Shirakawa Lane: A Serene Stroll Through Kyoto's Historic Charm
Discover the enchanting Shirakawa Lane in Kyoto, a picturesque blend of history, culture, and natural beauty waiting to be explored.
Shirakawa Lane offers a picturesque journey through the heart of Kyoto, adorned with traditional wooden machiya houses and serene waterways. This scenic pathway is perfect for tourists seeking a peaceful escape into history, culture, and the beauty of Japan's ancient capital.
A brief summary to Shirakawa Lane
- Motoyoshicho, 白川筋, Kyoto, Motoyoshicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0087, JP
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit during early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and beautiful lighting.
- Don’t forget your camera; the scenery is perfect for capturing stunning photos.
- Take your time to explore the side streets for hidden gems and local crafts.
- Try visiting during cherry blossom or autumn foliage seasons for a truly magical experience.
Getting There
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Walking
If you are near Kiyomizu-dera Temple, start walking down the hill towards Sannen-zaka Street. Once you reach the bottom, turn right to head towards Sannenzaka and then left at the intersection to continue on to Ninenzaka. Walk straight until you reach the main road, and then turn right onto the main street. Continue walking until you spot the Shirakawa Canal on your left. As you reach the canal, look for Shirakawa Lane, which runs parallel to the canal. It's a picturesque street lined with traditional wooden houses and cherry blossoms.
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Public Transportation
If you are further away from the Shirakawa Lane area, you can take the Kyoto City Bus. Board the bus number 100 or 206 at any nearby bus stop heading toward Kiyomizu-dera. Get off at the 'Kiyomizu-michi' stop. From there, walk down the hill towards Sannen-zaka Street. Follow the same walking directions mentioned above once you reach the bottom of the hill.
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Taxi
For a more direct route, you can take a taxi from your current location in Higashiyama. Simply tell the driver to take you to 'Shirakawa Lane, Motoyoshicho'. The ride should be relatively short and cost between 800 to 1,500 yen depending on your starting point. Taxis are a convenient option especially if you're carrying luggage.
Discover more about Shirakawa Lane
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Shrine
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Kahitsukan, Kyoto Modern Art Museum
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Yasaka Jinja Nishiromon Gate (Western Tower Gate)
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Kawaramachi-dori Street
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The Flower Corridor
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Sanjo Ohashi
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Statues of Yaji-san & Kita-san
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Gion Corner
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Yasaka-jinja Shrine
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Yasaka Shrine
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SIGHTS KYOTO -サイツキョウト-
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South Tower Gate
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Warai Clock Tower
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Shinkyogoku Park
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Unmissable attractions to see
Shirakawa Canal
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祇園新橋伝統的建造物群保存地区
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Yamato-bashi Bridge
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Tatsumi-jinja Shrine (Tatsumi Dai-myojin)
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Gion-Shirakawa spotlight
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Tatsumi Bridge
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Gion Tatsumi Bridge
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Gion Shinbashi Bridge
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Hanamikoji-dori
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kitaza
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Shinbashi-dori
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Izutsu Yatsuhashi Honpo - Kyoto Gion Main Store
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Ninja Experience Cafe Kyoto Gion
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八坂神社参道
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Kamo River Noryo-Yuka
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Essential places to dine
Omi Beef Daikichi - Wagyu Kaiseki
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Wagyu Ryotei Bungo Gion
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Gion Yata
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Gion Kappa Restaurant
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Hikiniku to Come (Kyoto)
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Gion Mikaku
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Gion Vitra
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Gastromesón Chuleta
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Kyoto Japan
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Sushi Gion Matsudaya
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Kobe Beef Steak Restaurant MOURIYA GION
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Gion Duck Rice
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Chihana
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Gion Nanba
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Premium Pound Gion
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
パゴン祇園店 -Pagong (Japanese Design Clothing)
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Maicoto
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Souvenir Kyoto
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Kurochiku
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菊梅 SHOP GION KYOTO
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Ki-Yan Stuzio Gion Ishidan-shita Shop
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Kotocross Hankyu Kawaramachi
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Kyoto BAL
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Ayanokoji Gion
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Kyoto Kawaramachi Garden
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KINJI used clothing
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fine antique
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Christofle Takashimaya Kyoto 京都髙島屋店
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Takashimaya Kyoto S.C.
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Kyoto Takashimaya Department Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Le Peu
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The Common One Bar Kyoto
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Bar Prost
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Bar Ixey
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Bar Liquor Museum
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Bar HIHARA
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bar mousse
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UE Rooftop Bar ＆ Food
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ROCK BAR CRUNCH
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Man in the Moon Gion
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Bar Indigo
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in the Moon
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Gion Finlandia Bar
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Bar鳴子
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Bingo
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