Shirakawa Canal in Kyoto

This post can contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links.

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.
 Find Your Perfect Ryokan Now >

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 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.

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.