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Mid-range · 3-hour walk · Kyoto

Nishiki, Pontochō and the Kamo River in three hours

Kyoto's kitchen, a shrine whose gate runs into the walls, the covered arcades, the riverbank at dusk and the lantern-lit lane of tea houses.

On foot

1.3 km

Walking

17 min

At stops

140 min

Total

2h 37m

Stops

Downtown Kyoto, between the Kamo River and the old palace, is where the city eats and drinks. Start in the afternoon at Nishiki Market, before its stalls close around five, and finish in Pontochō when its lanterns are lit and, from May to September, the restaurants along the river have their summer platforms out.

The route, stop by stop

Nishiki Market

Kyoto's kitchen, a covered street of more than a hundred shops selling pickles, tofu, sweets, knives and skewers to eat on the spot. Many stalls ask you to eat there rather than while walking.

45 min here Walk here →
Nishiki Tenmangū

A small shrine at the market's east end, whose stone torii is so wedged between buildings that its ends disappear into the walls.

10 min here Walk here →
Shinkyōgoku

One of two covered shopping arcades running north side by side, with souvenir shops, small temples and old stores selling incense and brushes.

20 min here Walk here →
Kamo River

Sit on the bank of the Kamo with everyone else. The couples along it famously space themselves out at even intervals.

25 min here Walk here →
Pontochō

A narrow stone-paved lane between Sanjō and Shijō, lined with tea houses and restaurants. Geiko and maiko pass through in the evening; do not stop them for photographs.

40 min here Walk here →