Pontocho & Nishiki Market

Pontocho and Nishiki Market have atmospheric dining and daytime market exploration. Safe but some places cater to groups or regulars. Better for special dining than casual hangouts.

Pontocho is a narrow dining alley running parallel to the Kamo River - barely wide enough for two people to pass. Traditional lanterns light up wooden facades after dark. Everything from yakitori stands to exclusive kaiseki where you need personal connections to book. May through September, river-side restaurants build temporary platforms over the water for evening dining. Safe to walk through, but many places cater to groups or regulars. Some bars are private members' clubs that turn away walk-ins. The alley connects Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, busy 5-11 PM. English menus in tourist spots, Japanese-only in traditional places. Nishiki Market nearby operates during the day - over 100 shops selling seafood, pickles, kitchenware, local stuff. Don't eat while walking - find designated areas. After vendors close, the surrounding streets have izakayas and modern bars. Pontocho's narrow back alleys can feel isolated late at night, though the main alley stays busy and well-lit. Better for atmospheric dining than late nightlife.