Kawaramachi Kyoto

Kyoto’s charm not only comes from countless historical buildings but also relies on its modern urban atmosphere, especially its bustling nightlife in Kawaramachi. Kawaramachi locates in the center of Kyoto and consists of main roads including Shijo-dori, Kiyamachi Street, Karasuma Avenue, and Nishikikoji-dori. Like Namba in Osaka and Ginza in Tokyo, Kawaramachi Kyoto is a gathering area of numerous shopping malls, craft stores, western & Japanese restaurants, and entertainment places for fun like bars and anime-themed stores. All of these make it the best place to experience Kyoto’s nightlife. 

Top Things to Do around Kawaramachi at Night

Although Kawaramachi is a shopping and dining center, it is very close to famous attractions like Yasaka Shrine and Gion on its east. After dining in Kawaramachi, why not go to below places to have fun:

1. Take a Walk by Kamo River 

The scenic Kamo River just flows by the end of Kawaramachi. Walking along the quiet River at sunset with ancient wooden houses on the bank, you will feel relaxed.

Kamo River

2. See Lightening Lanterns in Yasaka Shrine

Crossing Kamo River and walking for another 10 minutes, you will reach Yasaka Shrine. Different from the grandeur building seen during the daytime, the Shrine appear more religious and mysterious, especially when the lanterns are lighten.

Yasaka Shrine

3. Come across Geisha in Gion

Geisha in Gion is a symbol of Kyoto. At night, these girls with traditional costume and exquisite makeup would appear in the street, going to perform dancing and singing.

Kawaramachi - Best Place to Taste Kyoto Food

1. Nishiki Market – Cheap & Delicious Kyoto Snacks

Nishiki Market is called Kyoto’s Kitchen for its 400 years’ history and local specialties sold in over 130 stores. In the market, you can not only taste the freshest seafood like salmon, sea urchin, octopus, and oyster, but also buy local products like Matcha desserts, chestnuts, fried fish cakes, and black bean tea. It should be noted that most stores here close early, around 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Therefore the Market is more suitable for having lunch than dinner.

Nishiki Market

Diverse Food

2. Pontocho – Bars and Restaurants in Traditional Japanese Wooden Houses

Pontocho is a special cultural protection area in Kyoto. In the long narrow alley stand rows of wooden houses with red lanterns hanging highly. During the daytime, the area shows the beauty of tranquility; while at night, tourists seeking delicious food would flood into its bars and restaurants. Then the alley would exude a lively air.

Pontocho

Kiyamachi

3. Kiyamachi – Enjoy the Quite Atmosphere of Riverside

Kiyamachi is very close to Pontocho, merely minutes’ walk. This street is featured by a long river parallel to it. There are ramen shops, barbeque restaurants, and cafes built along the river. In addition, this street is also known for blooming Sakura every spring.

Also a Shopping Paradise in Kyoto

1. Teramachi – Gathering Area of Century-Old Shops

Teramachi also owns a series of century-old stores for you to explore, like the below ones:

Teramachi Shopping Restaurant

A teahouse at 543-2 Nakanocho, Nakagyo Ward

It has been in operation since the 19th century. Various tea drinks and delicate tea sets are sold like Uji tea and Genmaicha.

Kyukyodo

Founded in 1663, Kyukyodo is the oldest stationery store in Japan. It mainly sells postcards, incense, inkstone, and stationery.

2. Kyoto Shinkyogoku Shopping Street – Fashionable & Affordable Items 

Compared with Teramachi, Kyoto Shinkyogoku Shopping Street exudes a fashionable atmosphere. Various cheap bags, T-shirts, hair ornaments, and kimonos are sold here. Or you can also buy commemorative coins, on which there are images of Pikachu in Kimono. This street mainly attracts young people like local senior students or college students.

3. Shijo – High-end Products

Shijo’s stores is featured by high-end products. Well-known shopping malls include Takashimaya Shopping Center, Fujii Daimaru, OPA, Daimaru, and Kyoto Kawaramachi Garden.

Night Tour Plan in or Around Kawaramachi

Have Dinner at Shijo Kawaramachi → Shop in Takashiyama →Wander by Kamo River → See Lanterns in Yasaka Shrine → Visit Gion – Have a Midnight Snack at Pontocho → Stay overnight at Shijo Kawaramachi to rest

Tip – Go early

Stores in Kyoto closes early at night. Nishiki Market closes around 18:00 and many shopping malls at 20:00 or 21:00.

How to Get there

1. Kyoto Subway

Take Kyoto Subway’s Karasuma Line, get off at Shijo Station, and then walk for 3 minutes to get there.

2. Hankyu Railway

Take Kyoto Line of Hankyu Railway, and get off at Karasuma Station or Kyoto Kawaramachi Station.