Ponto-chō, Entertainment district in Downtown Kyoto, Japan
Ponto-chō is a narrow paved alley between main street and riverbank in Nakagyō Ward, Kyoto. The wooden buildings stand close together, their facades show dark timber and paper lanterns mark the entrances to restaurants and teahouses.
The alley formed in 1670 on a narrow strip of land along the western bank of the Kamo River after an expansion of the riverbed. The timber buildings from later centuries remained largely unchanged, as the narrow width prevented larger new construction.
The name refers to Portuguese "ponto" meaning bridge or point, suggesting early trade contact. On summer evenings guests sit on raised platforms directly above the river and hear the water flowing beneath their feet.
The alley is quiet during the day and becomes busier after dark when lanterns light the entrances. Many establishments prefer reservations and some require an introduction by a known guest.
The alley is only about 10 feet (3 meters) wide and runs roughly 1600 feet (500 meters) parallel to the river. Some of the older buildings have secret back doors that once served as escape routes to the riverbank.
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