Kiyamachi Street

Kiyamachi-dori is a narrow street in central Kyoto running about 2.8 km north–south along the east side of the Takase River. Beginning just south of Nijo-dori, it crosses Oike-dori, Sanjo-dori, Shijo-dori, and continues down to Matsubara-dori. Cherry trees line the street, creating a distinctly Kyoto atmosphere. Takase River once played an important role in transporting goods, and because the area developed as a town of merchants dealing in firewood, charcoal, and timber, it came to be called “Kiyamachi” (literally, “timber town”). Over time it became an entertainment area with inns and pleasure quarters; in the Bakumatsu era, figures such as Sakamoto Ryoma, Katsura Kogoro, and Sakuma Shozan are said to have hidden in the vicinity, and many stone monuments stand along the route. Today, Kiyamachi is packed with diverse restaurants—Japanese, Chinese, Italian, French, and more—and is popular with younger crowds. One street closer to the Kamo River is Ponto-cho; together they form a nightlife area with many late-opening eateries. For access, Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station (subway) is convenient for the north end, while Hankyu Shijo-Kawaramachi (Kyoto Kawaramachi) Station is convenient for the south end.