Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka Slopes

There’s a famous local superstition here: if you fall on Sannenzaka, you'll have three years of bad luck. But honestly, the only danger I felt was that I might never want to leave. This isn't just a street; it's the most atmospheric walk in all of Kyoto. The moment you step onto its gently sloping, stone-paved path, with the view of the beautiful five-story Yasaka Pagoda ahead, you're transported back in time. As you walk past the beautifully preserved wooden houses—now home to tiny pottery shops, sweet stores selling delicate yatsuhashi, and spice merchants like the famous Shichimiya Honpo—the modern world just melts away. I took my time, pausing to look at hand-painted ceramics and to sample a warm, sweet dango rice dumpling. For a truly special break, I popped into the world's most beautiful Starbucks, housed in a 100-year-old traditional townhouse on the connected Ninenzaka lane. My top tip? Come early. By mid-morning, this place is packed with visitors. I arrived just after sunrise, and for a magical hour, I had the lantern-lit street and the sounds of the waking city almost to myself. It’s the perfect, most serene way to begin the walk up to the stunning Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which waits at the top of the hill. Sannenzaka isn't just a route to a temple; it is the heart of the Higashiyama district and the very soul of Kyoto. The blend of history, craftsmanship, and quiet beauty in every step made it the highlight of my trip. Wear good shoes, take your time, and let yourself get wonderfully lost in its charm.

Sannenzaka is one of those places that instantly feels magical. The preserved wooden streets, warm lantern lights, and quiet shops create this perfect old-Kyoto atmosphere. When we visited in the evening, the crowds had thinned out, and it felt calm, intimate, and unbelievably beautiful — like stepping back in time. It’s an easy walk from Kodaiji Temple, and honestly, strolling through Sannenzaka after the temple visit became one of the highlights of the day. If you want to experience Kyoto at its most charming, go in the evening when everything slows down. Absolutely worth it.

Busy! Come early morning to enjoy the traditional Japanese culture and landscape planning. Truly a gem of Japanese styled buildings, the hiking of this path is full of excitement, shops, restaurants and many snacks and treats. And many things to look for. There are lots of tourists so be mindful that you may be in a crowded zone so be extra careful with your steps, the stone structure can be slippery especially during rainy season. Otherwise if is sunny day it’s perfect to go all the way to the top. You won’t be disappointed with the temple and just truly a sight. Get some yummy food and enjoy! Come solo group is better than bus tour so you are not time limit to only check out certain things, it truly a place that deserves you go deeper!

Walking along Sannenzaka 産寧坂 was a fantastic experience, especially with the beautiful view of traditional Kyoto streets leading toward the temple. The gentle slope, old wooden houses, and small shops create a charming atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. As you walk upward, the sight of the temple coming into view feels very special and almost cinematic. The path is beautifully preserved, and every corner looks like a scene from a historical movie. The combination of stone steps, lanterns, and traditional architecture gives a wonderful sense of Kyoto’s old town spirit. Even with visitors around, the atmosphere remains calm and enjoyable, and you can really take your time to appreciate each moment. Seeing the temple from Sannenzaka makes the approach feel meaningful, like a short journey through history before arriving at a sacred place. It’s a memorable walk and one of the most charming experiences in Kyoto. 🌿✨