Sannenzaka Ninenzaka

Kyoto

Sannenzaka Ninenzaka which includes a small town or village and street scenes as well as a large group of people
Sannenzaka Ninenzaka featuring a park
Sannenzaka Ninenzaka which includes street scenes and a city
Sannenzaka Ninenzaka showing a city and street scenes as well as a large group of people
Sannenzaka Ninenzaka which includes markets

Charming craft shops, ceremonious teahouses and tiny cafés spill out from the traditional wooden façades of this historic pair of lanes below Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Experience a pocket of Kyoto’s history in the sloping cobbled streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. Translating to “Two-Year Hill” and “Three-Year Hill,” these two lanes date back to the very beginnings of Kyoto’s imperial history and have been beautifully restored to demonstrate the neighborhood’s former way of life.

Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka are both pedestrianized lanes that lead up from Nene-no-Michi Lane past the Yasaka Pagoda to the famous hilltop Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The charming streets are lined with traditional wooden-façade teahouses, cafés and stores selling locally made crafts and souvenirs.

Take your time exploring the small stores and workshops dotted throughout the lanes. You might see traditional ceramics, special “ohashi” chopsticks, Japanese paper crafts, fabric, candy and garments. Pick up a souvenir or keepsake, such as a handcrafted saké bottle or “hashioki,” small ceramic holders for your chopsticks.

Make sure you stop by one of the traditional teahouses to experience a tea ceremony, complete with a kimono-clad server. If you try “matcha,” or powdered green tea, your server will prepare your tea ritualistically with a tea bowl, spoon and whisk. Often, tea is served with a rice cake with a sweet filling, called “mochi.” Enjoy a quiet moment sipping your tea, watching visitors and locals wandering up and down the lanes. Some visitors try on traditional kimono costumes and pose for photographs.

Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka are open daily for free. Visit in the daytime to check out the shops or in the evening to see beautiful lanterns and warmly lit restaurants. Allow 45 minutes to wander uphill all the way to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Those who prefer an easier walk might opt to begin their visit with a bus ride to Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi. From here, take the 10-minute uphill walk up to the temple before making a descent via Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Kyoto’s most famous Buddhist sites and features several shrines, including a sacred waterfall and a shrine for finding success in love.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Sannenzaka Ninenzaka

JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI

JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI

3 out of 5
44-1 Higashikujo Kamitonodacho, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is P3,344 per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
P3,344
P3,678 total
Jul 28 - Jul 29
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,703 reviews)
"Great hotel! Easy access to Kyoto Station. It has direct access to a seven eleven. It has just 8 washer/dryers. Clean areas and bedroom and bathroom were spacious!"

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI
Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs

Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs

3 out of 5
491 Zaimokucho, Shimogyo, Kyoto, Kyoto
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a sauna. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,259 reviews)
"Wonderful hotel! The rooms were comfortable, and the food was absolutely delicious. Highly recommended!""

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA 

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA 

4 out of 5
44-1, Kamitonodacho, Higashikujo, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is P5,796 per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
P5,796
P6,375 total
Jul 28 - Jul 29
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,072 reviews)
"Great location and cleanliness."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA 
THE BLOSSOM KYOTO

THE BLOSSOM KYOTO

4 out of 5
140-2 Manjujicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,110 reviews)
Outstanding
"Love our stay here! Hotel is very pretty and upscale! Service is outstanding and the food is delicious! Spa is good but its missing a sauna!"

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2025

THE BLOSSOM KYOTO
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo

3 out of 5
391 Shiogamacho Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is P2,850 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
P2,850
P3,136 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and in-room massages. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (815 reviews)
"Good place!"

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2025

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo
Hotel Granvia Kyoto

Hotel Granvia Kyoto

4.5 out of 5
JR Kyoto Station, Karasuma Chuo-guchi, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is P6,117 per night from Jul 18 to Jul 19
P6,117
P7,738 total
Jul 18 - Jul 19
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,558 reviews)
"So nice and practical"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Sannenzaka Ninenzaka