Kyoto City will conduct a pilot project from November 1 to November 23, 2026, involving the installation of temporary stairs to connect Ponto-cho—a historic entertainment district in Nakagyo Ward frequented by tourists—with the banks of the Kamo River. Carried out in collaboration with Kyoto Prefecture, which manages the Kamo River, the initiative aims to evaluate the potential impact of a permanent connection—a project currently targeted for the 2028 fiscal year. The city will analyze changes in pedestrian flow and traffic volume in the surrounding area to inform future development plans. As part of the experiment, a relaxation space will be set up in Ponto-cho Park, where the temporary stairs will be installed, and an event featuring food and beverage stalls will also be held.
The plan to connect Pontocho and the Kamo River via a new passageway aims to secure emergency routes for use during disasters—such as floods or fires—and to revitalize the area by encouraging movement between the city and its visitors. Both the prefecture and the city are currently developing a basic plan; detailed design work is scheduled for the 2027 fiscal year, with completion targeted for the 2028 fiscal year.
Pontocho Park, managed by Kyoto City, is located roughly halfway between Sanjo-dori and Shijo-dori streets, with its western side bordering Pontocho-dori. As part of a pilot project, a temporary staircase—constructed from scaffolding materials—will be installed on the eastern side of the park, facing the Kamo River. This will allow pedestrians to cross the Misosogi-gawa, a tributary of the Kamo River that flows between the park and the riverbank. Additionally, the park will be enhanced as a space for relaxation through the installation of artificial turf, chairs, and tables.
The temporary staircase will be open to the public from November 1 to 23, between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The initiative seeks to determine the optimal location and configuration for the proposed permanent connection, as well as the best layout for park facilities, while also assessing potential issues such as overcrowding or littering.
On November 13 and 14 (with November 15 reserved in case of rain), four food and beverage stalls will be set up within the park. During these two days, the stalls will operate from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and the temporary staircase will also remain open until 9:00 p.m., allowing for an analysis of pedestrian flow during the evening hours.
Kyoto City’s Urban Regeneration and Creation Promotion Office stated, "We intend to evaluate how effective this connection is in terms of enhancing access to the waterfront and improving disaster resilience, while also gauging the local community's response."
