cafes.
  • Popular photo spot with lanterns hanging from the arcade.
  • "Lantern Festival" held in spring and autumn.
  • Rainproof access to areas like Gion and Chion-in.

Photos

  • The charming mismatch of retro arcades and colorful lanterns adds a quaint touch.

    The charming mismatch of retro arcades and colorful lanterns adds a quaint touch.

  • A variety of dining options including restaurants, cafes, and pubs enhance the experience.

    A variety of dining options including restaurants, cafes, and pubs enhance the experience.

  • Accommodations in renovated traditional townhouses let you fully enjoy the old-town atmosphere.

    Accommodations in renovated traditional townhouses let you fully enjoy the old-town atmosphere.

  • The shopping arcade features a diverse range of stores, attracting shoppers of all ages.

    The shopping arcade features a diverse range of stores, attracting shoppers of all ages.

  • The "Lantern Festival" held in spring and autumn brings the community together with festive events.

    The "Lantern Festival" held in spring and autumn brings the community together with festive events.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
A

Sorry, we don’t.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A

No free Wi-Fi available.

Q

Are coin lockers available?
A

Not available.

Q

Are there restrooms available?
A

There is a public restroom.

Q

Are there any smoking areas?
A

Not available.

Reviews

1

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Maria Lee
    See More

    This is a great place for a stroll and some sightseeing, and you can really get a feel for the local Japanese atmosphere.

Details

Name in Japanese
古川町商店街
Postal Code
605-0028
Address
Furukawacho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Closed
Varies by store
Business Hours
Varies by store
Access
(1) A short walk from Subway Tozai Line’s Higashiyama Station.
(2) About 5 minutes walk from Keihan Main Line’s Sanjo Station.
Credit Cards
Varies by store
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa