Pontocho alley Kyoto at a glance
Pontocho is a narrow lane of restaurants, bars and teahouses along the Kamo river, and one of the five geiko districts of Kyoto. Kawaramachi, the shopping and transport hub of downtown Kyoto, lies right next to it, and Gion is across the river. Together they form a central area for dinner and an evening out.
From 1 May to 15 October, restaurants along the west bank of the Kamo build terraces over the riverbank for dining. Outside that season you eat indoors, often with a view of the river. If you would rather let a guide choose the dishes, our page on Kyoto food and walking tours compares the options, and the food tours below start right in this area.
Downtown Kyoto: how the area fits together
The area around Shijo and Kawaramachi is compact enough to walk, but it helps to know which side of the river you are on. Two stations sit on either side of the Kamo: Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi on the Kawaramachi side and Keihan Gion-shijo on the Gion side. They are separate stations on separate lines, so check which one your train or tour meeting point uses.
- Pontocho: the lane along the river, popular in the evening for dinner and drinks.
- Kiyamachi: the street next to Pontocho, with bars and izakaya. Food tours often meet near Shijo Kiyamachi.
- Kawaramachi and Shijo: the shopping streets of downtown Kyoto and a hub for trains and city buses.
- Nishiki Market: the food market in the same downtown area, where every shop keeps its own hours.
- Gion: across the river via Shijo bridge. See our page on Gion evening walks and geisha culture.
If you want to stay here, Shijo, Karasuma and Kawaramachi are well connected by train and subway. Our page on the best area to stay in Kyoto compares them with the station area.
Our pick: a Gion and Pontocho food walk
Up to 13 dishes across a restaurant and an izakaya, with the district's streets as the route.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Kyoto food tours in Pontocho, Gion and Nishiki
Food walks through Pontocho and Gion and a tasting tour of Nishiki Market, with live prices and availability.
Riverside dining on the Kamo: the kawayuka season
Kawayuka are the raised wooden terraces that restaurants on the west bank of the Kamo set up between Nijo and Gojo. The season runs from 1 May to 15 October, although each restaurant sets its own dates. A terrace is part of a restaurant, not a free public viewing platform, so you reserve or walk in as a guest.
Kibune, in the hills north of the city, has its own riverside dining with a different season, from 1 May to 30 September, right above a small mountain stream. Our Kibune and Kurama guide covers the trip there.
On the riverbank below, the path along the Kamo is a good place for a walk before dinner. In the shallow water you may see egrets.
Nishiki Market food tour
The market is easier to understand with someone who knows the stalls.
What the tour includes
A guided walk of about 3 hours with 7 tastings in the market, background on Kyoto's food culture and photos taken during the tour. Entry to Nishiki Market and to Nishiki Tenmangu shrine are part of the walk. Extra food and drinks and transfers are not included. The meeting point is near Shijo Kiyamachi.
Market rules
The market association asks visitors not to eat while walking. Eat at or inside the shop where you bought the food. Opening hours differ from shop to shop, and there is no general evening opening, so plan a market visit for the daytime.
Who it suits
First-time visitors who want to try many small things without guessing what they are, and anyone who wants to understand the ingredients behind Kyoto cooking before a dinner in Pontocho.
Food tours through Pontocho and Gion
Walks that combine dinner, drinks and the two districts on each side of the river.
| Format | Length | Food | Drinks | Start area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gion and Pontocho food tour | 3 hours | Up to 13 dishes at a restaurant and an izakaya | 2 drinks, alcohol or soft drinks | Gion |
| Gion food tour with several stops | 3 hours | 13 dishes at 4 eateries | 1 drink at 2 of the eateries | Near Sanjo bridge |
| Night food tour in Gion with sake | About 3.5 hours | Full dinner course with dessert | 2 drinks and 3 kinds of sake to taste | Gion-shijo station |
| Nishiki Market food tour | 3 hours | 7 tastings | – | Shijo Kiyamachi |
For most travellers, the Gion and Pontocho food tour is a good start: it covers dinner, two drinks and a stop at an izakaya, a casual Japanese pub. "Up to 13 dishes" means the number can be lower. Some tours cannot cater for vegan or gluten-free diets, so check the menu notes before you book.
Pontocho at night: izakaya, bars and ramen
Pontocho and Kiyamachi are lined with small restaurants, izakaya and bars. Menus, prices and opening times vary from place to place. Read the menu at the door and ask about any table charge before you sit down.
If ramen is what you are after, a hands-on ramen making class is one of the experiences on our Kyoto activities page.
Respect the neighbourhood
Pontocho is also a working geiko district. Keep the lane clear, do not stop in groups, and do not photograph people without their consent. In May, the Kamogawa Odori dance takes place.
Gion Matsuri in July
The Gion Matsuri takes place in July. Its float processions, Yamaboko Junko, regularly run on 17 and 24 July, and reserved seats are sold for them. Our Kyoto festivals guide covers the festival year.
Getting to Pontocho and around downtown
- By train: Hankyu to Kyoto-Kawaramachi or Keihan to Gion-shijo, then a few minutes on foot.
- By city bus: ¥230 for adults per ride in the flat fare zone. The Subway and Bus 1-Day Pass costs ¥1,100 for adults and ¥550 for children and is valid on the calendar day you first use it, not for 24 hours.
- Express buses: the EX100 and EX101 run on weekends and public holidays and cost ¥500 per ride for adults and ¥250 for children. The 1-Day Pass is accepted.
- On foot: from Pontocho it is a short walk over Shijo bridge to Gion, and on through the old streets of Higashiyama covered by our sister guide to Gion and Kiyomizu-dera.
Pontocho and Kawaramachi: frequently asked questions
When can you eat on the riverside terraces in Kyoto?
The kawayuka season on the Kamo runs from 1 May to 15 October, with dates set by each restaurant. In Kibune, the season is 1 May to 30 September.
Is Nishiki Market open in the evening?
Each shop sets its own hours, and there is no general evening opening. Go during the day for the full market.
Can I eat while walking in Nishiki Market?
No. The market association asks you to eat at or inside the shop where you bought the food.
Which station is closest to Pontocho?
Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi on the Kawaramachi side and Keihan Gion-shijo on the Gion side. They are different stations on different lines.
Is Pontocho a geisha district?
Yes. Pontocho is one of the five geiko districts of Kyoto. The Kamogawa Odori dance takes place in May.