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Pontocho

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★ 4.9 (34K+ reviews) • 275K+ booked
Pontocho is a charming and historic narrow alley in Kyoto known for its traditional Japanese atmosphere and old wooden buildings. This stunning street runs along the Kamo River, giving you beautiful views and a cultural adventure you won’t forget. Walking through Pontocho Alley in Kyoto, you’ll find many restaurants serving tasty traditional food. You can try amazing sushi or enjoy real Kyoto dishes in a restaurant overlooking the Kamogawa River. You can also join a walking tour to take in the pretty streets and maybe even spot an apprentice geisha heading to tea houses. Pontocho is easy to reach because it’s just a short walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station and Gion Shijo Station. So if you're visiting Kyoto, stop by and explore!
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Pontocho Alley, Nabeyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8014, Japan
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Pontocho Reviews

4.9 /5
34K+ reviews
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Lesly *******
1 Jul
Booked a Ramen Cooking Class here in Kyoto. Mo Mo and Amir were fantastic teachers and very friendly people. Very much enjoyed and HIGHLY recommend for everyone that loves ramen to attend this. Ramen after the class was delcicious! 10/10 recommend!
Klook客路用户
1 Jul
It was afternoon when I went there, and there was no one in the store. The lady was Japanese, she was quiet and quick, and she quickly finished the two sets of matching for me and my friend. Very nice~
Klook User
30 Jun
The 2 men that taught us the process of making ramen were amazing and so friendly, they made the effort to explain things step by step so it was easy to follow and bonded over anime and ramen. A unique and one of a kind experience, it was just my partner and I which made the experience more private and enjoyable. Time just flew
reilly ********
30 Jun
I had so much fun walking around with a kimono on, it was hot but the kimono was comfy so it didnt iritate me much. They have a wide selection of kimono and the staff are so kind, they are so jolly and nice. The place is small but homey and comforting, everything is accesible. The location is near the Gion station and also the Yasaka shrine and other beautiful traditional places you can take pictures at, super recommend this place! Great for its price.
클룩 회원
29 Jun
This is my first time writing a review on Klook. I made a reservation at 10 AM on Sunday and went there, but it was quiet and they guided me quickly, so I finished choosing and setting up in 30 minutes. First of all, I liked that they let me store a certain amount of luggage! (We didn't know that and left it in a coin locker at Kyoto Station, but) They also lent me a small pouch bag, so I was able to carry my luggage without any problems. They explained to me well that I should wear a yukata instead of a kimono because the weather was getting warmer, and they only looked at the design ㅋㅋㅋ They kindly explained to me that it would be hot whenever I was choosing a kimono, so I was grateful🥹 Even though my hair was short, they put it up nicely, and they even lent me a fan, which was very useful. (You should bring your own parasol, the sunlight is really hot) Thanks to them, I was able to travel very nicely. I understood what they meant by everyone being kind. They explained everything one by one, and the person who did my hair was especially attentive, so I was really touched... . The hair is amazing... ., This quality for this price, and famous places like Kiyomizu-dera and Sannenzaka are not too far away. 15 minutes on foot? We had a nice yukata and walked around nicely. Oh, and it was nice that there were sizes for men up to 2XL. My boyfriend also wore it in a size that fit him well. Thank you. If I come to Kyoto again, I will definitely choose it again without hesitation!!
Yu ******
29 Jun
Sakura Kimono Store has 2 branches. We went to the wrong one, but the staff was still very polite and let us have a kimono experience there. The weather was very hot, so we chose yukata. The staff who helped us put on the kimono were very nice and helped us choose accessories. They made us look very beautiful/handsome. It is a store worth recommending.
2+
Shen *****
29 Jun
During the 7-day 6-night free travel, I specially arranged a day to sign up for a group tour in Kyoto. The main attractions this time were Kinkakuji Temple, Kiyomizu Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. The overall itinerary was all the attractions I really wanted to visit. I was super nervous before departure, after all, it was my first time traveling in this way, and I wanted to participate selfishly, but in fact I really felt great. The entire time control and itinerary arrangement were all very appropriate. I would like to thank our tour guide Xiao Fu (Alvin) 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. During the trip, he explained the history of the attractions in Chinese and English, and shared many recommended restaurants, allowing us to use time quickly and accurately, and he would also remind everyone in the group of the meeting time and place in a timely manner. Our group had a large number of people and we took the bus, but Xiao Fu still cared about everyone's situation, whether there was anything they wanted to eat, etc. He was always willing to help. Especially when my son fell and injured both knees, Xiao Fu immediately went to buy disinfectant and dressings for us. I am really grateful, otherwise we might not be able to have fun. The child felt embarrassed afterwards and wanted to thank this big brother. We returned to Osaka at nearly 6 o'clock and had plenty of time to go shopping. After returning home, everyone felt that they had a fulfilling and happy day.
2+
Klook客路用户
27 Jun
International students brought their foreign friends to experience it. The owner was able to introduce kimono culture in English. My friends were amazed at the way the belt was tied and said it was the highlight of the trip!

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Foods to Try at Pontocho Alley, Kyoto

Wagyu Beef

Taste the amazing flavors of Wagyu beef at Pontocho Alley. Here, restaurants cook this tender, juicy beef so well that it melts in your mouth. It's a delicious experience you shouldn't skip when you're in Kyoto.

Oden (Hotpot)

Warm up with Oden, a Japanese hotpot perfect for cold nights on Pontocho Street. Try different ingredients like daikon, tofu, and boiled eggs cooked in a tasty broth.

Kamameshi

Don't miss Kamameshi, a tasty Japanese rice dish served in little iron pots. It's a yummy mix of seasoned rice with fish, meat, or veggies. Cooked just right and served hot, it's a must-try when exploring Pontocho Alley.

Sushi

Jump into the world of sushi at Pontocho, where each piece is made with the freshest ingredients. Enjoy classics like tuna and salmon, or try something new while watching the chefs at work.

Soba

Try handmade soba noodles, freshly made by hand every morning! These noodles are made from buckwheat and served in a light broth or chilled with a dipping sauce.

Must-See Attractions Nearby Pontocho

Gion Hanamikoji

Take a short walk from Pontocho to explore Gion Hanamikoji, known as one of Kyoto's famous geisha districts. As you walk down this beautiful street, you'll see old houses and tea houses. If you're lucky, you might even spot a geisha or maiko in traditional clothing.

Yasaka Shrine

Check out the beautiful Yasaka Shrine, famous for Kyoto's Gion Festival. The shrine looks magical, especially at night when it's all lit up. It's just a quick 5 to 10-minute walk from Pontocho Alley, offering a peaceful escape in the middle of Kyoto City.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Take a 20-minute walk from Pontocho to visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, known for its amazing architecture and panoramic city views. On your way there, you'll find shops and food stalls, perfect for a fun afternoon. The view from the main hall is one of the best in Kyoto, and great for photos!

Heian Shrine

Visit Heian Shrine and see its huge vermilion gate and big gardens. It's easy to get to from Pontocho, and it's a great way to learn about ancient Kyoto. The gardens are full of colorful flowers, which change with the seasons, making each visit special.

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