Shirakawa Canal in Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

The Shirakawa Canal in Kyoto is the perfect place for a romantic walk along weeping cherry trees, willow trees, old machiya and tea houses, cobblestone roads, nice restaurants and shops. The best time to come here is during the cherry blossom season. You will see there newly wed couples, geisha, maiko (young apprentice geisha) and of course many tourists. The picturesque scenery is only enhanced by the beautiful brigades crossing the canal. The most famous one is the Tatsumi-bashi bridge. This place became a hotspot in our instagram age :) Without doubt one of the best places for a nice stroll during the day and at night in Kyoto. The canal is located within the Gion district near the crowded street of Hanamikoji dori.  Explore Ryokans in Kyoto >
Ryokans are the perfect way to discover old Japanese culture and traditions.

My tips for local activities

Explore the best parts of my favourite city Kyoto with a local guide. The personalized tour can take between 2 - 8 hours. Check out this page > for more details.

History

The Shirakawa area is since centuries a place dedicated to entertainment. Many of the expensive high-end restaurants and bars there can only be visited by regular customers or with a table reservation.

Sightseeing spots along the Shirakawa Canal

Top:

Furukawa-cho shopping street - This old shopping street follows the calm and softly flowing Shirakawa river.

Tatsumi-Daimyojin - This small Shinto shrine on the corner of Shinbashi and Shirakawa Minami Dori is dedicated to goddes Benzaiten. The goddess takes care of art, water and eloquence. Therefore many maiko (young apprentice geisha) come here to pray for getting help in improving their skills.

Tatsumi-bashi bridge - You could see this bridge in a movie scene based of the novel - Memoirs of a Geisha - by author Arthur Golden.

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

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 Imperial Palace through Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamo Shrines. More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri to the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month 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 last around 2 hours.