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Sanneizaka
Kyoto Prefecture · Japan
It is part of the approach to Kiyomizu Temple and is said to have been used by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's wife Kita no Mandokoro. Along with Ninen-zaka, it is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in Kyoto City. The winding stone pavement and stone steps are lined with old-fashioned buildings on both sides, and it is one of the focal points for sightseeing at Kiyomizu.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to Sanneizaka, or more commonly known as Sannenzaka, one of the most iconic and atmospheric streets in all of Japan. Located in the heart of Kyoto's Higashiyama District, this stone-paved pedestrian slope is the…
Listen in the app2The Legend of the Three-Year Slope
As you begin to climb the steps of Sannenzaka, you should be aware of a local legend that has been passed down for centuries. According to the folklore mentioned in the transcripts, if you happen to stumble or fall while walking…
Listen in the app3Ninenzaka and the Tatami Starbucks
Just below Sannenzaka lies its sister street, Ninenzaka, or the 'Two-Year Slope.' This area was primarily developed in the year eight-hundred and seven, during the early Heian period—roughly the same time Charlemagne was crowned…
Listen in the app4The Ichibe — Kyoto's Secret Narrow Passage
While the main slopes are famous, the transcripts recommend seeking out a hidden gem known as the Ichibe. This is described as one of the narrowest streets in Kyoto, a 'secret passage' that feels like it belongs in a grand castle…
Listen in the app5Matcha House and the Art of Tiramisu
No visit to Sannenzaka would be complete without indulging in the local green tea culture. The sources highly recommend a stop at 'Matcha Khan,' or Matcha House, a cafe that has gained viral fame for its unique fusion of Japanese…
Listen in the app6Crafts and Curiosities — The Artisan's Path
As you reach the upper sections of Sannenzaka, the concentration of craft shops becomes even denser. This is the place to find 'Kyoto-style' goods, from delicate Kiyomizu-yaki ceramics to hand-painted fans and intricate incense…
Listen in the app7The Path to Kiyomizu-dera — Ending the Ascent
Our walk up Sanneizaka concludes as the slope levels off and meets Matsubara-dori, the main approach to Kiyomizu-dera temple. Looking up, you will see the towering red Niomon Gate and the three-storied pagoda that marks the…
Listen in the app8Closing
As we conclude our audio guide to Sanneizaka, take a moment to reflect on the unique character of this historic slope. It is a place that manages to be many things at once: a site of ancient legend, a hub of traditional…
Listen in the app
What is Sanneizaka?
Sanneizaka is a place in Kyoto Prefecture · Japan with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Kyoto Prefecture · Japan |
|---|---|
| Type | Activity |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 34.9963, 135.7808 |
| Last updated |
Nearby places
within a 5-minute walk
Sannenzaka NinenzakaActivity8 sectionsHokan-ji TempleActivity12 sections
Higashiyama Ward OfficeContent1 sectionsRestored Historic Townhouse (Workshop)Activity4 sections
Kiyomizu-deraActivity4 sections
Kōdai-ji TempleHeritage9 sections
Kiyomizu-dera TempleHeritage10 sectionsYasui-KonpiraguActivity8 sections