Shijō Street

Shijō Street, the great lively avenue of Kyoto

Shijō-dōri is one of the great arteries of Kyoto, an east-west avenue that serves as the backbone of the city centre. Lively and commercial, it links the major districts of the city. The Kyoto audio-guided tour takes it to connect the shopping centre to the traditional Gion district, passing by the city's great landmarks.

The fourth avenue of the city

The name Shijō literally means fourth avenue, a legacy of the grid plan inherited from Kyoto's founding in the eighth century, modelled on the Chinese capitals. This great east-west avenue is today the city's main shopping area, lined with department stores, shops and restaurants. It links the Kawaramachi shopping centre to Yasaka shrine, to the east.

What to see

Walking along it, you cross the lively shopping heart of Kyoto, between department stores, shop windows and passers-by. The avenue leads on one side to the Kawaramachi district and Nishiki Market, on the other to the traditional Gion district and Yasaka shrine. It is an ideal axis to grasp the contrast between modern Kyoto and historic Kyoto.

Practical information

Shijō Street crosses the centre of Kyoto from east to west, reachable on foot and very well served by metro and bus. It is a shopping avenue, freely accessible and on the level; the shops each have their own hours. Walking remains a good way to link the great districts, even though the avenue is also served by public transport.

What does the name Shijō mean?

It literally means fourth avenue, a legacy of Kyoto's grid plan inherited from its founding in the eighth century.

Where does Shijō Street lead?

On one side to the Kawaramachi shopping district and Nishiki Market, on the other to the traditional Gion district and Yasaka shrine, to the east.