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Sanjo & Kawaramachi, Kyoto / Restaurant alley

Pontocho

先斗町

Choose dinner in a narrow lane between Sanjo and Shijo.

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Atmosphere illustration, not a photograph of Pontocho
Atmosphere illustration, not a photograph of this place.

Pontocho runs beside the Kamo River, with traditional wooden fronts and independent restaurants. Pick a restaurant from its menu and welcome signs, then let dinner set the pace. The alley is a working neighbourhood with private doorways.

Find the entrance

The lane runs between Sanjo and Shijo, parallel to the Kamo River. Navigate to your booked restaurant rather than a district pin.

Pontocho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto

京都府京都市中京区 先斗町

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Before you settle in

Keep groups small and the lane clear.

Ask before photographing people or restaurant interiors.

Respect private entrances and posted rules.

Make it part of your night

Kyoto without words

3–4 hours

Kyoto, underground

3–4 hours

Official information reviewed 2026-10-09. Hours, prices and entry conditions can change.

JNTO Pontocho guide (opens a new tab)