Shijo Kawaramachi Guide: The Heart of Kyoto's Charm
Shijo Kawaramachi, the heart of Kyoto. This neighborhood, where I spent my student days, still feels like home to me.
As I walk through the bustling shopping streets, I often find myself lost in stone-paved alleys lined with long-established restaurants or stopping to admire the cherry blossom trees along the Kamogawa River.
In this area where old buildings coexist with the latest fashion trends, there's always something new to discover no matter where you go.
I often strolled through the Kawaramachi shopping district with my friends. From affordable fast food joints to Kyoto's unique Japanese sweets shops, I fondly remember those days when we wandered the streets in search of delicious treats.
On weekends, I would visit Yasaka Shrine and look forward to catching glimpses of maiko (apprentice geisha) in Gion on my way back.
Shijo Kawaramachi is a neighborhood where historical charm meets cutting-edge trends, home to places like the Nintendo shop, all within the ancient capital.
In this article, I'd like to introduce you to this neighborhood filled with my memories. After reading this, I hope you'll visit Shijo Kawaramachi in Kyoto!
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Table of Contents
・What is Kyoto's Shijo Kawaramachi?
・Way to Enjoy Shijo Kawaramachi Area 1: Visit Major Historical Spots
・Way to Enjoy Shijo Kawaramachi Area 2: Explore Gourmet Spots
・Way to Enjoy Shijo Kawaramachi Area 3: Experience Activities
・Way to Enjoy Shijo Kawaramachi Area 4: Enjoy Shopping
・Spots to Visit Along with Shijo Kawaramachi
・Tours to Fully Enjoy the Shijo Kawaramachi Area
What is Kyoto's Shijo Kawaramachi?
Shijo Kawaramachi is a popular area located in the center of Kyoto, bustling with tourists and locals alike. It's an ideal base for visiting Kyoto, where you can fully enjoy shopping, dining, and sightseeing, experiencing the charms of Kyoto to the fullest.
While shopping streets, department stores, and restaurants line the streets, there are also quaint alleys with stone pavements and old buildings, allowing you to enjoy the unique atmosphere where Kyoto's history and modernity blend.
During my student days, I often visited this neighborhood with my friends. While immersing ourselves in the bustling crowds, we'd suddenly find ourselves in a back alley that felt like we had time-traveled to an ancient era.
This mysterious space where old and new intermingle is, I feel, the great charm of Shijo Kawaramachi.
Access to Shijo Kawaramachi
You can reach Shijo Kawaramachi by getting off at either "Kawaramachi Station" on the Hankyu Line or "Gion-Shijo Station" on the Keihan Line, both within walking distance of your destination.
While many people stay around Kyoto Station when visiting Kyoto, I recommend basing yourself in this area.
Not only is it close to the station, but you can also walk to various famous places and the bus connections are good, making it an ideal location for sightseeing in Kyoto starting from Shijo Kawaramachi.
Way to Enjoy Shijo Kawaramachi Area 1: Visit Major Historical Spots
There are many famous places scattered around the Shijo Kawaramachi area where you can feel the history of Kyoto. I'll introduce you to carefully selected spots that you'll want to visit when in Shijo Kawaramachi, such as Yasaka Shrine, Gion, and the Kamogawa River.
Enjoy the charm of Kyoto to the fullest while viewing the scenery of this historic ancient capital.
Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Shrine, situated in the heart of Gion, is an ancient shrine famous as the stage for the Gion Festival. Said to have been founded over 1000 years ago, it's a venerable shrine with its main hall and dance hall designated as important cultural properties of Japan.
Walking through the garden adorned with seasonal flowers and the approach lined with atmospheric stone lanterns, you can't help but reflect on the history of Kyoto.
Yasaka Shrine is one of the places you must visit when in the Shijo Kawaramachi area. Experience the weight of history and feel your heart purified by the beautiful shrine buildings.
Website: https://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/en/
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Gion Hanami-koji
Gion Hanami-koji, stretching to the east of Yasaka Shrine, is a stone-paved alley that has continued since the Edo period. Old buildings line both sides of the road, and the sight illuminated by lantern light feels like stepping back in time.
This area, lined with high-class traditional restaurants, is also popular as a place where you might catch a glimpse of maiko or geiko (geisha). If you're lucky, you might see one.
However, please note that taking photos of maiko on Hanami-koji is considered bad manners and is currently prohibited. Instead of pointing a camera, I recommend burning the graceful figure into your memory as a lifelong memento.
Walking along Hanami-koji, you can feel the remnants of old Japan. When you come to Shijo Kawaramachi, be sure to visit.
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Kamogawa River
The Kamogawa River, flowing through the center of Kyoto, has been deeply connected to the lives of Kyoto's people since ancient times. While it has repeatedly caused severe floods, its benefits have made the surrounding area fertile land, said to have laid the foundation for today's Shijo Kawaramachi.
Now, the riverside of the Kamogawa River has become a popular walking course in Kyoto. Walking along the river while viewing the beautiful cherry blossoms blooming on both banks in spring is a Kyoto tradition. In summer, restaurants along the river set up terrace seats, crowded with people enjoying the cool evening air.
The Kamogawa River is a place where you can closely feel the history of Shijo Kawaramachi and the lives of Kyoto's people. I recommend taking a walk and reflecting on the flow of time.
Gion Festival (Summer)
The Gion Festival, counted as one of Japan's three major festivals, is known as the festival of Yasaka Shrine. Held for a month from July 1st every year, the highlights of the festival are particularly the pre-festival (July 14th-17th) and the post-festival (July 21st-24th).
The pre-festival features the Yoiyama, where magnificent "Yamahoko" floats are lined up. The beauty of the intricate decorations inside the heavily constructed Yamahoko floats is worth seeing. During the post-festival, a grand parade of 18 mountains and hoko floats marches through the streets.
The origins of the Gion Festival are said to date back over 1000 years, and it's registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. During the festival period, the entire town of Gion is filled with excitement and enthusiasm, continuing to fascinate many people as a summer tradition of Kyoto.
If you're visiting Kyoto in July, I highly recommend experiencing the power and beauty of the Gion Festival. It's sure to become an unforgettable memory.
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Way to Enjoy Shijo Kawaramachi Area 2: Explore Gourmet Spots
The Shijo Kawaramachi area has everything from famous Kyoto cuisine restaurants to street food spots. Experience Kyoto's food culture while enjoying delicious dishes made with local ingredients.
Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market, located in the heart of Shijo Kawaramachi, is Kyoto's largest market. Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," it has everything related to Kyoto's food, from fresh fish and Kyoto vegetables to pickles and souvenirs.
I remember often visiting this market during my student days. The narrow aisles were lined on both sides with stalls displaying fresh ingredients and delicious-looking side dishes, and I enjoyed snacking while walking. It's still one of my favorite spots that I always visit when I return to Kyoto.
While Nishiki Market is known as a popular spot for tourists to eat and walk around, it also serves as a kitchen for locals where housewives come to buy their daily ingredients. I hope you can feel the atmosphere of this living market that supports Kyoto's food culture.
Website: https://www.kyoto-nishiki.or.jp/en/
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Pontocho
Pontocho, located north of Hanami-koji, is known as one of Kyoto's foremost geisha districts with a historic townscape. Atmospheric restaurants line the narrow alleys, and at night, the town lit by lanterns is very atmospheric.
If you're lucky, you might come across maiko or geiko in kimono while walking through the alleys of Pontocho. However, as they are working, please refrain from taking pictures or calling out to them.
Pontocho is a special place that can only be experienced in Kyoto, strongly retaining the remnants of Kyoto's proud historical geisha district. When you come to Shijo Kawaramachi, be sure to visit and immerse yourself in its elegant atmosphere.
Website: https://www.ponto-chou.com/
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Way to Enjoy Shijo Kawaramachi Area 3: Experience Activities
In the Shijo Kawaramachi area, you can easily enjoy Kyoto-specific experience activities, such as strolling through the streets of Kyoto in kimono or experiencing samurai and ninja culture.
Kimono Experience
Strolling through the streets of Kyoto in kimono is one of the highlights of Kyoto sightseeing. As you can see from the link, there are many kimono rental shops gathered around Shijo Kawaramachi, allowing you to easily experience it without bringing anything.
Just wearing a kimono can make your Kyoto sightseeing a special memory, different from usual. I recommend making a reservation in advance if you plan to rent.
Website: https://ewha-yifu.com/shops/kyoto-area/gion/
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Samurai Ninja Experience Museum
Samurai and ninja are representative historical occupations of Japan. There's a facility in the Shijo Kawaramachi area where you can experience becoming a samurai or ninja.
Inside the facility, you can enjoy various activities such as taking commemorative photos dressed as a samurai or ninja, throwing shuriken, and viewing displays of swords and ninja tools. The experience of feeling like a movie or anime protagonist is sure to be enjoyable for both children and adults.
It's a perfect experience spot for creating memories of your Kyoto trip. I hope you'll drop by.
Website: https://mai-ko.com/samurai/
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Way to Enjoy Shijo Kawaramachi Area 4: Enjoy Shopping
The Shijo Kawaramachi area is also known as one of Kyoto's premier shopping spots. From long-established Japanese confectionery stores to the latest fashion, it's filled with irresistible attractions for shopping enthusiasts. It's also perfect for finding Kyoto souvenirs.
Shinkyogoku Shopping Street
Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, located in the center of Shijo Kawaramachi, is one of Kyoto's leading shopping streets, with about 100 shops lining up over about 400 meters.
While Nishiki Market mainly features traditional fresh fish and produce stores, Shinkyogoku has more shops catering to the general public, including restaurants, souvenir shops, and fashion accessories.
The charm is that you can casually enjoy everything from B-grade gourmet to Kyoto-specific sweets at reasonable prices.
It's a great spot for finding Kyoto souvenirs. Memories of happily spending time with friends, eating while walking through this shopping street during my student days, come flooding back.
If you are interested in Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
Kyoto Takashimaya
Source: Google Map by Kyoto Takashimaya
When it comes to large department stores representing Shijo Kawaramachi, it's Kyoto Takashimaya. It's one of Kyoto's premier shopping spots with a wide range of stores from domestic and international high-end brands to long-established Japanese and Western shops.
Popular souvenirs include Japanese sweets and side dishes made with Kyoto vegetables. The basement food floor brings together long-established Kyoto shops, offering so many choices that you might have trouble deciding. I recommend it for both personal use and as souvenirs.
Takashimaya also has a Nintendo direct store, making it an exciting spot for game enthusiasts.
Website: https://www.takashimaya-global.com/en/stores/kyoto/
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Spots to Visit Along with Shijo Kawaramachi
If you extend your trip a bit from Shijo Kawaramachi, there are many popular tourist spots representing Kyoto. If you've come all the way to Shijo Kawaramachi, I recommend exploring the surrounding areas as well. You're sure to experience the charm of Kyoto more deeply.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple, about a 20-minute walk from Shijo Kawaramachi, is a popular World Heritage site representing Kyoto. The view from the main hall, which juts out over a steep cliff, is acclaimed as the best in Kyoto, offering picturesque scenery from every angle.
Otowa Waterfall is also popular as a spot for making wishes for love. There are many other points of interest, including the Nio-mon Gate and the three-storied pagoda. After finishing your visit, I recommend checking out the souvenir shops and cafes lining the approach.
It's easily accessible, about a 25-30 minute walk from Shijo Kawaramachi, so I hope you'll visit.
Website: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/
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Kodai-ji Temple
Kodai-ji temple, about a 15-minute walk from Shijo Kawaramachi, is a temple opened by Nene, the lawful wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It's said to have been built to pray for the repose of Oda Nobunaga's soul.
The garden beauty that shows different expressions with each season, such as cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall, is a must-see. I recommend visiting when you go to Kiyomizu-dera.
Website: https://www.kodaiji.com/
Heian Shrine
About a 20-minute walk northeast from Gion, along the Kamogawa River, stands Heian Shrine, a relatively new shrine built about 100 years ago in the Meiji era. It was constructed to commemorate 1100 years since the Heian capital was established.
The exterior, with its impressive large vermilion torii gate, is breathtaking. The garden called Shin'en is enjoyable with seasonal flowers, particularly the weeping cherry blossoms in spring are beautiful.
Heian Shrine is easily accessible from Shijo Kawaramachi, so why not visit it during your Kyoto trip?
Website: https://www.heianjingu.or.jp/index.html
Tours to Fully Enjoy the Shijo Kawaramachi Area
If you want to know Kyoto more deeply, I recommend tours with local guides. Magical Trip offers comprehensive tours that allow you to fully enjoy the charms of the Shijo Kawaramachi area. Experiences you can only have here, such as interacting with maiko and food tours, are waiting for you.
"Dinner with Maiko in a Traditional Kyoto Style Restaurant Tour" by Magical Trip
This is a highly popular Magical Trip tour that combines a stroll through the Gion area with a dinner experience with a maiko.
First, you'll explore the Gion area with a local guide, learning about its history and culture. Then, you'll head to a traditional Kyoto restaurant to enjoy a full course of authentic Kyoto cuisine. During the meal, you can enjoy traditional dances and music performances by maiko, as well as ozashiki asobi (geisha parlor games).
At the end of the tour, you can take commemorative photos with the maiko, making it a once-in-a-lifetime memory. The precious interaction with maiko is a special experience only possible through Magical Trip. The price is about $274 per person.
Click here for more details: Dinner with Maiko in a Traditional Kyoto Style Restaurant Tour
"Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour" by Magical Trip
This is Magical Trip's gourmet tour where you can fully enjoy Nishiki Market, Kyoto's kitchen. After enjoying food-hopping in Nishiki Market in the morning, you'll have a satisfying brunch time at a restaurant in the market.
Starting with a stroll through the historic Gion in the Shijo Kawaramachi area, you'll head to Nishiki Market while learning interesting trivia from your local guide. The tour's highlight is being able to taste specialties from shops you might usually overlook.
The price of about $45 is also a great deal. I recommend this tour for those who want to fully enjoy Kyoto's gourmet food.
Click here for more details: Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour
"Kyoto Night Foodie Tour" by Magical Trip
This is a highly popular night tour where you can enjoy Kyoto's gourmet food, ranked 14th globally in TripAdvisor reviews.
You'll go food-hopping with a local guide in Gion and Pontocho, Kyoto's representative gourmet spots. The charm is that you can also visit traditional restaurants and izakayas that might usually be difficult to enter, allowing you to fully enjoy authentic Kyoto cuisine.
Not only the food but also the interesting explanations from the guide deepen your understanding of Kyoto's history and food culture. The price of $133 per person is also attractive. If you want to enjoy Kyoto's nights, I highly recommend participating.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Night Foodie Tour
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In this article, I've introduced the charms of the Shijo Kawaramachi area, the heart of Kyoto. This neighborhood, where the weight of history coexists with cutting-edge trends, is full of new discoveries no matter how many times you visit.
I also recommend experience activities like kimono rental and tours for interacting with maiko, which are unique to Kyoto. Tours with guides who are well-versed in the local area are an opportunity to know the charms of Kyoto more deeply.
Above all, Shijo Kawaramachi is full of delicious food. After a walk along the Kamogawa River, why not explore Nishiki Market and Pontocho and enjoy a meal?
I hope you'll use this article as a reference to create your own memories of Shijo Kawaramachi!