![]() ![]() Running parallel to the west bank of the Kamo-gawa River for about six city blocks, this is the perfect place to stroll around at night, grab some dinner, have some sake, and, of course, people watch- or potentially, even geisha-watch?Īlthough your best bet to spot a true geisha is in the Gion district of the city, you may get lucky if you hang around the southern part of Pontocho around dusk on a Friday or Saturday evening and catch a glimpse of a maiko (apprentice geisha) or geiko (geisha) hurrying off to one of the exclusive clubs.Įven if you don’t catch sight of a geisha here, you’ll still feel steeped in Kyoto’s pre-war history and mystical beauty after spending an evening wandering around Pontocho.įrom Kyoto Station. However, the vast majority welcome travelers and locals alike to try their goods and services, posting English menus and even plastic replicas of the dishes or drinks on the machiya’s exterior to prepare you for what deliciousness awaits you inside. While this street may look relatively mundane in the daylight, it springs to life once dusk settles over the city, with glowing Japanese lanterns illuminating the endless array of tiny bars, restaurants, charming teahouses, and traditional shops.ĭespite its nostalgic charm, it is worth noting that a handful of these businesses (primarily teahouses) exclusively cater to longstanding, local clients and will politely turn away all foreign visitors. Welcome to Pontocho Alley, Kyoto’s atmospheric nightlife district for over 500 years, a more polished version of Tokyo’s pre-war alleyways, like Golden Gai or Drunkard’s Alley. Wandering around Pontocho Alley is one of the best things to do in Kyoto at night. Is this your first Japan trip and are you feeling a bit overwhelmed about planning this trip, what to see, and what to do in Japan? Check out our Japan travel planner. This document will help you plan your trip smoothly. Don’t lose time upon arrival at the airport and order your Japan travel SIM or portable WiFi device in advance so that it’s ready and waiting for you at the airport when you arrive.Here you will find cheap flights to Osaka or Tokyo.If you also plan on visiting Osaka and think of using public transportation a lot, you could purchase this sightseeing pass. If you plan on visiting other parts of the Kansai area such as Nara, Kobe, Himeji, and Osaka and you don’t have a Japan Rail Pass, the JR West Pass might be interesting for you. The JR Rail Pass is of limited use to travel around Kyoto as there are few JR lines within Kyoto’s city boundaries. ![]()
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