For many visitors of old Kyoto, the charm of the bright lights at Pontocho can be mesmerizing, so much so that you are more likely to bump into another traveler than Sayuri from the Geisha quarters. Instead, make your way south of Shijo to the cherry tree lined canal of Kiyamachi, which is a pleasant repose for strolling and cycling alike. In the Edo period, wooden boats on the Takase-gawa brought nature's harvest from the mountains, giving this street its namesake. After dark, take a seat by the window at Ryōri ya Otaya and watch the cherry petals float gently along the glistening stone lined canal.
- 1 min read
The Weeping Cherry of Kiyamachi
Take a stroll with Pontocho's lesser known sister
![Bonson Lam Bonson Lam](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/u/9/240x240!/57823ef067ba8136627445e6.jpg)
By Bonson Lam
Community writer
![Many townhouses and restaurants have beautiful views of the canal at Kiyamachi Kyoto just south of Shijo Street](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/3364-20721/1000/kyoto-kiyamachi-kyoto-20721.jpg)
Many townhouses and restaurants have beautiful views of the canal at Kiyamachi Kyoto just south of Shijo Street
![Gentle Stream of Kiyomachi](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/3364-20723/1000/kyoto-kiyamachi-kyoto-20723.jpg)
Gentle Stream of Kiyomachi
![Trattoria Pizzeria Amore Kiyamachi](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/3364-20720/1000/kyoto-kiyamachi-kyoto-20720.jpg)
Trattoria Pizzeria Amore Kiyamachi
![Could this be an Okiya a traditional geisha house in Kiyamachi Kyoto just moments away from Pontocho on the south side of Shijo street](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/3364-20852/1000/kyoto-kiyamachi-kyoto-20852.jpg)
Could this be an Okiya a traditional geisha house in Kiyamachi Kyoto just moments away from Pontocho on the south side of Shijo street
![Ryori Otaya is one of the delightful japanese eateries in Kiyamachi south of Shijo and near Gion Kyoto](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/3364-20853/1000/kyoto-kiyamachi-kyoto-20853.jpg)
Ryori Otaya is one of the delightful japanese eateries in Kiyamachi south of Shijo and near Gion Kyoto
![Kiyamachi dori walkway near the Kamogawa river and south of Shijo in Kyoto](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/3364-20722/1000/kyoto-kiyamachi-kyoto-20722.jpg)
Kiyamachi dori walkway near the Kamogawa river and south of Shijo in Kyoto
![A touch of France in Kiyamachi Kyoto, moments away from the Geisha in Gion and Pontocho](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/3364-20724/1000/kyoto-kiyamachi-kyoto-20724.jpg)
A touch of France in Kiyamachi Kyoto, moments away from the Geisha in Gion and Pontocho
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