shijo

Shijo, written 四条 in kanji, is a Japanese place-name element most commonly associated with Shijō-dori, a major east–west street in central Kyoto. The name literally means Fourth Street, from shi (four) and jō (street or line). The term appears in other Japanese city streets that follow the same numbering convention, but Kyoto’s Shijō-dori is the best known internationally.

In Kyoto, Shijō-dori runs through the heart of the city’s commercial district, serving as a primary corridor for shopping, dining, and city life. It crosses several major routes and runs near key attractions and districts, including Kawaramachi, Gion, and Nishiki Market. The street is closely associated with urban activity, with a mix of department stores, boutiques, traditional shops, and restaurants lining its length. Public transit access is strong in the area, with proximity to Shijō Station (near Karasuma-dori) and other transit hubs that connect the eastern and western parts of the city.

Historically, Shijō-dori developed as Kyoto’s commercial axis from the Edo period onward, contributing to the city’s status as a center of commerce and culture. Over time, it has evolved with modernization while retaining elements of traditional retail and street life that characterize central Kyoto.

Beyond Kyoto, Shijo can function as a surname or given name in Japan, and is encountered in various place names and historical references that use 四条.