Kiyamachi Street
Kiyamachi Street
4
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Pontocho
Though small by comparison, Pontocho is one of Kyoto's most spirited and memorable neighborhoods. A narrow street straddling the Kamogawa River, it is Kyoto's busiest nightlife spot. When darkness falls, Pontocho's many signs and lanterns bolt to life, making the area glow with invitations to passers-by to come inside and pull up a chair. Its restaurants and bars sprawl onto the riverbank, providing a friendly atmosphere and delicious food. Verandas are always filled with people young and old crowding tables, biting into hot yakitori or sipping cold beers. It is a culinary heart of Kyoto as much as one of its most laid-back, clamorous, and entertaining evening hotspots. Pontocho has more of an amiable vibrancy to it than an elegant one, attracting newcomers, local veterans, and everyone in between, in casual attire like sneakers and jeans.
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
10,000 within 5 kms
Attractions
2,153 within 10 kms
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4.0
125 reviews
Excellent
46
Very good
63
Average
15
Poor
1
Terrible
0
ArnG
Manila, Philippines214 contributions
May 2019 • Family
The cherry blossom trees along the river are reminiscent of Tokyo's Meguro river. A good spot for sakura viewing.
Written 22 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy B
London, UK2,510 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
This street is an absolute hub during sakura and you can see why- in full bloom the blossom tress which line the stream are really something to behold. There are also lots of bars and restaurants down this lively avenue, so it's a good place to go in the evening.
Written 21 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucas
London, UK7 contributions
Great street with a lot of bar for people to go out! Had good fun with locals and foreigners that were really friendly! Recommended for all young people looking to enjoy Kyoto by night!
Written 19 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dianne m
Melbourne, Australia191 contributions
Jan 2019 • Friends
stumbled across this lovely area nice to just wander and take photos. lovely buildings and a few cranes nesting in the trees
Written 13 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
blackmaxx
Denver, CO61 contributions
Oct 2018 • Solo
This street is a delight to walk any time of the year. One side follows a canal and is pleasant to walk any time of the year. Cherry blossom season in March and April is especially beautiful with sprays of blossoms just overhead. This is a great area for photos. The other side of Kiyamachi is lined with coffee shops, bars, and small restaurants, and just as interesting at night as the other side is in the daytime.
Written 11 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Don P
Dallas, TX13,818 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
Great walk along the small canal, with many bridges so you can cross back and forth to get a close view of restaurants and shops on both sides. When the blossoms are going its really magical. Lots of people and restaurants but not as crowded as Pontocho and with more room to move around.
Written 11 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
swift314
Sheffield, UK12,094 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
Really nice street to wander down by the riverside superb at night when lot by the any restaurants there which seem to open nearly all day
Written 28 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tender A
Kobe, Japan37 contributions
July 2015 • Couples
Kiyamachi is the main drag for restaurants and bars in Kyoto. Its located along side of a beautiful river . Many of its restaurants and bars over look the riverside. . Its got a little something for everyone. Romantic spots. casual dining . fast food . traditional japanese restaurants , posh little bars to more casual sports bars and night clubs for young people. Its pretty active all night long for those so inclined and the best part about it is everything is with in walking distances from each other . The hotel we stayed at was about a 10 minute walk from Kiyamachi dori .Which made it convenient to drag our drunk selves back to the hotel without the hassle of finding a taxi . The river bank is also a popular place for people to have a few cans ,chill and hang out . Public bathrooms are available as well which is uncommon in Japan . Its such a beautiful city and easily my favorite night life spot in Japan . its also amazing in the day too.
Written 11 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mWrite
Helsinki, Finland1,321 contributions
Sept 2019
Kiyamachi street runs along beautiful canal. It is very beautiful during the cherry blossoming (sakura), during other times you can enjoy plenty on nice restaurants and bars.
Written 9 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Byngette
Woodstock, Canada4,031 contributions
Sept 2019 • Couples
This street is very nice and all lit up with lights in the evening. There are some restaurants on this street, but not much going on in the evenings after 8pm.
There are some bars open and we did find one farther down and off this street that served cold beer and played good country music! It wasnt on the actual street though. It's mostly a pretty place in the evenings to take pictures and go for a nice night stroll.
There are some bars open and we did find one farther down and off this street that served cold beer and played good country music! It wasnt on the actual street though. It's mostly a pretty place in the evenings to take pictures and go for a nice night stroll.
Written 15 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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