Pontochō

Lonely Planet review

There are few streets in Asia that rival this narrow pedestrian-only walkway for atmosphere. Not much to look at by day, the street comes alive by night, with wonderful lanterns, traditional wooden exteriors and elegant Kyotoites disappearing into the doorways of elite old restaurants and bars.

Once the city's red-light district, Pontochō is located between the Kamo-gawa and Kiyamachi-dōri. Many of the restaurants and teahouses can be difficult to enter, but a number of reasonably priced, accessible places can be found. Even if you have no intention of patronising one of the businesses here, it makes a nice stroll in the evening, perhaps combined with a walk in nearby Gion.

Pontochō is also a great place to spot geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) making their way between appointments, especially on weekend evenings at the Shijō-dōri end of the street.