Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka in Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

The 150-meter-long Ninenzaka and the 100-meter-long Sannenzaka are two alleys in the Higashiyama district in Kyoto. They are the perfect places to experience the look and feel of the city from ancient times. The old cobblestone streets are lined with traditional Japanese wooden houses, souvenir shops, and restaurants. There are a total of 60 restaurants and shops. Many tourists come here to enjoy the nostalgic scenery, especially in the evening when gas lamps illuminate the alleys in a warm light. Follow these two streets and they will bring you the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Kodai-ji Temple, and Yasaka Shrine (Yasaka-jinja). Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka can be translated to a slope of three years and a slope of two years. A legend says that when you fall down on those alleys you will die in 3 or 2 years. My tip: Come here in the early morning hours to enjoy the scenery without the crowds. To make the experience complete many stores there offer the possibility to rent a kimono or yukata. Strolling through this part of Kyoto and wearing traditional fashion is an unforgettable experience.

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• Shops and restaurants along Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka Alleys:
• Opening Hours - 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

My tips for local activities

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History

The word Sannen-zaka consists of "San", which means birth, and "Nen" is named after the wife of the famous daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537 - 1598). She was known as Nene or Nene Kita no Mandokoro (1546 - 1624). Nene lived for the last 19 years of her life in the nearby Kodai-ji Temple and she used this alley on her way to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. There she prayed for the safe birth of a healthy child. The famous Japanese poet and painter Yumeji Takehisa (1884 - 1934) lived in the neighborhood of Ninenzaka from 1917 for two years. The area around Ninenzaka was recognised in 1976 as an - Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, because of its ancient atmosphere and elegance. The Kyoto government undertakes huge efforts to preserve this unique scenery. This means power poles and wires are hidden and motor vehicles are not allowed here. No wonder that parts of the movie Memoirs of a Geisha were filmed here.

Sightseeing spots along Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka Alleys

Top:

Yasaka Pagoda - The oldest pagoda in Kyoto is with a height of 46m a landmark sign of the Higashiyama district. It is also the 3rd tallest wooden structure in the city. Read more >

Stone monument of Yumeji Takehisa - The well-known poet and painter lived in the neighborhood of Ninenzaka for two years.

Niimi - It is a fragrance specialty store with unique high-quality products.

Ryozen Museum of History - The museum was also known under the name Bakumatsu Ishin and it shows items related to the history of the Bakumatsu period (1853 - 1867, end of shogunate) and the Meiji Restoration.

Nineizaka Yasaka Chayaten - Hidden in a renovated old Japanese house with a history of over 100 years you will find a Starbucks inside. The exterior design of the store fits perfectly with the surrounding houses.

Yudofu Okutan Kiyomizu - This yudofu restaurant is the oldest in Kyoto and dates back to 1635 (Edo period). The traditional tofu cuisine there is simply amazing and the property includes a beautiful 1000 square meters Japanese garden. To be able to get a seat there you should make a reservation in advance.

Kiyomizu Sannen-zaka Museum - If you are into traditional crafts like calligraphy, painting, and carving from the Edo (1603 - 1868) and Meiji (1868 - 1912) periods then this is the place to be.

Nearby:

Kiyomizu-dera - Kiyomizu-dera or "Pure Water Temple" is one of the most famous and popular Buddhist temples in Japan. Kiyomizu-dera was founded in 778. The main hall with its wooden stage hovering 13 meters above ground is a masterpiece of Japanese temple architecture and a tourist hotspot. Read more >

Kodai-ji Temple - Kodai-ji Temple is one of the greatest Zen temples in Kyoto. It was established in 1606 to pay tribute to Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537 - 1598), the warlord of the Sengoku era (1467 - 1568). Read more >

Kennin-ji Temple - It is the oldest Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto and belongs to the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, one of the three Zen branches in Japan (Rinzai, Soto, and Obaku). The temple is part of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto (Kyoto Gozan). Read more >

Ishibei-koji Alley - This is without doubt one of the most beautiful walkways in Kyoto. It feels like you jumped back 300 years in time. Read more >

Festival & Events in Kyoto (dates can change without notice)

March

Illumination event at Kodai-ji (6th March - 6th of May)
Kodai-ji temple is open till 9:30 pm during that period. It is enough time to enjoy the illumination after sunset.

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31th)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from the Imperial Palace through the Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamigamo Shrine. More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri as the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

June

Aoba Matsuri (Green Leaf Festival) at Chishaku-in (15th)
The festival is an ancient ritual of followers of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, which is called Yamabushi. They participate in a series of ceremonies like celebrating the birth of founder Kobo-Daishi (744 - 835).

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month of July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which lasts around 2 hours.