If you’re sightseeing in Kawaramachi, Kyoto, you can’t miss this place! 11 recommended spots

Kawaramachi, Kyoto is popular with tourists not only from Japan but also from all over the world. The appeal of this city is that you can enjoy it in a variety of ways, including world-famous historical buildings and spots rich in nature. We will introduce recommended sightseeing spots in Kawaramachi, Kyoto.

3 classic sightseeing spots in Kawaramachi

1.Pontocho

Pontocho retains the atmosphere of an old-fashioned Kyoto town. Pontocho once prospered as a red-light district and is often seen as a place where you can often see maikos and geishas, ​​but now it is also famous as a gourmet spot, and is recommended for those who want to enjoy gourmet food while enjoying the old-fashioned atmosphere.

Just one step down the back alley from Pontocho is a treasure trove of gourmet spots. Not only do we have standard restaurants where you can eat Kyoto cuisine and sushi, but we also have a wide range of restaurants, including teppanyaki and Western food restaurants, as well as bars, and all of them have great taste and atmosphere. It’s also outstanding. Please come and visit us at least once.

name	Pontocho
address	Pontocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City
site	https://www.ponto-chou.com/

2.Hanamikoji Street

Hanamikoji-dori is one of the streets that runs from north to south in Kyoto City. This is the main street of Gion, which is crowded with many tourists including foreigners. Lined with high-class restaurants, this is the image of Kyoto, so it’s a must-see for those who want to experience the atmosphere of Kyoto.

The south side of Hanamikoji Street is lined with traditional tea houses and restaurants, creating a Kyoto atmosphere. On the other hand, the north side is a modern street with bars and snack streets. If you want to enjoy the unique atmosphere of Kyoto, we recommend sightseeing on the south side of Hanamikoji Street.

name	Hanamikoji Street
address	Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City
site	https://www.gion.or.jp/around/%E8%8A%B1%E8%A6%8B%E5%B0%8F%E8%B7%AF

3.Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is famous as the kitchen of Kyoto. The 400-meter street is lined with shops selling everything from fresh foods such as fish and Kyoto vegetables to pickles and obanzai (delicious dishes in the Kyoto language). Pickles made with local Kyoto vegetables are perfect as souvenirs.

Nishiki Market is also recommended for eating while walking. Shops in various genres such as seafood, side dishes, and sweets offer products perfect for eating while walking at reasonable prices. Why not take your time walking through Nishiki Market and sample the products that interest you?

name	Nishiki market
address	Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
site	http://www.kyoto-nishiki.or.jp/

5 historical sightseeing spots in Kawaramachi

1.Yasaka Shrine

”Yasaka Shrine” is the god of warding off evil spirits and marriage, and is also called Gion-san, and is the head shrine of all Gion shrines nationwide. The Gion Festival, a festival held at Yasaka Shrine every July, is so famous that it is counted as one of Japan’s three major festivals, so it is recommended to visit during that time.

The Gion Festival is a one-month period from July 1st to July 31st, where rituals and events are held. Among these, many tourists gather for the Yamahoko parade on the 17th (pre-festival) and 24th (post-festival), and the Yoiyama festival (14th to 16th, 21st to 23rd), where Yamahoko are decorated and Gion Hayashi is played. It’s lively. Why not experience the excitement of the festival once at Yasaka Shrine?

name	Yasaka Shrine
address	625, Gion-cho north side, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
site	http://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/

2.Kenninji Temple

Kenninji is Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, and its highlights include a dry landscape garden and exhibits of national treasure paintings such as the Wind God and Thunder God. Kenninji Temple also offers Zen temple experiences such as zazen meditation and sutra copying, so it is recommended for those who want to improve their concentration or calm their mind.

In the zazen experience at Kenninji Temple, after receiving instructions on how to sit in zazen, you can actually sit in zazen for 20 minutes and listen to a sermon. Any individual customer can participate without a reservation and can experience it for free. Why not take a break from your busy daily life and calm your mind in the silence?

name	Kenninji Temple
address	Komatsucho, Shijo-shita, Yamatooji-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
site	https://www.kenninji.jp/

3.Honnoji Temple

Honnoji Temple is recommended for history buffs. It is also mentioned in history textbooks, and is the site of the very famous Honnoji Incident, in which Oda Nobunaga was attacked by Akechi Mitsuhide’s army. Honnoji Temple is the head temple of the Honmon school of the Hokke sect, whose founder is Nichiren.

The Honnoji Incident is famous in textbooks, but I think most people know the outline but not the details. The stage is located all over the city of Kyoto, and it is recommended that you take your time to visit the shrine alone. Why not visit Honnoji Temple once and experience its history?

name	Honnoji Temple
address	522 Shimohonnojimaecho, Teramachi-dori Oikeshita-ru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
site	http://www.kyoto-honnouji.jp/

4.Rokkakudo

“Rokkakudo” was founded by Prince Shotoku and is the birthplace of ikebana. As the name suggests, it is characterized by its hexagonal roof. Within the precincts, there are hidden spots such as the navel stone, which is said to be the center of Kyoto, and the hexagonal willow tree, which is said to be a symbol of marriage, making it a sightseeing spot where you can feel the elegance.

Many people visit Rokkakudo because it is a temple related to Prince Shotoku. Inside the precincts is Taishi-do Hall, where Prince Shotoku, who founded Rokkaku-do Hall, is enshrined. For history buffs, it may be worth a visit.

name	Rokkakudo
address	Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Rokkaku-dori Higashinotoin Nishinyudonomae-cho
site	https://www.ikenobo.jp/rokkakudo/

5.Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine

Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine, which is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning, is visited by many people to pray for passing exams and improve their academic ability. The entrance is along the lively Shinkyogoku-dori Street, which is filled with tourists, but it’s often overlooked because it’s between shops, so use the lanterns as a guide.

The torii gate of Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine may not be obvious at first glance, but the edge actually penetrates into the building. It has been featured on various TV programs, but please come and see it for yourself.

name	Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine
address	537 Nakanocho, Shijo-kamiru, Shinkyogoku-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
site	http://nishikitenmangu.or.jp/

3 sightseeing spots full of nature in Kawaramachi

1.Shijo Ohashi Bridge/Kamogawa

“Shijo Ohashi” is a bridge that spans the Kamo River on the way from Kawaramachi to Gion. This bridge connects downtown Kyoto and is crowded with people all day long. The view of the Kamogawa River from Shijo Ohashi Bridge is spectacular and attracts tourists. It’s a recommended spot even if you don’t mind the crowds.

There is a bridge that goes down to the Kamogawa River from the foot of the Shijo Ohashi Bridge, and the riverside area is a popular date course. You will often see couples sitting by the river. It’s good to take a leisurely walk along the Kamogawa River, or sit and talk while looking at the beautiful scenery of the Kamogawa River.

name	Shijo Ohashi Bridge
address	Kawabata-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

2.Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is the oldest park in Kyoto City, opened in 1886 (Meiji 19). It is a recommended spot to enjoy nature to the fullest, as it is adjacent to the strolling Japanese garden created using the natural hills, seasonal flowers, and the grounds of Yasaka Shrine.

Maruyama Park is also known as the best cherry blossom viewing spot in Kyoto. In particular, the weeping cherry tree, known as Gion’s night cherry blossoms, is located in the center of the park, and its appearance is truly spectacular. Its appearance illuminated at night will captivate all who see it. Please come and visit Maruyama Park once.

name	Maruyama Park
address	Maruyama-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, etc.
site	https://kyoto-maruyama-park.jp/

3.Takasegawa

Takase River is a canal that runs parallel to the Kamogawa River and was once used for logistics. Nowadays, cherry blossoms are in full bloom along the river, and it is famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot. Nowadays, it is indispensable to the atmosphere and quaint scenery typical of Kyoto.

During the cherry blossom season, the area around the Takasegawa River is lit up, creating a magical atmosphere. Approximately 200 cherry blossom trees are lined up over a distance of about 1 kilometer, and you’ll be sure to be impressed when you take a stroll through the illuminated cherry blossom trees. Of course, it’s a recommended spot for a date, but it’s also a place you can enjoy with your family or friends.

name	Takase River
address	Along Kiyamachi Street, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
site	https://www.simokiyamati.com/past/

Kawaramachi, full of Kyoto characteristics

When you think of sightseeing in Kyoto, you think of Kawaramachi. Its charm is wide-ranging, from famous historical buildings to gourmet food. Please use this as a reference when traveling to Kyoto.