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Old Town & Historic District

Sannen-zaka Slope

📍 Between Kiyomizu-dera and Ninen-zaka, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan
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Quick Facts

Location
Japan, Kyoto
Category
Old Town & Historic District
Duration
1-2 hours
Address
Between Kiyomizu-dera and Ninen-zaka, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Coordinates
34.9970, 135.7810

Introduction

Sannen-zaka — also read Sanneizaka — is the stone slope in Kyoto's Higashiyama ward linking Kiyomizu-dera with Ninen-zaka. Together with Ninen-zaka it forms a national Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, where modern signs and vending machines are restricted, making it one of Kyoto's best-kept old streets. Edo-to-Taisho machiya, sweet shops and pottery stores line the climb, cherry blossom and maples add seasonal colour, the Yasaka pagoda of Hokan-ji rises in view, and the slope runs down to Yasaka Shrine and Gion.

✨ Highlights

1
Stone slope
The traditional pilgrim way up to Kiyomizu-dera.
2
Preservation district
A national district with Ninen-zaka; modern signs restricted.
3
Machiya shops
Sweets, pottery and craft stores along the climb.
4
Yasaka pagoda
Hokan-ji's tower rises into view on the way.
5
Seasonal colour
Cherries in spring, maples in autumn.
6
Toward Gion
Downhill to Yasaka Shrine and Hanamikoji.

🛈 Practical Info

→Location：Between Kiyomizu-dera and Ninen-zaka, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
→Time needed：About 1 hour
→Opening Hours：Open street, day and night

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
Free AdmissionFree to walk

Transportation

Bus

City Bus 206/100 to Gojo-zaka, ~10-min walk; or 207 to Kiyomizu-michi

Note

~20-min walk from Keihan Kiyomizu-Gojo Sta.

💡 Tips

• Early morning and dusk are quietest and best for photos.
• The stone steps are worn and slippery — take care in the rain.
• Walk it with Ninen-zaka, the Yasaka pagoda and Yasaka Shrine, all downhill.
• The preservation district keeps the streetscape intact.
• The 'fall on Sannen and lose three years' saying warns about the steps.
• Traditional shops suit picking up Kyoto sweets and Kiyomizu pottery.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Sannen-zaka Slope?

Open street, day and night

How much is the admission for Sannen-zaka Slope?

Free Admission: Free to walk

Any practical tips for visiting Sannen-zaka Slope?

Early morning and dusk are quietest and best for photos. The stone steps are worn and slippery — take care in the rain.

How long should I spend at Sannen-zaka Slope?

A typical visit takes 1-2 hours.

How do I get to Sannen-zaka Slope?

Bus: City Bus 206/100 to Gojo-zaka, ~10-min walk; or 207 to Kiyomizu-michi