(Updated on October 9, 2018)

The beautiful traditional neighborhood of Pontocho in Kyoto, in spite of its small size, is a treasure trove of hidden gems that sparkle at night. Restaurants, taverns, and pubs line the cobbled narrow Pontocho Street, some of them exclusive and others more accessible. It is without a doubt the most atmospheric area of the city and your stay in Kyoto is not complete without a visit here.

We asked the multi-talented Kyoto pop singer Asachill, who was born in the heart of Pontocho, to show us some of her favorite spots in her home neighborhood which she recommends to first-time visitors and which also provide excellent photo opportunities for memories to share with your family and friends.

We're happy to say that we also have a special interview with Asachill in store for you in January, but in the meantime, please enjoy this tour of Pontocho and other recommended Kyoto destinations.

Let's begin with a few major landmarks in the surrounding area.

Heian Shrine

"The size of the red torii gate is incredible! I recommend taking photos at the turn of dusk when the streetlamps come on, so you can enjoy them juxtaposed against the red of the giant gate."

Indeed, the Heian Shrine's torii is one of the largest in Japan. Listed as an important cultural property, the Heian Shrine itself is just as impressive as its gate, and certainly worth a visit.

Kamo River

"I recommend taking pictures of the view from Shijo Ohashi or Sanjo Ohashi bridges. The mood changes from day to night, so go ahead and try both."

A Pontocho Side-Alley

"The side-alley connecting Pontocho Street and Kiyamachi Street. There are many shops inside. This is what it looks like during the daytime. Isn’t it cool?"

Take a walk down the cobbled Pontocho Street. In addition to the shops with storefronts here, you can look to your left and right to find narrow side-alleys like the one above, where more establishments are tucked away.

Old Rissei Elementary School

"After closing in March, 1993, the school has been used for many kinds of events ranging from movie projection and live music to art exhibitions. The school was founded in 1869 and the building still retains the atmosphere of elementary schools from the good old days of Japan."

The ground where the school stands is also historically noteworthy as the first place in Japan where a movie was projected in February, 1897.

[Please note that the classrooms are no longer accessible for photo shoots at Old Rissei Elementary School as a construction project to create a multi-purpose center is underway (planned completion 2020).]

For the time being, a coffee shop is open on the first floor in a classroom which has preserved its original blackboard and furnishings.

WORLD PEACE LOVE

"WORLD PEACE LOVE is a longstanding Kyoto club at the entrance of Shijo Kiyamachi. Famous international artists often play there. The interior is pop and refined and cycnical at the same time, so it looks stylish no matter at which angle you photograph it. You can also use Bar POP as a café."

Hokora (small Shinto shrine)

"The mini Shinto Shrine at the 15th Roji (side alley) in Pontocho. When a major fire ravaged Pontocho [in 1978], there was a fox ornament where the flames stopped. The residents of Pontocho worshipped the fox god to protect them from fire, so this mini-shrine was erected in its place. The shrine is covered in senjafuda votive stickers left by maikos and other visitors, which lends a special atmosphere to this place."

Saku no Ma

"An izakaya like a secret base in the 13th Roji (side alley) in Pontocho. I recommend ika ninjin (seasoned squid and carrots). Once you reach the alley, go further inside to find Saku no Ma.

The owner, Mr. Sakuma, is friendly, the food is tasty and reasonable and the mood is just right. No wonder Saku no Ma is a favorite spot for musicians and artists as well as local Pontocho residents. Have a bottle of Momo no Shizuku Tokubetsu Junmai sake and, in addition to ika ninjin, try their delicious tonpeiyaki (omelette filled with cabbage and pork).

Asachill

Kyoto Pop Singer from Pontocho, Kyoto.

Born into a family running a traditional obanzai restaurant for generations in the Pontocho neighborhood where geisha culture flourished.

Singing the theme song for Studio Trigger’s short anime “SEX and VIOLENCE with MACHSPEED” opened up other opportunities for Asachill to produce tracks and music videos with numerous creators.

In addition to her work as a musical artist, she continues to expand her range of activities, putting her unique fashion sense, her unmistakable voice, her bright personality and soft, lilting Kyoto accent to good use as a model, MC and other fields.

Asachill has also joined the Kawaii Monster Café in Harajuku where she’s active as Monster Girl “Crazy Asachill.”

On January 15, she released her 2nd album “PONT.” on the theme of her native Pontocho. (see more information in our interview with Asachill here)

As a self-styled “Kyoto pop icon” bridging Kyoto and the world, Asachill is active performing live in mainly Tokyo and Kyoto.

Instagram

Twitter

Concert Information:

2018/12/7 (Fri.)
Asachill's first solo show at Club Malcolm in Shibuya.
Doors open：19:00. Show from: 20:00
Purchase tickets (2,500 JPY normal or 3,000 JPY special) at Asachill's online shop.

Please read our interview with Asachill here!