Sannenzaka Ninenzaka Travel Guide

Kyoto

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


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 ₹4,319 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
₹4,319
₹4,834 total
18 Aug - 19 Aug
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,732 reviews)
"I like it excellent very clean"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 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
The price is ₹7,557 per night from 25 Jul to 26 Jul
₹7,557
₹8,468 total
25 Jul - 26 Jul
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a sauna. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,290 reviews)
"The room I got is the largest room which has sufficient space for 3 people. The onsen is very clean and has different types of spring water. My family enjoyed the stay in this hotel. The only thing I am not a fan of is the no shoe policy in the hotel because we still have luggage rolling around."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 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 ₹7,398 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
₹7,398
₹8,289 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,084 reviews)
"Great hotel, good location"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA 
THE BLOSSOM KYOTO

THE BLOSSOM KYOTO

4 out of 5
140-2 Manjujicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto
The price is ₹6,532 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹6,532
₹7,185 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,145 reviews)
"Great hotel. Attractive, good food, onsen baths."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 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 ₹3,870 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹3,870
₹4,257 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and in-room massages. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (820 reviews)
"Good place!"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 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 ₹7,722 per night from 25 Jul to 26 Jul
₹7,722
₹9,903 total
25 Jul - 26 Jul
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,579 reviews)
"A beautiful room at a reasonable price. Proximity to both the local subway lines and the JR line (bullet train) makes this hotel the perfect place to stay. There are a multitude of restaurants available too! Even convenience stores in the train station! I highly recommend this hotel."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 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.

Other neighbourhoods around Sannenzaka Ninenzaka

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

Higashiyama Ward

5/5(2 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Kiyomizu Temple 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 featuring interior views, a temple or place of worship and religious elements

Komatsucho

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

Komatsucho
Gion showing cycling, night scenes and street scenes

Gion

5/5(46 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 featuring religious aspects, a garden and a temple or place of worship

Okazaki

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 Rokakkudo Temple, and you can get around town on the metro at Karasuma Oike Station.

Karasuma
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Higashikujo Nishisannocho

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Higashikujo Nishisannocho and surrounding area, you can visit Kiyomizu Temple and Kyoto Station Building.

Higashikujo Nishisannocho

Sannenzaka Ninenzaka Travel Guide