Ishibe-koji Alley in Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

Ishibe-koji Alley is one of the most beautiful pathways in Kyoto. Located in the historical Higashiyama Ward of Kyoto near Nene-no-Michi Lane and Kodai-ji Temple, the preserved stone-paved alleyway is lined with traditional wooden machiya townhouses, ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), teahouses, wealthy residences, small shops, cafes and galleries. It gives you a chance to see and feel how the city looked like 300 years ago when Kyoto was still the capital of Japan. What makes the whole experience even better are women wearing geisha-style kimono and strolling through the pedestrian-only 200-meter-long alley. You will get the chance for a photograph if you ask kindly for permission. The word Ishibe means stone moat and describes the houses there with their beautiful stone walls along the pathway. My tip: Come here in the evening when lanterns illuminate these wooden houses. It creates a wonderful atmosphere. Many movies and commercials were shot here in the past to capture this unique scenery. By the way, the paving stones on this alley were reused from Kyoto's old streetcar line.

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• Ishibe-koji Alley:
• Opening Hours - 24/7
• Admission Fee - free

My tips for local activities

How about exploring the best parts of my favourite city Kyoto with a local guide? The personalized tour by our partner GetYourGuide can take between 2 - 8 hours. For more details check out this page >

History

The Ishibe-koji Alley appears to be unchanged since the Edo period (1603 - 1868). The Kyoto government made sure to preserve this traditional scenery. The local craftsmanship, which went into these houses is simply amazing.

Sightseeing spots near Ishibe-koji Alley

Top:

Daiun-in Temple - The most famous structure of the Daiun-in Temple is the Gion-kaku tower. The building is with a height of 36 meters an impressive sight. Read more >

Kodai-ji Temple - Kodai-ji Temple is one of the greatest Zen temples in Kyoto. It was established in 1606 to pay tribute to Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537 - 1598), the warlord of the Sengoku era (1467 - 1568). Read more >

Entokuin Temple - It is a sub-temple of Kodai-ji. People come here to admire the beautiful North Garden, which got the status of a Designated Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government. Read more >

Gesshin-in - Gesshin-in is a sub-temple of the nearby Kodai-ji Temple and belongs to a branch of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism. Read more >

Nene-no-Michi Lane - The beautiful 400-meter-long flagstone pathway stretches from Sannen-zaka Street to Ninen-zaka near Maruyama Park in Gion. Read more >

Festival & Events in Kyoto (dates can change without notice)

March

Illumination event at Kodai-ji (6th March - 6th of May)
Kodai-ji temple is open till 9:30 pm during that period. It is enough time to enjoy the illumination after sunset.

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31th)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from the Imperial Palace through the Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamigamo Shrine. More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri as the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

June

Aoba Matsuri (Green Leaf Festival) at Chishaku-in (15th)
The festival is an ancient ritual of followers of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, which is called Yamabushi. They participate in a series of ceremonies like celebrating the birth of founder Kobo-Daishi (744 - 835).

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month of July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which lasts around 2 hours.