The 1957 classic 'Sayonara' with Marlon Brandon was filmed by the Shirakawa Stream adjacent to Shirakawa Cottage, allowing for a great view of the area in the 1950's.
Shirakawa Cottage is a traditional Japanese Machiya (Townhouse) in an absolutely superb location. Located in a little hideaway in a deep alleyway off the Shirakawa Stream, one of the loveliest areas in Kyoto, it, in fact, ensures that the house is completely quiet yet allowing immediate access to the middle of Kyoto’s historical Higashiyama (Eastern Mountains) district.
The traditional Geisha district of Gion is just a 4 minutes walk along the edge of the Shirakawa Stream. Easy to reach is also the upmarket restaurant area of Pontocho, along the banks of the Kamogawa River. This entire area is flat and easy to walk and, as with all Kyoto, is quiet and perfectly safe. Fifteen minutes walk east are the Higashiyama Mountains offering a superb range of hiking options.