Jan 4, 2013 - 1 min read

The Weeping Cherry of Kiyamachi

Take a stroll with Pontocho's lesser known sister

By Bonson Lam

Community writer

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Many townhouses and restaurants have beautiful views of the canal at Kiyamachi Kyoto just south of Shijo Street

Gentle Stream of Kiyomachi

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

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

A touch of France in Kiyamachi Kyoto, moments away from the Geisha in Gion and Pontocho

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.