If you are under 20, please refrain from entering.
This area groups the crossing of Shijo-dori and Kawaramachi-dori with Kiyamachi and Pontocho. Kyoto City's tourism association calls Shijo-Kawaramachi "the centre of Kyoto's largest shopping and entertainment district."
Hankyu's Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station, the Shijo-Kawaramachi city bus stop and Keihan's Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Main Line and Oto Line) all serve the area. From Kyoto Station, the tourism association suggests the Karasuma subway line to Shijo, then a change to Hankyu at Karasuma for Kyoto-Kawaramachi.
The tourism association notes department stores and other shops lining the Shijo-Kawaramachi crossing. Its English site says the area turns lively at night as a gathering spot for young people, and it lists Pontocho as a hanamachi alongside Gion.
No venue is listed in this area yet. Once one joins, it will appear on this page; until then, please see the Kyoto page for listings across the whole prefecture.
Under Kyoto City's anti-touting ordinance, the Gion-Kawaramachi district is a zone where touting is prohibited. According to the city, people who break that rule inside the zone receive guidance and similar measures from the city.
Kawaramachi/Kiyamachi/Pontocho is generally fine for a night out. The main risk is bottakuri, a padded bill at the end. Stick to venues that post their prices, skip street touts steering you into ‘free’ bars, and confirm the set fee plus any nomination or bottle charges before you order.
Payment methods vary by venue. Check the listing and confirm with the venue before booking.
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