Sannenzaka NinenzakaKyoto

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Visit Sannenzaka Ninenzaka

Kyoto Travel Guide

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.

Top hotels in Sannenzaka Ninenzaka

Estimated price for 1 night / 2 adults
Park Hyatt Kyoto
Park Hyatt Kyoto
4.5 out of 5
360 Kodaiji Masuyacho, Higashiyama, Kyoto
P33,994
per night
6 Jan - 7 Jan

Located in Sannenzaka Ninenzaka, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Hokanji Temple and Kodaiji Temple. Kiyomizu Temple and Gion Corner are also within ...…

Park Hyatt Kyoto
RC HOTEL KYOTO YASAKA
RC HOTEL KYOTO YASAKA
2.5 out of 5
P6,990
per night
9 Dec - 10 Dec

Located in Sannenzaka Ninenzaka, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Kodaiji Temple, Kiyomizu Temple and Yasaka Shrine. Gion Corner and Kawaramachi are ...…

4.7/5Exceptional! (26 reviews)
Excellent

"Great reception who took our bags as we had arrived before check in, offered us cold water to rest before heading out. Very good English spoken by staff. Handy phone in room can make free international calls and ability to hire WiFi for travel. Free WiFi in room and the shower and amenities very ..."…"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2019

RC HOTEL KYOTO YASAKA
MINSYUKU KIYOMIZUSANSO
MINSYUKU KIYOMIZUSANSO
2.5 out of 5
P4,210
per night
9 Dec - 10 Dec

Located in Sannenzaka Ninenzaka, this ryokan is within a 10-minute walk of Hokanji Temple, Kiyomizu Temple and Yasaka Shrine. Chion-in Temple and Kiyamachi Street ...…

4.8/5Exceptional! (45 reviews)

"Very friendly owner, says she doesn't have the best english but she was very easy to understand and helpful to us."…"

Reviewed on Nov 19, 2019

MINSYUKU KIYOMIZUSANSO
Kamuro-an
Kamuro-an
3 out of 5
P8,887
per night
5 Jan - 6 Jan

Located in Sannenzaka Ninenzaka, this ryokan is within a 15-minute walk of Kiyomizu Temple, Gion Corner and Sanjusangendo Temple. Kawaramachi and Nishiki Market ...…

4.9/5Exceptional! (33 reviews)

"A must stay if you're ever at Kyoto! I wouldn't want to stay at any other place if I could. Everything was perfect. The host is extremely helpful and kind. Will definitely recommend to others."…"

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2019

Kamuro-an
TERRACE KIYOMIZU KYOTO
TERRACE KIYOMIZU KYOTO
3 out of 5
P3,054
per night
12 Dec - 13 Dec

Located in Sannenzaka Ninenzaka, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto National Museum and Sanjusangendo Temple. Yasaka Shrine and ...…

4.7/5Exceptional! (45 reviews)

"Friendly staff and a nice location. Would be nice if they offered more services such as shuttle pick up from train station."…"

Reviewed on Nov 18, 2019

TERRACE KIYOMIZU KYOTO
Kyoto kiyomizu machiya 'NAGOMI'
Kyoto kiyomizu machiya 'NAGOMI'
3 out of 5
P6,293
per night
12 Dec - 13 Dec

Located in Sannenzaka Ninenzaka, this ryokan is within a 15-minute walk of Kodaiji Temple, Kiyomizu Temple and Gion Corner. Sanjusangendo Temple and Yasaka Shrine ...…

4.4/5Excellent! (34 reviews)

"Staying at NAGOMI was one of the many highlights of our trip to Japan. If you want to stay somewhere a little more traditional and in a quiet and quaint area then this is the spot. Not far from most of the tourist attractions in Kyoto. There’s a bus stop just down the road providing easy travel to ..."…"

Reviewed on Nov 15, 2019

Kyoto kiyomizu machiya 'NAGOMI'
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Popular things to do in Sannenzaka Ninenzaka

Kiyomizu Temple
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Photo provided by JNTO

Kiyomizu Temple

Constructed entirely without nails and built on high poles, this temple is part of a World Heritage Site and offers visitors both beauty and history.

Nijō Castle
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Nijō Castle

Visit the world of a wealthy and powerful shogun in this opulent 17th-century castle complex.

Kyoto Tower
Image for Kyoto Tower
Photo provided by City of Kyoto and Kyoto Tourism Council

Kyoto Tower

In a city known for its temples and other ancient relics, this observation point catches the eye as an example of 20th-century innovation.

Fushimi Inari Shrine
Image for Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Shrine

This shrine at the base of Inari Mountain is dedicated to the goddess of rice and prosperity. See its thousands of red gates around a network of beautiful trails.

Toji Temple
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Toji Temple

The To-ji Temple is one of the preeminent traditional sites in Kyoto, with exquisite structures, a flea market and the tallest pagoda in the country.

Heian Shrine
Image for Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine

An important shrine for patriotic locals and curious tourists alike, this site has charming buildings and natural gardens that celebrate Kyoto’s fusion of past and present.

Top activities in Sannenzaka Ninenzaka

Kyoto Zuikougama Electric potter's wheel Standard plan
Image for Kyoto Zuikougama Electric potter's wheel Standard plan

Kyoto Zuikougama Electric potter's wheel Standard plan

P1,714

Outline Try pottery! Come in contact with Kyoto's tradition. This is the most popular plan where you can make your original cup or bowl, by using an electric potter's wheel in 40 to 60 minutes. The performance by the craftsmen is also really recommended.

Kyoto Zuikougama Light plan Make your own cup
Image for Kyoto Zuikougama Light plan Make your own cup

Kyoto Zuikougama Light plan Make your own cup

P1,177

Outline Make you own and only cup in the whole world! Besides going to Kiyomizu in Kyoto, Let's also go the other traditional culture of Kyoto. Using an electric potters wheel, you can make your own original cup.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple Highlights with National Licensed Guide
Image for Kiyomizu-dera Temple Highlights with National Licensed Guide

Kiyomizu-dera Temple Highlights with National Licensed Guide

P698

With a National Licensed and Experienced English speaking guide, this short trip is a fantastic and great value way of experiencing Kiyomizu-dera Temple! We are here to help you discover new things, places and experiences in Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Kyoto Perfect Tour: 1day bus tour
Image for Kyoto Perfect Tour: 1day bus tour

Kyoto Perfect Tour: 1day bus tour

P6,511

Discover the 3 World Heritage listed sites (Kiyomizu temple, Tenrryuji temple and Kinkakuji Temple) in Kyoto. Besides, we will visit 2 popular spots: Fushimi Inari Shrine and bamboo forest in Sagano. Please be intoxicated magnificent Japanese historical places.

Kyoto & Nara 1-Day Tour
Image for Kyoto & Nara 1-Day Tour

Kyoto & Nara 1-Day Tour

P7,255

Explore the must-see sights of history-rich Kyoto, including the spectacular Nijo Castle, eminent Kinkaku-ji, and grand Kyoto Imperial Palace. In the afternoon, embark for Nara, home of pacific Nara Park and the famous temple of Todai-ji.

Private Tour: Kyoto Photoshoot and Sightseeing with Photographer Guide
Image for Private Tour: Kyoto Photoshoot and Sightseeing with Photographer Guide

Private Tour: Kyoto Photoshoot and Sightseeing with Photographer Guide

P2,783

This 4 hour tour will start at Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka streets, then to Tahouzan Jippoji, then to Omani Honbyou and finally to Kiyomizu Temple. You will first meet your guide/photographer at Ninen-zaka street and the tour will conclude at the Kiyomizu Temple.

See all activities in Sannenzaka Ninenzaka

Other neighborhoods in Kyoto

Gion
Gion which includes cycling, night scenes and street scenes

Gion

Known for temple, culture, flower

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Experience a traditional tea ceremony or a night of cultural entertainment within the historic wooden teahouses of this well-preserved Kyoto district.