Sannenzaka Ninenzaka Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Sannenzaka Ninenzaka featuring 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 a city and street scenes
Sannenzaka Ninenzaka which includes a city and street scenes as well as a large group of people
Sannenzaka Ninenzaka showing 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 neighbourhood’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

Activities


Our pick of the best Sannenzaka Ninenzaka Hotel Deals

The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu

The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu

4.5 out of 5
2-204-2 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is NZ$1,757 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
NZ$1,757
28 Sept - 29 Sept
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Yasaka Shrine and Pontocho Alley are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (128 reviews)
"This property is very well maintained. At the same time that it provides you a high level comfort and service, it is boutique hotel with personal attention . Great staff , great location in Gion Kyoto"

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025

The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu
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! (3,509 reviews)
"The onsen was great. Staff excellent. Loved the overall experience"

Reviewed on 25 Sept 2025

Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Gojo-sagaru, Horikawa-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$199 per night from 30 Sept to 1 Oct
NZ$199
30 Sept - 1 Oct
Stay at this hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,026 reviews)
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Reviewed on 25 Sept 2025

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo

The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo

4 out of 5
74 Nakajimacho,Kawaramachi Higashi-iru, Sanjo-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is NZ$444 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
NZ$444
26 Oct - 27 Oct
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,295 reviews)
"Close to everything"

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2025

The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
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 NZ$269 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
NZ$269
28 Sept - 29 Sept
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! (1,719 reviews)
"The view of the surrounding area was terrific. Many awesome attractions were within walking distance. The amenities were great!"

Reviewed on 25 Sept 2025

Hotel Granvia Kyoto
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! (2,286 reviews)
"Kyoto blossom hotel stay was great. No complaints."

Reviewed on 25 Sept 2025

THE BLOSSOM 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.

Other neighbourhoods around Sannenzaka Ninenzaka

Shoren-in Temple which includes a temple or place of worship and signage

Higashiyama Ward

5/5(9 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Three-Year Slope and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Higashiyama Ward. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Higashiyama Station or Sanjo Keihan Station.

Higashiyama Ward
Kenninji Temple which includes a temple or place of worship, autumn leaves and interior views

Komatsucho

5/5(9 area reviews)

While visiting Komatsucho, you might make a stop by sights like Kenninji Temple and Hanamikoji Street.

Komatsucho
Gion featuring night scenes, cycling and street scenes

Gion

5/5(58 area reviews)

Unique features of Gion include the monuments and shopping. Make a stop by Yasaka Shrine or Hanamikoji Street while you're exploring the area.

Gion
Eikando Temple showing a garden, religious aspects and a temple or place of worship

Okazaki

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Gardens and mountain views are highlights of Okazaki. Make a stop by Kyoto Municipal Zoo or Murin-an while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Keage Station to get around town.

Okazaki
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Karasuma

Karasuma is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Nishiki Market and Museum of Kyoto, and you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.

Karasuma
Kyoto showing mountains and a river or creek

Downtown Kyoto

While you're in Downtown Kyoto, take in top sights like Kyoto International Manga Museum or Museum of Kyoto, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Karasuma Oike Station or Marutamachi Station.

Downtown Kyoto


Sannenzaka Ninenzaka Travel Guide

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