Pontocho Alley, Kyoto

Pontocho Alley is a charming alley in Kyoto. Developed from a sandbar, it is a place where you can still see traditional architecture. The alley is best appreciated at dusk, when the lights are just turning on and the sky isn't completely dark. The place looks like it almost jumps out of a ukiyo-e print!

The formerly cobbled stone alley is today neatly tiled. It is still extremely narrow, and lined on both sides with geisha houses and traditional tea houses. This is a place where you can find bars, eating places and brothels.

Two of the sights worth seeing on Pontocho Alley are Tanuki Shrine and Kaburenjo Theatre.

Pontocho Alley at dusk, Kyoto

How to reach Pontocho Alley

Take the Hankyu Kyoto Line to the Kawaramachi Station. Alternatively take bus 5, 17 or 205 to Shijo-Kawaramachi.

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