Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka Slopes

Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka are gently sloping streets lined with souvenir shops that form part of the approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The layered scenery of traditional houses along the winding stone-paved slopes is beautiful, and the area is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Sannenzaka, also known as Sannenzaka, is a steep stone-paved slope of about 100 meters leading from Yasaka toward Kiyomizu-dera. There is a saying that "if you fall on Sannenzaka, you will die within three years," which is believed to be a cautionary warning reminding people to watch their step. Ninenzaka is said to have been named because it lies just before Sannenzaka. On the left side when entering Ninenzaka stands a stone monument inscribed "Yumeji Yugyo-shi," marking the former residence where artist Takehisa Yumeji lived with his partner Hikono. According to the commonly accepted view, the boundary between Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka is marked by stone steps descending north beside Shichimiya Honpo along Kiyomizu-zaka, which form Sannenzaka. From the bottom of the steps near the Hyotanya Ooi Doll Shop, the slope continuing north to Maruyama Park is considered Ninenzaka. Climbing the stone steps from Ninenzaka to Shoho-ji Temple rewards visitors with panoramic views of the Higashiyama foothills and Kyoto city, with Yasaka Pagoda standing prominently in front.