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 newlywed 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 a doubt, it is 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. Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Kyoto Ryokan.
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History

The Shirakawa area is for centuries a place dedicated to entertainment. Many 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

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Shirakawa Minami-dori - This charming cobblestone street, nestled between Gion and Shinbashi, is lined with traditional machiya townhouses, ryokans, willow trees, and lantern-lit restaurants. It's especially beautiful during cherry blossom season in late March and early April.

Tatsumi Bridge (Tatsumi-bashi) - This small stone bridge is one of Kyoto’s most popular photo spots. The combination of historic wooden buildings, a picturesque canal, and graceful willow trees captures everything that makes this city so beloved by locals and tourists.

Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine - Located right behind the canal and bridge, this little Shinto shrine is a quiet hidden gem. Geiko and maiko from Gion often come here to pray.

Gion Shirakawa Area - This is without any doubt the most romantic part of Gion. Take a leisurely stroll through the area and discover traditional teahouses and exclusive restaurants along the way.

Ichiriki Chaya (Ichiriki Teahouse) - This legendary and historic teahouse near the canal is unfortunately not open to the public, but it stands as a symbol of Kyoto’s geisha culture and is deeply connected to samurai history, particularly the story of the 47 Ronin.

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 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.