Explore Pontocho's atmospheric lantern-lit alley
Kyoto, Japan • 
Popular
Popular
Best months to visit
Apr, Jul, Nov
8°C – 20°C, mild and pleasant, with frequent cherry blossoms and moderate rainfall, high crowds, peak season
8°C – 20°C, mild and pleasant, with frequent cherry blossoms and moderate rainfall, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Narrow, uneven alley with steps; limited accessibility for wheelchairs.
Narrow, uneven alley with steps; limited accessibility for wheelchairs.
Value for money
Medium
Prices are high, but the experience is generally positive.
Prices are high, but the experience is generally positive.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Evening
Couples found Pontocho perfect for a romantic evening. Lanterns, food, and ambiance!
Magical Ambiance
The glowing lanterns create a magical ambiance. A truly memorable experience for couples!
Excellent Dining
Couples loved the diverse dining options. Plenty of choices for a perfect date night!
Overcrowded Nights
Travelers noted it could get very crowded. Not ideal for intimate couple moments.
Expensive Dining
Some couples felt the dining options were overpriced. Budget-conscious couples beware!
Limited Accessibility
The narrow alley isn't accessible. Couples with mobility issues, take note.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
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GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
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KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday
05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Friday
05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Sunday
05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Embark on an intriguing walking tour through Kyoto's Pontocho Alley.
Join a traveler as he explores Pontocho Alley in this captivating video.
Experience the captivating allure of Pontocho Alley, on a rainy day!
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
LOW
2-12°C
December is cold and mostly dry, with occasional clear days. The atmosphere is quieter before the New Year’s holidays.
December is cold and mostly dry, with occasional clear days. The atmosphere is quieter before the New Year’s holidays.
Open
Most venues operate as normal, but some close for New Year’s at the end of the month.
Most venues operate as normal, but some close for New Year’s at the end of the month.
Recommended
A peaceful time to visit Pontocho with easy restaurant reservations and a cozy winter atmosphere.
A peaceful time to visit Pontocho with easy restaurant reservations and a cozy winter atmosphere.
January
LOW
1-9°C
Cold winter weather, with occasional light rain or snow. Nights can be particularly chilly.
Cold winter weather, with occasional light rain or snow. Nights can be particularly chilly.
Open
Most restaurants operate regular hours, but some may close temporarily for New Year holidays.
Most restaurants operate regular hours, but some may close temporarily for New Year holidays.
Not recommended
January is off-peak in Pontocho Alley. The atmosphere is serene, but some venues may close briefly for New Year. Outdoor kawayuka dining is not available.
January is off-peak in Pontocho Alley. The atmosphere is serene, but some venues may close briefly for New Year. Outdoor kawayuka dining is not available.
February
LOW
2-10°C
Cold and occasionally damp, with less daylight. Winter conditions persist but with slightly milder temperatures than January.
Cold and occasionally damp, with less daylight. Winter conditions persist but with slightly milder temperatures than January.
Open
Some restaurants may have shorter hours. No outdoor kawayuka dining.
Some restaurants may have shorter hours. No outdoor kawayuka dining.
Not recommended
February remains off-peak and retains a tranquil feel. Most venues are open, but outdoor seating is limited due to the cold.
February remains off-peak and retains a tranquil feel. Most venues are open, but outdoor seating is limited due to the cold.
March
MEDIUM
4-14°C
Cool and gradually warming. Early spring blossoms begin to appear, with occasional rain showers.
Cool and gradually warming. Early spring blossoms begin to appear, with occasional rain showers.
Open
All major venues operate. Outdoor kawayuka dining not yet available.
All major venues operate. Outdoor kawayuka dining not yet available.
Recommended
March marks the start of the tourist season, especially in late March with early cherry blossoms. Most restaurants are open.
March marks the start of the tourist season, especially in late March with early cherry blossoms. Most restaurants are open.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Taxi
Recommended
Train
Recommended
Walking
Recommended
Bike
Car
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required