Ponto-chō

Ponto-chō (先斗町) is a hanamachi district in Kyoto, Japan, known for its geiko and maiko, and is home to many of the city's okiya and traditional tea houses.

The name "Ponto" is believed to come from the Portuguese word "ponte" (bridge), and is written in kanji used for their sound only (ateji).

Ponto-chō as a district is for the most part constructed around a long, narrow alleyway, running from Shijō-dōri to Sanjō-dōri, one block west of the Kamo River.

Today, the area, lit by traditional lanterns at night, contains a mix of exclusive restaurants — often featuring outdoor riverside dining on wooden patios — geisha houses and tea houses, brothels, bars, and cheap eateries.

This theatre functions as a practice hall for geisha and maiko, and has functioned as the location for the annual Kamogawa Odori — a combination performance of traditional dance, kabuki-like theatre, singing and the playing of traditional instruments — since the 1870s.