Trip Planner:   Asia  /  Japan  /  Kansai  /  Kyoto Prefecture  /  Kyoto  /  Pontocho District

Pontocho District, Kyoto

4.1
#3 of 7 in Neighborhoods in Kyoto
Neighborhood · Hidden Gem · Other
While in Kyoto, experience the lively atmosphere of Pontocho District, a narrow street lined with traditional tea houses, restaurants, and bars. The tiny cobblestone passageway comes to life in the evenings, when colorful lanterns light up the doorways of the small wooden buildings. You’ll be spoiled for choice by the array of eateries and bars that line the street, ranging from affordable street food to exclusive establishments that require an invitation. Take in the dynamic atmosphere as you stroll the busy street, or sit back in a bar and people-watch; you might spot a geisha or two heading to one of the geek houses in the alley. Make Pontocho District part of your personalized Kyoto itinerary using our Kyoto day trip planner.
Create an itinerary including Pontocho District
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Tours to Pontocho District

FROM $100 BOOK WITH VIATOR Daytime Kyoto -Nishiki Market and Gion District Cultural Walking Food Tour
4.9
Duration: 3 hours
Tours from $100 »
FROM $104 BOOK WITH VIATOR Lonely Planet Experiences: Small-Group or Private Kyoto Walking Tour
4.5
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Tours from $104 »
FROM $104 BOOK WITH VIATOR Nighttime All-Inclusive Local Eats and Streets, Gion and Beyond
4.4
Duration: 3 hours
Tours from $104 »

Pontocho District reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.0
1,400 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • By ChaJSaint
    Its this narrow long alley full of small bars and restaurants. Its so charming and remenicient of old Kyoto!  more »
  • By emmacJ6282WU
    I've walked Ponto-cho several times before but on this visit was the first time I did at properly at night and it was like a different world. Feels like the Japan of old and a place where you can...  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »

Plan your trip to Kyoto

  • Get a personalized trip
    A complete day by day itinerary
    based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Popular things to do in Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera Temple ©
Historic Site
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
4.4
Duration: 3 hours
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine ©
Historic Site
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
4.6
Duration: 2h 30 min
Nijo Castle ©
World heritage site
Nijo Castle
4.3
Duration: 1h 30 min
Kyoto Insider Sake Experience ©
Wine Tour / Tasting
Kyoto Insider Sake Experience
5.0
Duration: 2h 30 min

Historic Sites in Kyoto

Kinkaku-ji ©
Religious Site
Kinkaku-ji
4.4
Duration: 1 hour
Sanjusangendo Temple ©
Historic Site
Sanjusangendo Temple
4.6
Duration: 1h 30 min
Ryoanji Temple ©
Religious Site
Ryoanji Temple
4.1
Duration: 1h 30 min
Saihoji Temple ©
Religious Site
Saihoji Temple
3.6
Duration: 1h 30 min

Side trips from Kyoto

Universal Studios Japan ©
Theme Park
Universal Studios Japan
Osaka
4.1
Duration: 6 hours
Osaka Castle ©
Castle
Osaka Castle
Chuo
4.0
Duration: 2h 30 min
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan ©
Aquarium
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Osaka
4.2
Duration: 2 hours
Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution ©
Educational Site
Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution
Kobe
4.3
Duration: 1h 30 min

Shopping in Kyoto

Nishiki Market Shopping District ©
Flea Market
Nishiki Market Shopping District
4.0
Duration: 1h 30 min
Kyoto Station Building ©
Shopping Mall
Kyoto Station Building
4.2
Duration: 1h 30 min
Kyoto Kimono Rental Sakura ©
Antique Store
Kyoto Kimono Rental Sakura
5.0
Duration: 1h 30 min
Kimono Atelier Akane ©
Gift & Specialty Shop
Kimono Atelier Akane
5.0
Duration: 1h 30 min

Hidden gems in Kyoto

Katsura Imperial Villa
Historic Walking Area
Katsura Imperial Villa
4.5
Duration: 1h 30 min
Heian Shrine
Historic Site
Heian Shrine
4.2
Duration: 1 hour
Shugakuin Imperial Villa ©
Garden
Shugakuin Imperial Villa
4.5
Duration: 1h 30 min
©
Food Tour
Food Tours
4.9
Duration: 3 hours

Nearby attractions in Kyoto

Arashiyama ©
Neighborhood
Arashiyama
4.3
Duration: 6 hours
Gion ©
Neighborhood
Gion
4.4
Duration: 3 hours
Ginkakuji Temple ©
Religious Site
Ginkakuji Temple
4.4
Duration: 1h 30 min
Philosopher's Walk ©
Scenic Walking Area
Philosopher's Walk
3.9
Duration: 1h 30 min

Featured attractions

Haru Cooking Class ©
Cooking Class
Haru Cooking Class
4.9
Duration: 4 hours
Kyoto Kimono Rental Rei ©
Outdoor Activity
Kyoto Kimono Rental Rei
3.8
Duration: 30 minutes
KSK-Tour ©
Nightlife
KSK-Tour
5.0
Duration: 6 hours
Nara Park ©
Wildlife Area
Nara Park
Nara
4.5
Duration: 2h 30 min

Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Trips to Pontocho District by other users

15 days in Japan BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Hiroshima Kyoto Koya-cho 20 days in Japan BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM Kyoto Ise Tokyo 21 days in Japan BY A USER FROM PHILIPPINES Fukuoka Beppu Hita 19 days in Japan BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA Tokyo Ise Kumano 14 days in Asia BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Kyoto Bangkok Siem Reap 28 days in Japan BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Tokyo Iriomote-jima Ishigaki