When it comes to night life in Kyoto, one can either shop within the metropolitan area or spend some time socializing in Izakaya (Japanese drinking establishment), holding beer in one hand and skewer in another.
While Izakaya at Gion offer a more luxury setting of spacious seating along with some well-lit blooming sakura outside the window, Pontocho possesses the charm of small intimate eateries in which should you go in a big group of 10, some of the smaller ones would be yours for the night.
Runs parallel to Kamo River between Sanjo and Shijo, Pontocho is famous for their Kawayuka 川床(outdoor riverside dining) during summer hence some of the eateries can come in a hefty price tag. It is advisable to browse through the menu displayed outside before entering.
Then again, Izakaya is an experience not to be missed. Try once and you will understand the reason for it being the usual hang out place for Japanese after a long day of work.
