“Fourth Avenue of Heian-kyō” that is the literal translation of Shijō Street. Now you are standing at Shijō. It runs through the commercial heart of Kyoto.
Shijō Street, or Shijō-dōri as it is known locally, stretches from east to west. Its history is long. It corresponds to the Shijō Ōji Avenue of the ancient Heian-kyō capital.
In 1911 Shijō Street was widened. It then developed into a vital traffic artery. Many artists lived here. The Shijō school of art got its name from this street.
The eastern end of Shijō is marked by Yasaka Shrine. Matsunoo Shrine is at the western end. The area from the east end to Karasuma Street buzzes with pedestrians. Traffic is constant here.
Gion’s courtesan district borders the east end. The historic Hanami Lane branches off to the south. There you can find the famous Ichiriki Chaya.
Shijō Bridge crosses the Kamo River. From there to Karasuma Street covered sidewalks line the way. Daimaru and Marui department stores dot the landscape. Shijō Kawaramachi is at the intersection with Kawaramachi Street. It is a busy shopping hub.
Kyoto has banned smoking on Shijō. This ban covers the busy stretch from Yasaka Shrine to Karasuma Street. It also includes the surrounding areas.
During the Gion Matsuri in July, Shijō transforms. The Naginata-hoko and other festival floats are built on this very street. Shijō is also part of the Yamaboko Junkō parade route.
Beneath Shijō run the tracks of the Hankyu Kyoto Line. Stations like Kawaramachi and Karasuma serve commuters. Other railway lines intersect Shijō. These include the Keihan Main Line and the Karasuma Line subway.
From 1912 to 1972, the Shijō Line of Kyoto City Tram operated here. The tram ran between Gion and Shijō Ōmiya. A trolleybus line extended the tram westward. It went from Shijō Ōmiya to Matsuobashi.
Today Shijō remains a vital part of Kyoto. It blends history with modern commerce. It is a place where tradition and progress meet. Shijō continues to evolve. It remains a vibrant hub in Kyoto.
So, as you stand here at Shijō, remember its past. Picture the artists. Hear the festival music. Feel the energy of this iconic Kyoto street.