Ponto-cho, one of the most outstanding and proserous g-- quarters of Kyoto, used to be a sandbar in the Kamo-river. However in 1670 after reinforcement of the river bank was completed houses were constructed along the embankment. Sometime later the area which is 600 meters long and 50 meters wide became known as Ponto-cho. Then after lots of inns or tea houses served by hostesses were allowed to be put in this street in 1712, the area became a prosperous gay quarter. The exact origin of the word "Ponto-cho" is unknown, however it is believed to have come from the English word "point" or the Portuguse word "pont" as the area developed was on the west side of the river at the point of the sandbar. "Kamogawa-odori" the traditional Geisha dance which is held at Ponto-cho theater every spring and autumn is considered a very popular annual event of Kyoto and attracts not only citizen of Kyoto but also numerous tourists for every performance. The Resident's Association of Ponto-cho.

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