A complete guide to Pontocho Alley in Kyoto
Image Copyright: Ollie Ronin
Overview
Pontocho Alley is a narrow street in Kyoto known for its traditional restaurants, bars, and historical atmosphere. It's often claimed to be one of the most beautiful streets in Japan and feels like a time capsule, with a rich culture spanning nearly 400 years. The street is about 500 meters long and contains a diverse range of restaurants to suit all budgets, from inexpensive yakitori to mid-range fusion restaurants and high-end Kyoto cuisine. You'll also find a lively atmosphere with a number of unique bars serving everything from cheap happy hour beers to stylish and creative cocktails. Most venues are closed during the day, so it's best to plan your trip for the evening.
Pontocho Alley is located in downtown Kyoto, right next to the Kamo River and across from Gion. Most of the venues on the eastern side of Pontocho have beautiful views overlooking the river. They're especially popular from May to September when the venues set up outdoor platforms, known as kawayuka, for people to experience the cool breeze and lively summer atmosphere found along the river. The kawayuka get booked out quickly on weekends, so advanced reservations are recommended.
Table of Contents
Location & Access
Image Copyright: Ollie Ronin
Pontocho Alley is located along the Kamo River in downtown Kyoto, within walking distance from Gion and Higashiyama. From Kyoto Station it's a short 10-minute bus ride, or 5 minutes on the train.
🕗 Opening Hours
Most Restaurants: 5pm - 10pm
Most Bars: 6pm - Late
📍 Location
Downtown Kyoto (Google Maps)
💴 Price Range
Restaurants: ¥2000 - ¥10,000 per person
Bars: ¥700 - ¥3000 per drink
Pontocho Restaurant Recommendations
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A lot of the venues in Pontocho only have Japanese menus, so choosing the right place can be a challenge. Here are some personal recommendations.
🍜 Ukiya Pontocho Main Store
Some of the best handmade soba noodles in Kyoto, served alongside delicious tempura
Price: ¥1500 - ¥3000
Location: Google Maps
Review Score: ★ 4.2 (450+ reviews)
🥩 Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu
Amazing beef katsu cuisine, katsu is like a fancy version of schnitzel
Price: ¥2000 - ¥4000
Location: Google Maps
Review Score: ★ 4.7 (3900+ reviews)
🍱 Pontocho Suishin
Traditional Kyoto-style Japanese cuisine with a classy vibe
Price: ¥4000 - ¥6000
Location: Google Maps
Review Score: ★ 4.2 (300+ reviews)
Interesting Facts & History
Pontocho Alley is nearly 400 years old, originally established in 1670.
The symbol of Pontocho, found on the beautiful lanterns that line the street, is a plover, a small bird commonly found on the shores of the Kamo River.
The name "Ponto" is thought to come from the Portuguese word "ponte" (bridge), and "-cho" means town, block, or street.
In May, the Kaburenjo Theater, which is located in Pontoch Alley hosts the annual Kamogawa Odori, a famous dance performance featuring geisha in lavish costumes.
Kabuki, the dramatic and comedic performance art, is said to have originated here, Kabuki shows are currently performed across the river at Minamiza Theatre.
It's considered a nightlife district as most of the venues are closed during the day.
Nearby Attractions
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Pontocho is centrally located so it's easy to reach most of the sightseeing destinations in Kyoto. The most common attractions within walking distance are the bustling shops of downtown, the beautiful streets of Gion, and the temples in Higashiyama.
Accommodation
The Gate Hotel in Downtown Kyoto
Pontocho is surrounded by a huge range of accommodation options. If you want to be within a 5-10 minute walk from Pontocho Alley then downtown and Gion are your best options.
Downtown is the most convenient location for staying in Kyoto and has a wide range of hotels to suit all budgets. We've selected the best accommodation in downtown Kyoto based on customer reviews here: The Best Hotels in Downtown Kyoto
Across the river you'll find Gion, which is also very convenient but has more options for those seeking a more traditional style of Japanese experience. We've selected the best accommodation in Gion based on customer reviews here: The Best Hotels in Gion
