Welcome back, fellow adventurers! Today I am going to talk about my experience at Sannenzaka Path. I went through here twice, once for dinner and sightseeing, and another during the day for souvenir shopping with one of my new friends. We saw a couple of famous places to take pictures in and of.
Ichinenzaka, Ninenzaka, and Sannenzaka Path
This area is comprised of three sloping cobblestone streets that are lined with historic architecture, souvenir shops, temples, a shrine, and restaurants. The streets are called Ichinenzaka (one year hill), Ninenzaka (two year hill), and Sannenzaka (three year hill). It’s said that that they are named for the Japanese word for childbirth combined with Nene, the wife of Hideyoshi Toyotomi (a feudal lord at the time). She would climb the hill to Kiyomizu Temple so she could pray for a safe delivery and a healthy child.
In order to Sannenzaka, you need to walk through at least one of the other streets. I’ll talk a bit about each of them and link a good website I found.
- Ichinenzaka: is 85 meters (approx. 280 feet) long and has a gentler slope. Along this street, you can find restaurants, souvenir shops, and the like. The road is narrow and made up of bricks. On the way here, you can see Yasaka Koshindo, which I will talk about in the future.
- Ninenzaka: is 150 meters (approx. 492 feet). It’s wider and steeper than Ichinenzaka. It has souvenirs and traditional products. One of my group members told me about a wonderful incense shop they frequent located here.
- Sannenzaka: is 100 meters (approx. 330 feet) and is steep. This is where to go if you want to eat out. We went here for a delicious meal at a place on top of the hill. You reach this area by climbing the stairs at the end of Ninenzaka.
The information shared here is from my own experiences and Live Japan. Credit where credit is due.
Accessibility of Sannenzaka Path
Parking
There was no parking here. You will need to take public transport.
According to the linked website above, you can get here by the following:
- From JR Kyoto Station: Near the central exit, take the No. 206 bus from city bus stop D2 to Higashiyama Yasui.
- From Hankyu Kyoto Kawaramachi Station or Keihan Gion-Shijo Station: From Shijo Dori, take the 207 bus eastward to Shimizu.
- On foot: Around 18 minutes from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station or Keihan Gion-Shijo Station.
Bathrooms
I only saw bathrooms in restaurants. We had to purchase in order to use the bathrooms.
My Experience
This was a cool area to explore at night and a busy place to shop during the day. I loved looking at the architecture and exploring the shops.
I’m not going to lie, getting through this one the first time took me out. Almost completely. We walked from the train station and were moving at a faster pace. Even staying at the back of the group was a lot with the inclines. I think I freaked one of the guides out with all of my huffing and puffing. My shortness of breath was pretty bad. One of the guides stayed back with me while I rested and caught my breath. Much appreciated! Linda, if you’re reading this, <3<3<3. We actually beat most of the group to the restaurant somehow…
When I went the second time, with one of my new friends, the trip was more my pace and the crowds kind of helped with that. We were also on our own time and she kept a good pace for me. Here I tried cold, sparkling Matcha (it tastes just like you’re thinking. Wouldn’t order it again, but it was an experience. I also had to use the bathroom…). It was also fun to see the area in broad daylight. We did stop to see Yasaka Koshindo on the way back, where I picked up more amulets.
My rating
If I had to put a rating on this activity, I would say it fall into the hard category. The distance, plus the hills, and the stairs…not great for someone who struggles to breath. It is do able if you’re about to go at your own pace and rest with needed. It is a little steep for wheels, but I did see people using them and other mobility devices. If you have someone to help or can control them yourself, go for it.
Unfortunately, Cardybear did not come on the Japan adventures. I wanted to bring him, but he takes up my whole backpack. He was definitely there in spirit though.
Be safe out there and remember your passport! Seeyalaterbye <3
Also, if you feel called to help a sista out with her travels, check this out!
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