Pontocho
Pontocho (Kyoto, Kyoto) is a Yokocho (bar alleys). A cobbled street about 500 m long between the Kamo River and Kiyamachi-dori, lined with teahouses, ryotei, restaurants and bars. In summer, riverside shops set up open-air dining platforms.
Pontocho (Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto)
Photo: Sergiy Galyonkin from Raleigh, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0 ・ Photo source ・ Resized and croppedBasics
- Location
- Kyoto, Kyoto
- Type
- Yokocho (bar alleys)
- Address
- 京都府京都市中京区先斗町通
Good to know before you go
- The Pontocho Noren-kai has 74 member shops (as of February 2021). The Pontocho Kaburenjo theater, home of the spring Kamogawa Odori, stands near the north end.
- Many are high-end restaurants; hours and closing days vary by shop. Coordinates are an approximate midpoint of the street.
The position is approximate.
Breweries and distilleries nearby
Photos
Pontocho (Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto)
Photo: Yanajin33 / CC BY-SA 4.0 ・ Photo source ・ Resized and cropped
Pontocho (Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto)
Photo: Wolfiewolf from Pontocho street in Nakagyo, Kyoto / CC BY 2.0 ・ Photo source ・ Resized and croppedFrequently asked questions
What is Pontocho?
Pontocho (Kyoto, Kyoto) is a Yokocho (bar alleys). A cobbled street about 500 m long between the Kamo River and Kiyamachi-dori, lined with teahouses, ryotei, restaurants and bars. In summer, riverside shops set up open-air dining platforms.
Where is Pontocho?
It is in Kyoto, Kyoto. The address is 京都府京都市中京区先斗町通.
What should I know before visiting Pontocho?
The Pontocho Noren-kai has 74 member shops (as of February 2021). The Pontocho Kaburenjo theater, home of the spring Kamogawa Odori, stands near the north end. Many are high-end restaurants; hours and closing days vary by shop. Coordinates are an approximate midpoint of the street.
Are there breweries or distilleries to visit near Pontocho?
Within about 30 km: Kyoto Arashiyama Brewery Sanjo Brewery (about 1 km), Sasaki Shuzo Rakuchu Brewery Tourism (about 2 km), Nishijin Beer Taproom (about 3 km), Woodmill Brewery Kyoto (about 3 km), Kyoto Brewing Co. Taproom (about 4 km).
What should I keep in mind before drinking?
The legal drinking age in Japan is 20. Do not drink if you are driving. Many small bars charge a seat fee (otoshi or charge) or take cash only, so check the menu or the sign at the door before you go in.
Information sources
From an article or booking site and not confirmed with the facility. Please check the official site for the latest details before you go.
Checked 2026-10-27
Sources
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Opening days, fees and booking methods change. If you notice a difference, please tell us and we will check and fix it promptly.
