【Latest 2025 Japanese Shopping Street】Kiyamachi Yokocho (Nakagyo Ward)
🌙 Exploring Kiyamachi Yokocho: Where Kyoto’s nightlife and romantic atmosphere meet
Hello everyone! Today, I'd like to take you on a journey through Kiyamachi Yokocho, a small street in Nakagyo Ward , Kyoto, filled with stories.
Close to the Kamogawa River and Pontocho, it's quiet and elegant during the day, but transforms into a bustling dining and bar scene at night. 🍶✨
Kiyamachi Yokocho is not only a place for Kyoto residents to relax after get off work, but is also popular among young people and tourists. It is one of the heartlands of Kyoto's nightlife.
📍 Where is Kiyamachi Yokocho?
Kiyamachi is located in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City . It is built along the Takase River and extends from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori in the north.
- East side : Close to Kamogawa River, opposite Pontocho.
- West side : Close to Kawaramachi, where shopping, food, and entertainment are all available.
- Conveniently located within walking distance of Hankyu Kyoto Kawaramachi Station and Keihan Gion Shijo Station.
The first time I walked into Kiyamachi Yokocho was at dusk. The setting sun shone on the surface of the Takasegawa River, and the breeze was gentle. It felt like walking into a painting.
🏮 A short historical story about Kiyamachi
1. The birth of Takasegawa River⛴️
- In the early Edo period, the wealthy merchant Kakukura Ryo dug the Takasegawa River as a waterway for transporting supplies.
- At that time, there were many timber warehouses and shops along the coast, hence the name "Kiya Town".
2. Flower Street and the gathering place of literati and scholars 🎭
- During the Edo period, Kiyamachi gradually developed into a prosperous street with many teahouses and restaurants.
- Many literati, poets, and heroes often gathered here, leaving behind their historical footprints.
3. Modern transformation 🌆
- Today, Kiyamachi Yokocho is a fusion of quaint machiya houses and modern restaurants.
- It is a popular place for strolling during the day and turns into a lively bar street at night.
🌸 The atmosphere and characteristics of Kiyamachi Yokocho
1. Romance along the Takase River 🌿
- Spring: Cherry blossoms are in full bloom, forming a dreamy pink tunnel on both sides. 🌸
- Summer: The breeze blows and the riverside is a great place to cool off.
- Autumn: The red leaves reflected on the water are very poetic. 🍁
- Winter: Lanterns light up the path, making it quiet and cozy.
2. The soul of nightlife 🍻
- After dark, the lanterns are lit and the whole street comes alive.
- There are plenty of izakayas, bars, restaurants and nightclubs to choose from.
- I feel that the nightlife in Kiyamachi is not as noisy as Kabukicho in Shinjuku, Tokyo, but has a more elegant and romantic atmosphere.
3. Tourism and local coexist 🌍
- Visitors come here to experience Kyoto's nightlife.
- Locals regard this place as a "relaxation base" after get off work.
🍲 Must-try food and restaurants in Kiyamachi Yokocho
My go-to for Kiyamachi is to eat first, then drink. Here are a few options you absolutely can't miss:
1. Izakaya🍢
- They offer skewers, oden, and fried dishes, which are best enjoyed with beer.
- The price is affordable and suitable for gatherings with friends.
2. High-end Kaiseki cuisine 🍱
- Some long-established restaurants are hidden in the alleys and offer exquisite Kyoto kaiseki cuisine.
- Suitable for travelers who want to experience traditional food culture.
3. Exotic cuisine 🌮🍝
- Kiyamachi also has many Western restaurants, Italian bistros, and Mexican pubs.
- I think this makes Kiyamachi more international, where you can find food for every taste.
4. Bars and nightclubs 🍸
- There are bar, music bar, dance club and so on.
- If you want to experience a different kind of Kyoto nightlife, Kiyamachi is the best choice.
🎉 Special Experience
1. Night cherry blossoms on Takase River🌸🌙
- The spring night cherry blossom lighting event, accompanied by the aroma of wine and laughter, creates a first-class atmosphere.
- I think this is one of the most romantic nights in Kyoto.
2. Machiya-style restaurant 🏯
- Many old machiya houses have been converted into restaurants or bars, retaining their traditional exteriors while offering modern and comfortable interiors.
- While eating, you can feel the beauty of the past and the present.
3. Summer cool bed 🍃
- Some restaurants will set up "cooling beds" by the river so you can enjoy the breeze and the river view while eating.
- This kind of experience can only be found in Kyoto!
🚆 Transportation
- About a 3-minute walk from Hankyu Railway's Kyoto Kawaramachi Station .
- About a 5-minute walk from Keihan Railway's Gion-Shijo Station .
- About a 10-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station on the Tozai Line .
The transportation is convenient and it is easy to get to at any time of the day or night.
💡 Editor's Tips
- Best time : Late evening is the most romantic, you can eat first and then continue with the drinks.
- Reservations required : Some high-end restaurants or bed-style restaurants require advance reservations.
- Cash and credit cards : Most bars accept credit cards, but small shops mainly accept cash.
- Polite interaction : The people of Kiyamachi are very friendly. It is recommended to keep smiling and speak simple Japanese to make it easy to make friends.
- Safety : Although Kiyamachi is a nightlife area, the public security is relatively good and girls will not feel dangerous walking alone.
🌌 Summary: The unique charm of Kiyamachi Yokocho
Kiyamachi Yokocho is a place that blends history, romance, common people and modernity .
During the day, it is a poetic promenade along the Takase River; at night, it is Kyoto's most lively dining and entertainment street.
I feel that Kiyamachi Yokocho is the kind of neighborhood that has two souls, day and night.
If you want to experience a different side of Kyoto, besides the shrines, temples, and historical sites, you must put Kiyamachi Yokocho on your itinerary. You’re guaranteed to fall in love with the atmosphere here! 🍶✨
