Pontocho

Pontocho, known for its geisha and maiko culture, is one of the most famous Hanamachi districts in Kyoto along with Gion District and Miyagawa-cho. Located next to Kamo River, it is a historical street dating back to Edo period (1603-1868). The name “ponto” is believed to derive from the Portuguese word “bridge”, for this place used to be the dike or bridge over Kamo River. 
 
Pontocho is only 500 meters (546 yd.) long lined up with a variety of traditional restaurants, teahouses and Izakaya pubs, so it’s a nostalgic place for people to relax and entertain in Kyoto. Well-preserved traditional architectures, lively nightlife and geisha culture all contribute to Pontocho’s unique ambience.

Pontocho, Kyoto

Things to Do in Pontocho

1. Taste Traditional Japanese Cuisine      

In the daytime, Pontocho is quiet with few restaurants open, while in the evening it becomes busy and lively with plover patterned lanterns lit up along the street. Here you can experience various traditional Japanese foods including tempura, sushi, sashimi, yakitori and yakiniku grilled meat. Note that a reservation is recommended because most restaurants here are popular.

Various sushi in restaurant, Pontocho

2. Watch Kamogawa Odori Performed by Geisha

It’s not common to encounter a geisha in Japan, but if you come to Pontocho in May, it’s a good chance for you to admire a Japanese traditional dance by geisha and maiko. The Kamogawa Odori was first performed in 1872 to attract more tourists and protect the tradition. Now it has become a token of Kyoto’s geisha culture. The performance includes dance drama and traditional dance. It is usually held from May 1st to 24th every year in Pontocho Kaburenjo. 

Geisha performance in Pontocho, Kyoto

3. Relax on Nouryou-Yuka by Kamo River

Kamogawa Nouryou-yuka is open-air terrace put up by restaurants near the riverbank of Kamo River every year from May to September. Many restaurants and Izakaya pubs in Pontocho open until midnight. Nouryou-yuka offers a perfect place for people to enjoy Kyoto’s night - have a meal or drink some wine while feeling the refreshing cool breeze under the light of the lanterns. 

People relaxing by Kamo River

Recommended Restaurants & Pubs in Pontocho

Many restaurants in Pontocho serve not only dishes but also Japanese sake. The followings are restaurants with English menus and sake.

1. Pontocho Robin

Robin is located in a 150-year-old machiya, offering authentic Japanese dishes like sashimi, Kamameshi and sushi. This restaurant features seasonal ingredients and Kyoto’s specialties including tofu skin, tofu, and namafu. Also, Nouryou-yuka is available.

Kappa Zushi, Pontocho

2. Rokudenya Pontocho

This restaurant is easy to find because of its door curtain with a big soft-shelled turtle design. The soft-shelled turtle hotpot here is a must-try delicacy. Besides, Doteyaki - skewers of beef tendon, vegetables, tofu, etc. simmered in 5 types of miso & mirin, as well as the beef Dan Dan noodles are recommended.

3. Kappa Zushi

If you are a sushi lover, you won’t want to miss Kappa Zushi, because it’s a 40-year-old restaurant in which you can enjoy many kinds of sushi freshly made by chefs, costing about 120-800 yen (0.8-5.5 dollars) per piece. This restaurant is also popular among locals with its Edo-style sushi, hand-roll sushi and Chef’s Omakase. Nouryou-yuka is available as well.

4. Bar ATLANTIS

ATLANTIS is the only bar in Pontocho which has a bar counter on the riverbed, serving over 500 kinds of alcohol of different brands. You may enjoy your wine as well as the river scenery on Nouryou-yuka. Its original cocktail is worth a try.

Restaurants in Pontocho

Fresh-made sushi by chef

Know Before Going

1. Opening Hours

The opening hours vary among different restaurants. Most open from 11:30 to 14:30 and 17:00 to 23:00.

2. Ticket Fare

Free.

How to Get to Pontocho

1. By bus

You may take Kyoto City Bus 105, 4, 5, 7, 58 or 205 to Shijo Kawaramachi, walk south and turn left at the first crossing, then walk east for about 3 minute to get there.

2. By train

You may take a train on Hankyu-Kyoto Line to Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station and exit from 1A, then walk east for about 1 minute to get there.

Nearby Attractions

Nishiki Market: The kitchen of Kyoto, retailing various traditional snacks with free food samples. Walk west for about 500 m (550 yd.), 7 minutes, turn right and walk north for 2 minutes to get there.
Yasaka Shrine: The place where Japan’s most celebrated festival - Gion Festival originated, located in Gion District. You may walk east for 12 minutes to go there.
Kennin-ji Temple: The first and oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. You may walk south along Kiyamachi-dori and turn left on Donguri Dori; the total walking time is about 7 minutes.