HANAMACHI-MICHI · KYOTO PHOTO WALK

Where This Photograph Was Taken

Five frames, five streets. Every photograph on this page was made on a public street, from a spot anyone may stand in — what makes the difference is knowing when to be there, and waiting.

KAMO RIVER SHIJŌ-DŌRI Hanamikoji Yasaka Shrine N 1 2 3 4 5 Gion Kobu Shirakawa Miyagawa-cho Pontocho Kamishichiken
1
PHOTOGRAPH
TO COME

Hanamikoji at Dusk

GION KOBU · PUBLIC STREET

"I stand where the stone lane narrows and wait for the lanterns. The street empties for a breath — then someone crosses, and the picture is made."

2
PHOTOGRAPH
TO COME

Shirakawa Lane

GION · PUBLIC STREET ALONG THE CANAL

"Willows, water, and the back of a figure crossing the small bridge. I never hurry here; the lane rewards whoever slows down."

3
PHOTOGRAPH
TO COME

The Miyagawa-cho Lane

MIYAGAWA-CHO · PUBLIC STREET

"Machiya facades the whole length of the street, and almost no one around at dusk. One person, far off, is enough."

4
PHOTOGRAPH
TO COME

Pontocho Alley

PONTOCHO · PUBLIC ALLEY BY THE RIVER

"Barely wide enough for two people. The light falls in ribbons between the signs, and everything here happens at walking pace."

5
PHOTOGRAPH
TO COME

Kamishichiken Street

KAMISHICHIKEN · PUBLIC STREET

"The quietest street of the five, in daytime. Most visitors never come up here — which is exactly why the photographs breathe."

A note on places. These pins mark streets, not doorways. The small lanes branching off them are private — residents' and teahouses' own roads — and are never shown or entered here. A photograph belongs to the street it was waited for on, and no further.