Pontocho, A nostalgic lane of culinary delights by the river
Nakagyo-ku
4
Introduction
Pontocho, located between Kamo River and Kiyamachi Street in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, is a famous Hanamachi (geisha district) with a rich historical background. Originally, it was part of the sandy shoal of the Kamo River, but during the early Edo period, land reclamation began and it was renamed as Shinmachi. Over time, it developed into a bustling area with teahouses, inns, and more. With the emergence of geisha, Pontocho gradually became one of the renowned Hanamachi. Aside from its unique Hanamachi features, there are also many general dining establishments in the area. The shops on the east side face the Kamo River, and many of the restaurants offer cooling devices for summer use.