Kyoto Japan | Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka Walking TourThe quaint, stone-paved roads and wooden merchant-houses of Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka epitomize old Kyoto's Higashiyama Bunka, or "Culture of the Eastern Mountain," for the proximity to the picturesque Higashiyama mountains. The Ninenzaka district, like Gion to the west, is an architecturally protected 'preservation area,' with many historic structures, such as the historic house of painter Yumeji Takehisa (1884 to 1934). 
Beginning of Ninenzaka at the Ryozen Kannon (left) Ninen-zaka starts at the Ryozen Kannon memorial, and connects with Sannen-zaka further up the hill. The 'Sannenzaka Slope' is known as a favorite route for pilgrims who are journeying to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. 
Making Wagashi sweets (left), Ryozen Kannon gate (right) The area is also known as "Nene-no-saka" after Kita-no-Mandokoro, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who walked this route to visit the Kodaiji Temple. The narrow winding streets of Nene-no-saka are predominantly for foot traffic, and the streets are lined with arts-and-crafts shops, cafes, and food concession stalls. 
Steps that connect Sannen-zaka with Kiyomizuzaka Along the narrow lanes of the Sannenzaka Slope, there are many shops that sell an indigenous 'Kyo-yaki-style' ceramic pottery from this area, called 'kiyomizu-yaki,' which is commonly used for the Chado tea ceremony. Sightseeing Along Ninenzaka As with most sights in Kyoto, the best time to stroll through the area is in the early morning, as the throngs of locals and tourists can be intense. 
Lower Ninenzaka near the Kiyomizu Sannenzaka Crafts Museum The Kiyomizu Sannenzaka Crafts Museum has an interesting collection of rare Kyoto Satsuma earthenware, and Jiki Shippo - a Japanese form of ceramic cloisonné from the late Edo and Meiji period. 
Sakura lined path to the Jishu Shrine 
Upper Sannen-zaka Slope near the Kiyomizu-dera Temple Higashiyama Path Walking TourThe so-called "Higashiyama Path" or "Higashiyama Walk" (Simogawara-cho) is a several-mile long walking street that connects the 'Path of Philosophy and Yasaka Shrine to the Ryozen Kannon memorial and Ninenzaka. 
Higashiyama Path (Nene Street) near Kodaiji Temple and Entokuin Shrine The section of Higashiyama Path located at Kodaiji Temple is also called Nene Street, for Toyotomi Nene who founded the temple in 1598. Sightseeing Along the Higashiyama Path Taken together, the Higashiyama Path, Ninenzaka, and Sannen-zaka create an unbroken walking tour along most of the Higashiyama 'Eastern Mountains' foothills. 
Higashiyama Path near the Kodaiji Temple 
Chion-in Temple (left), Higashiyama Map (right) |
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