Pontocho is one long long narrow street full of restaurants, bars, and teahouses. It was constructed in 1670 as Shin Kawaramachi, just between the Kamo and Takase rivers. Because of being associated with the rivers, the area has always been a haven for the merchant boatmen and international travelers. It seems that the name of Pontocho comes from Portuguese “point” or “bridge”, but some say it resembles the beat of a drum. Pontocho is famous for its summer outside dining on high terraces, constructed every year on the Kamo canal. Pontocho geiko and maiko study the Onoe school of dance (Wakayagi-ryu in the past) and host Kamogawa Odori every May and Suimeikai every October. There are 22 teahouses. Pontocho has its own unique traditions of the kimono, kanzashi, and hairstyle fashion, not observed anywhere else. It used to be considered as the most modern hanamachi in Kyoto.