Bridge · Gion / Kawaramachi
Shijo Ohashi Bridge 四条大橋
Kyoto's busiest bridge, linking Kawaramachi and Pontocho with Gion and Yasaka Shrine, with Minamiza theatre and the Kamo River at its feet.
About
Shijo Ohashi joins the city's main shopping district with Gion, and has been rebuilt many times; the current steel girder bridge was completed in 1942 after the great Kyoto flood of 1935. The view from it is pure Kyoto: the Minamiza kabuki theatre and the hills of Higashiyama to the east, the riverside restaurants of Pontocho and their summer kawayuka platforms to the north, and couples evenly spaced along the riverbank below. At the east end the Izumo no Okuni statue honours the founder of kabuki.
Highlights
- Gateway between Kawaramachi, Pontocho and Gion
- Minamiza kabuki theatre at the east end
- Kawayuka dining platforms visible in summer
- Statue of Izumo no Okuni, founder of kabuki
Tips
- Evening is best, when Pontocho's lanterns and the Minamiza facade light up.
- Walk north along the west riverbank toward Sanjo for the classic Kamo River stroll.
- Very crowded on weekends: cross early morning for photos.
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09
Save Shijo Ohashi Bridge to your trip, see reviews and photos from travelers, and get directions.
Open in the appNearby
- Pontocho AlleyIzakaya · 60 m away
- Minamiza TheatreShows & Entertainment · 90 m away
- Kamogawa Noryo-yuka (Riverside Summer Dining)Activities & Experiences · 90 m away
- Itoh Kyuemon Gion ShijoCafé & Sweets · 100 m away
- Coin Lockers · Gion-shijo Station (Keihan)Luggage Storage · 110 m away
- Kissa SoireeCafé & Sweets · 110 m away
- Francois KissatenCafé & Sweets · 160 m away
- Tai Sushi (Shijo Kawaramachi)Sushi & Seafood · 170 m away