Along the channel in Pontocho.
The name PontochÅ is said to be a mix of the English word "point" or the Portuguese word "ponto" (also meaning point) and the Japanese word meaning town, street, or road.
This narrow alley is the stone paved street closest and running parallel west to the Kamogawa river.
PontochÅ area is known as the traditional location of the start of kabuki, but it was actually the biggest red-lght district during the Tokugawa shogunate. It also became home to tea-houses, and geisha entertainment.
Today's Pontocho contains many old buildings, and is home to expensive restaurants, bars and hostess clubs - the cheaper and modern alternative to geisha entertainment.
