Kyoto's typical scenery is famous for its wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and small alleys surrounded by earthen walls taller than one's height. Especially in the Gion and Kiyomizu-dera area, there are still many back alleys, which are very photogenic. However, because they are frequently featured on TV and in magazines, they are all packed with tourists, and you may not be able to take pictures from the angle you want or with people in the background.
In this issue, we will introduce two small paths in Kyoto. Since they are easily accessible from stations and bus stops, you can visit them as a short detour on your way to your destination. You can take pictures with a tasteful atmosphere until you are satisfied, so please take a look.
Bus stop, near Shijo Nishinotoin: Kouyaku-no-zushi
Oyaku Tsujiko is a small alley connecting Shijo Dori and Ayakoji Dori. The path turns in the middle of the street, creating a quiet, Kyoto-like atmosphere. Kimono shops, general merchandise stores, and coffee shops in renovated machiya townhouses line both sides of the street, making it a good place to look for souvenirs or take a short break from your trip.
It is said to have been a very important spot historically, and the residence of Dainagon Fujiwara no Kouto, who produced several empresses, once stood there. In addition, it is said that Kuya Shonin, the founder of Rokuharamitsuji Temple, had a dojo there, and the pronunciation of "Kuya Kuyakuyo" became accented with "Tsujiko," meaning a narrow road, and the name "Kouyaku No Tsujiko" came to be used.
Hole in the ground south of Nishi Hongwanji Temple: Kita Koji Dori (North Koji Street)
To the south of Nishi Honganji Temple, which is registered as a World Heritage site, there is a small alley called Kitakoji Dori, which is a hole in the ground. It has a stately gate at its entrance, connecting Horikawa-dori and Omiya-dori. Currently (as of January 2022), a large part of the street is covered with scaffolding and curtains due to renovation work, but a tall wall has been built, making visitors feel as if they are stepping back in time to Kyoto in the Edo period.
On the right side of the alley is the gorgeous "Karamon" gate decorated in gold, blue, and green, and a kindergarten with the appearance of a warehouse. To the left stands the Ryukoku University Omiya Campus building, an important cultural property of Japan and the setting for the filming of an epic drama.
After passing through the alley to Omiya-dori Avenue, you will find Kyoto Aquarium, Umekoji Park, and Kyoto Railway Museum within a 10-minute walk. Please visit them on your family vacation.
Take memorable photos in a small alley typical of Kyoto!
In this issue, we have introduced two small alleys that are perfect for taking pictures with a Kyoto-like atmosphere, and are also good spots for hole-in-the-wall spots. In Oyaku-Tsujiko, stone-paved streets are lined with machiya (townhouses), while Kitakoji-dori is lined with tall samurai-style fences. The interesting thing about Kyoto is that there are many different views to be seen along these "small streets". Please take memorable photos with the historical scenery in the background.
