Street
Pontocho
先斗町
A narrow alley running from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori one block west of the Kamo river, packed with restaurants and bars from inexpensive yakitori to exclusive traditional dining.
Key facts
- Station
- Kyoto-Kawaramachi (Hankyu Kyoto Line)3 min walk
- Admission
- Free entry
- Typical visit
- 45 min
- Hours
- Most restaurants and bars open around 17:00 to 23:00, some also at lunch
Tip
From May to September many restaurants on the river side build kawayuka platforms over the water; reservations are advised on Fridays and Saturdays.
01Where to stay
Stay nearby
This place is in Kawaramachi and Pontocho. Median hotel rate in the latest sample: US$376 per night. Where to stay in Kawaramachi and Pontocho
Prices and availability come from the booking sites and can change.
02Map
Nearby places
- Landmark Minamiza Theatre 南座 A kabuki theatre at the east end of Shijo bridge, founded in the early Edo period on the same site. Paid entry 30 min 1 min walk
- Nightlife Kiyamachi-dori 木屋町通 A street following the Takase canal, dug in 1611, between the Kamo river and Kawaramachi-dori. Free entry 45 min 3 min walk
- Nature Kamo River Walk 鴨川 Paths run along both banks of the Kamo river through central Kyoto. Free entry 45 min 3 min walk
- Street Gion Shirakawa 祇園白川 A stretch of the Shirakawa canal north of Shijo-dori, lined with willows, restaurants and ochaya, around the small Tatsumi bridge. Free entry 20 min 5 min walk
Sources · Verified 24 September 2026