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Pontocho Alley

Pontocho Alley

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Pontocho Alley

Recommended by 43 hikers out of 44

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Location: Japan

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Best Hiking Routes to Pontocho Alley

4.7

(7)

hikers

1. Philosopher's Path – Nanzen-ji Temple loop from 祇園四条

13.8km

03:43

170m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.0

(1)

hikers

2. Nio-mon Gate (Kiyomizu-dera Temple) – Kiyomizu-dera Pagoda loop from 四条

18.2km

04:52

220m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

5.0

(2)

hikers

3. View of Kyoto – Fushimi Inari Shrine loop from 東山

24.8km

07:20

700m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

Tips

Wiro L.

February 13, 2020

The pontocho (先斗町, pontochō) is one of the most atmospheric dining areas in Kyoto. It is a narrow lane that runs from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, one block west of the Kamogawa River. The alley is full of restaurants on both sides, offering a wide variety of dining options, from inexpensive yakitori to traditional and modern Kyoto cuisine to foreign cuisine and highly exclusive eateries that require the right connections and a tight budget.
Most of the restaurants along the east side of the alley overlook the Kamogawa River. From May to September, many of them build temporary platforms over the flowing water, where guests can dine outdoors. This type of food, known as Kawayuka, is designed to overcome the summer heat and is a great way to try traditional Kyoto cuisine while enjoying the cooling effects of the running water and the lively summer vibe.

Translated by Google •

Maik

October 27, 2019

»Pontocho« is a narrow alley with many restaurants that leads from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, a block west of the Kamogawa River. Most of the restaurants on the east side of the alley overlook the Kamogawa River.

From May to September, many of them build temporary platforms across the river where guests can dine outdoors. The flowing water creates a cooling effect that makes the summer heat in Kyoto more bearable. A great place to spend the summer evenings.

Translated by Google •

Gordon

August 26, 2023

Comments above still hold true. Definitely worth a visit.
Some of the photos are a little dated, alley is newly paved and now looks more pleasant.

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Details

Informations

Distance 905 m

Uphill 0 m

Downhill 0 m

Weather

Sunday 14 December

10°C

4°C

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If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: -- km/h

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See hikes here

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Location: Japan

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Pontocho Alley

1. Philosopher's Path – Nanzen-ji Temple loop from 祇園四条

2. Nio-mon Gate (Kiyomizu-dera Temple) – Kiyomizu-dera Pagoda loop from 四条

3. View of Kyoto – Fushimi Inari Shrine loop from 東山

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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