Townscape

Tondabayashi Jinai-machi also developed as a Jinai-machi after Kosho-ji Temple (established as a branch temple of Kyoto's Kosho-ji Temple) was built along the banks of the Ishi-kawa River in Minami-Kawachi during the mid-16th century Sengoku period.During its initial development, it appears the outer perimeter featured earthen ramparts and moats.The town had four entrances and exits, which were closed at night to maintain public order.

Mt.Hachiman(Altitude: approx. 270m) is the site of Hachimanyama Castle. Only the stone walls of the castle remain.You can reach the summit by ropeway.Once you reach the summit, you will be greeted by a panoramic view of Lake Biwa and the city of Omi-Hachiman.

Omi-Hachiman developed as a commercial city during the Edo period(1603-1868) based on the castle town built by Toyotomi Hidetsugu.The traditional townscape still retains its old-world charm, offering views of Mt. Hachiman, which stands at an elevation of 270 meters.

Tatsumi-bashi Bridge is a atmospheric spot in the Gion area.The area around this small bridge over the Shira-kawa River is usually crowded with tourists taking commemorative photos.Luckily, it was a cold day, so there were not many people around and I was able to enjoy the atmosphere of Kyoto. After crossing Tatsumi-bashi Bridge, the stone pavement continues on, and this is another place where you can feel the atmosphere of Kyoto.

Ponto-cho is one of the five geisha districts (kagai districts) in Kyoto City. It is a long, narrow street that runs between the Kamo River and the Takase River. In the evening, paper lanterns are lit up, and the stone paving makes for a very atmospheric place.

At dusk, the Sannen-zaka Slope and Ninen-zaka Slope areas in Higashiyama are lit up with lights, creating a charming streetscape. However, in recent years, many tourists have flocked to this area, and the charm has been lost in half.Enter Yasaka-dori Street from Higashi-oji Street to the east. At the end of the narrow road, you can see Yasaka Tower, a popular photo spot.

A walk in the Gokasho Kondo district of Higashiomi, one of the birthplaces of the Omi merchants.Omi merchants of the time would peddle their goods from this area.Their business area was all over the country.The vitality of these merchants was amazing, but even before that, their stamina to travel to distant places was also amazing.

In Fushimi, there is the “Fushimi Jukkoku-Bune Cruise” that takes you around the waterways.The cruise goes from behind the Sake brewery at the Gekkeikan Okura Memorial Museum to Misu lock (Misu-koumon) and back.The same cruise route allows visitors to walk along the waterway.From the Gekkeikan Sake Brewery, pass the Teradaya Ryokan and head south on the Fushimideai-bashi Bridge.

In the evening, the lanterns are lit.The lights of the lanterns add to the charm of Kyoto.In July, the lights of the Gion Festival are lit here and there.If you want to walk around, the best time is in the evening.You can enjoy the charm of Kyoto.

First, we headed for the ruins of Koriyama Castle.Climbing up to the castle tower, we can see Mt. Wakakusa and Todai-ji Temple to the east, Mt.Nijo and Mt.Katsuragi to the west.The stone walls of the castle keep incorporate stone that was diverted for use in the construction, showing the painstaking effort that went into building more stone walls.

In Imai-cho, I took a trip back in time to the Edo period(1603-1868).As it is a preserved area, the style of the Edo period remains intact.Originally, it was a temple town built around Shoninji Temple in the mid-16th century.This settlement is an autonomous city surrounded by moats and walls.

Long ago, the Hashimoto red-light district was located here.Although you may get off at “Iwashimizu-hachimangu Station” one stop further away, it is not often that you get off at this “Hashimoto Station”,The west side of the station is dotted with retro buildings of the old red-light district that remind us of the bygone days.