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Pontocho Dori

Kyoto’s busiest downtown since Edo Period.

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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
  • 安西老師

    有居酒屋日式料理店一家接著一家,著名的燒肉風風亭在這邊有開店,很多都是早期茶屋改造成餐廳。

  • Mimi Chang

    巷弄不大,兩側各式各樣的日式小餐館,觀光客來來往往穿梭樸實的街道上。

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)