HomeJapanPontocho

Pontocho

Street
★ 4.9 (34K+ reviews) • 275K+ booked
Pontocho Alley is a narrow lane in Kyoto City known for its lanterns, historic architecture, and river views along the Kamogawa River. It stretches from Shijo Dori to Sanjo Dori, just one block west of the water. The alley is easily accessible from Gion Shijo Station, Kawaramachi Station, the Keihan Line, the Hankyu Line, and even Kyoto Station. In the Pontocho Area, you can enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine, kaiseki, wagyu beef, soba noodles, sushi, and other exquisite dishes. You might spot a Maiko, geisha, or apprentice geisha heading to evening engagements. Plus, there are restaurants, bars, and many establishments with tatami mats, river views, or free Wi-Fi. Business hours vary, but most places open from late afternoon until late at night, with some requiring advance reservations. Located in Nakagyo Ku, it’s a great base for exploring nearby Gion, Heian Shrine, and Yasaka Shrine. Ready to eat, explore, and enjoy traditional Japanese flavors in Japan? Head to Pontocho Dori for best dining and nightlife!
See more
See more
Pontocho Alley, Nabeyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 604-8014, Japan
Gallery
Overview
Things to do
Hotels
Restaurants

Pontocho Reviews

4.9 /5
34K+ reviews
Read all reviews
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!

Popular places near Pontocho

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
491K+ visitors
Arashiyama
1M+ visitors
Tenryu-ji
380K+ visitors
Jojakkoji
817K+ visitors
Arashiyama Park Kameyama Area
371K+ visitors
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
447K+ visitors
Okochi Sanso Garden
365K+ visitors
Togetsukyō Bridge
460K+ visitors
Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street
313K+ visitors

FAQs about Pontocho

What is Pontocho famous for?

Is Pontocho Alley worth it?

Where is Pontocho Alley in Kyoto?

Is Pontocho Alley expensive?

When is the best time to visit Pontocho Alley?

What to know about Pontocho

Things to Do in Pontocho Alley

Try Traditional Kyoto Food

When you walk through Pontocho Alley, you can enjoy classic Kyoto dishes like kaiseki, soba, tempura, and wagyu beef. You'll find both fancy restaurants and casual spots, so you can choose what fits your budget. Many places in Pontocho Alley use local ingredients, giving you a real taste of Kyoto's food culture.

Look for Maiko and Geisha

In Pontocho Alley, you might see a maiko (apprentice geisha) or a geisha heading to an evening performance. This is a unique chance to see Kyoto's traditional entertainment world! If you're walking through Pontocho Alley around sunset, you have a better chance of seeing them.

Enjoy Riverside Dining

Many restaurants in Pontocho Alley overlook the Kamogawa River, giving you a peaceful view while you eat. During the warmer months, some places set up outdoor seating platforms right above the water. Having dinner by the river in Pontocho Alley is one of the most memorable experiences in Kyoto.

Explore Historic Architecture

As you walk through Pontocho Alley, you'll notice old wooden buildings, narrow walkways, and traditional lanterns. These designs make the area feel like ancient Kyoto. The preserved architecture in Pontocho Alley helps you understand what the city looked like centuries ago.

Visit Cozy Bars and Nightlife Spots

Pontocho Alley has many izakayas where you can enjoy drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. If you want to experience Kyoto's night scene, Pontocho Alley is a great place to explore!

Popular Attractions Near Pontocho Alley

Yasaka Shrine (10-15 minute walk)

Yasaka Shrine is one of Kyoto's most famous Shinto shrines, known for its bright vermilion gates, peaceful atmosphere, and year-round festivals. Here, you can explore historic halls, ring the shrine bells for good luck, take photos of traditional lanterns, and enjoy seasonal displays like cherry blossoms or autumn leaves.

Nishiki Market (10-15 minute walk)

Nishiki Market is a lively food market in central Kyoto where you can try local snacks, fresh seafood, sweets, pickles, and traditional ingredients all in one long covered street. You can sample Kyoto favorites like mochi, grilled skewers, and tamagoyaki, or shop for souvenirs and handmade goods from family-run stalls.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple (20-25 minute bus ride)

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Kyoto's most famous landmarks, known for its large wooden stage that overlooks the city and the beautiful scenery that changes each season. Explore the main hall, drink from the Otowa Waterfall for good luck, and walk through charming old streets filled with shops and snacks.

Explore more on Klook

© 2014-2025 Klook. All rights reserved.

Help
© 2014-2025 Klook. All rights reserved.