Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka - Kyoto

Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka, Kyoto 京都二年坂と三年坂

One of Kyoto's most beautiful walks is in the hills of the eastern part of the city, or Higashiyama (east mountain). Among the many attractions that can be seen in a day, on foot, in this area are: Kiyomizu Dera, Kodaiji Temple, Nene no Michi, Yasaka Shrine, and Gion. At the top of the list for many tourists is Kiyomizu Dera (temple). It is a stunning structure that affords a panoramic view of Kyoto. After exiting Kiyomizu Temple, a short stroll down the narrow road leading to and from the temple will lead you, after a right turn, to Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. These contiguous streets are filled with quaint shops in Japanese style buildings. Aside from the telephone wires over head, this part of Kyoto is among the very few areas that present a unified wooden cityscape. Wooden building in Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka, Gion, Kyoto The shops offer many traditional items, from incense to fans to woven goods and fabrics. The two sloped stone paths will lead you to Nene no Michi. This wider but equally elegant road has Kodaiji Temple above and to the right, Ichibei no Koji on your left, and Gion farther ahead. For those with energy to spare, it is possible to press on and see Chion-in and then the museum area of Okazaki.