Imadegawa Street

Street in Kyoto city, Japan

Imadegawa Street (今出川通いまでがわどおり Imadegawa Dōri^[1]) is a major street that crosses the city of Kyoto from east to west, running approximately 7 km from the gate of the Ginkaku-ji (east end) to the vicinity of the railway crossing west of the Tōjiin Ritsumeikan University Station (west end).^[1]

History

Present day Imadegawa Street corresponds to the Kitakōji Street of the middle ages.^[2] The name of the street originates from the now non-existent Imadegawa River that used to run on the north side of the street until 1917.^[2]

Current status

Imadegawa Street is now located between Itsutsuji Street to the north and Motoseiganji Street to the south, and is considered narrow for a major road.^[1] The street passes on the north side of the Kyoto Imperial Palace and for this reason, the northern gate of the garden receives the name of Imadegawa Gomon.^[1] Several universities are located along the street and for this reason its east section is considered a student district.^[1]