Pontocho is one of two areas for geisha nightlife in Kyoto, the other being Gion. Pontocho began as a sandbar in 1670 and grew as an entertainment district and later became known as a gay district. The streets are lined with ochaya, low wooden teahouses where geisha entertain their clients. Many of these teahouses or bars are exclusive and exorbitantly expensive, so it is best to pick ones with prices or menus displayed in the window.

Geishas are professional female entertainers who are knowledgeable in traditional arts, verbal repartee, and keeping secrets. The profession dates back to the 17th century and is incredibly competitive with only three in ten make it past maiko (apprentice) to geiko (arts girls). Geishas are meant to be the epitome of womanhood, a living work of art that was shunned in Confucian virtuous life. Being a traditional geisha is an incredibly upscale profession, not to be confused with onsen geishas who offer more sexual than classical arts.