Kyoto Travel: Pontocho

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Home - Travel - Sightseeing Guide - Kansai - Kyoto - Central Kyoto

Pontocho

of 59 most visited
sights in Kyoto

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Pontocho (先斗町, Pontochō) is one of Kyoto's most atmospheric dining areas. A narrow alley running from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, one block west of the Kamo River, it offers a wide range of dining options, including inexpensive yakitori, traditional and modern Kyoto Cuisine and highly exclusive establishments that require the right connections and a fat wallet.

Business hours and closing days of restaurants, bars and shops vary by establishment, but they are typically open from around 17:00 to around 23:00. Some also open for lunch. And many feature open air patios looking over the river in summer. An increasing number of establishments have English menus.

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How to get there

The closest bus stop to Pontocho is Shijo Kawaramachi, which is served by numerous bus lines, including lines 17 and 205 from Kyoto Station. The closest train stations are Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line and Shijo Station on the Keihan Line.

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Hotels and Ryokan

Kyoto offers a wide range of accommodation for all budgets and tastes, including historic ryokan, Western style hotels and low-budget hostels. Among the most attractive districts to stay are the Kyoto Station area, the city center around Shijo Street and the Higashiyama District.

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Sponsor Hotels

	Japanese hotel, Ryokan Nishiyama Experience the real Japan at our affordable ryokan. Close to major tourist spots in Kyoto.
	Ryokan Hirashin 3min walk to Shijo Karasuma Sta. Spacious Japanese-style rooms. 140 years of history. Public baths renovated in 2006.
	Guest house Yahata Bed and breakfast with dormitories from 2500yen. One stop from Kyoto Station by subway. Walking distance to downtown Kyoto.
	Hotel Sugicho A ryokan in the center of Kyoto town. From 4000yen. 4 train stations are within walking distance. Try the Kyoto Kaiseki.

Backpackers Hostel Ks House Kyoto
One of Kyoto's most popular hostels. A ten minute walk from Kyoto Station.
Reserve through Agoda

Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Located inside Kyoto Station, this is Kyoto's most convenient 4-star hotel.
Reserve through Agoda or Japanican

Hotel Hokke Club Kyoto
Inexpensive, no-frills business hotel conveniently located across Kyoto Station.
Reserve through Agoda or Japanican

Hyatt Regency Kyoto Hotel
Elegant luxury hotel located near Sanjusangendo Temple.
Reserve through Agoda or Japanican

New Miyako Hotel Kyoto
Just across the street from Kyoto Station, this is a very convenient 3-star hotel.
Reserve through Agoda or Japanican

Tours and Packages

Kyoto Tours
Various tours and travel packages for Kyoto and surroundings.

User Ratings

Ratings for Pontocho:

japan-guide.com Rating:		outstanding
User Rating (by 369 users):	80/100	recommended

Best rated sights nationwide (out of 728):

328. Morning Market (Hakodate) 80/100

329. Mount Rokko (Kobe) 80/100

330. Sento Palace (Kyoto) 80/100

331. Botanical Garden (Tokyo) 80/100

332. Tenmangu Shrine (Dazaifu) 80/100

333. Pontocho (Kyoto) 80/100

334. Umeda Sky Building (Osaka) 80/100

335. Zuisenji Temple (Kamakura) 80/100

336. Shiroi Koibito Park (Sapporo) 80/100

337. Mampukuji Temple (Uji) 80/100

Most visited sights nationwide (out of 847):

96. Chionin Temple (Kyoto) 688

97. Odori Park (Sapporo) 678

98. Futarasan Shrine (Nikko) 675

99. Daitokuji Temple (Kyoto) 668

100. Tenryuji Temple (Kyoto) 667

101. Pontocho (Kyoto) 663

102. Lake Chuzenji (Nikko) 654

103. Old Town (Takayama) 646

104. Owakudani (Hakone) 642

105. Yamate and Motomachi (Yokohama) 633

User Feedback

Japanese Links

Pontocho Norenkai
Official website.

Related Pages

Travel
Sightseeing
Kansai Region
Kyoto

Eastern Kyoto
Northern Kyoto
Western Kyoto
Southern Kyoto

Central Kyoto
Kyoto Station
Kyoto Tower
Honganji Temples
Nishiki Market
Pontocho
Kyoto Manga Museum
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Sento Palace
Nijo Castle
Nijo Jinya
Kyoto Aquarium

Geisha

Kyoto: Access and Orientation

News and Reports

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