Sannen-zaka, Ninen-zaka, Kyoto

“Ninen-zaka Slope” (Also called Ninei-zaka Slope) in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto is part of the approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and is a gentle cobblestone slope following “Sannen-zaka Slope” (Also called Sannei-zaka Slope). On both sides of the road, there are many Kyoto-like shops, making it a popular shopping spot as well as the Shinkyogoku area. Because it is an elegant road, it is a recommended place for a walk while visiting the temple.
Similarly, “Sannen-zaka Slope” is one of the approaches to Kiyomizu Temple and is located in Higashiyama Ward. It is also famous for the legend used by Hideyoshi Toyotomi’s wife, Kita no Mandokoro (legal wife of regent or chief adviser to the Emperor). The stone pavement makes you feel the atmosphere, and there are also shops like Kyoto on both sides. It is a popular spot for tourists, crowded with people heading to Kiyomizu Temple.
Ninen-zaka Slope was originally an unnamed slope between Sanenn-zaka slope and Kiyomizu Temple. According to one theory, it was reported that it was called by the name around 807 when the road was improved, but it is not clear at what time it was called. There is also a theory that it is called the Ninen-zaka Slope (the literal meaning is “two years slope”) because it is a slope leading to the Sannen-zaka (the literal meaning is “three years slope”) slope.
If you fall in Ninen-zaka Slope, you will die in two years. Many people have heard such legends. In fact, the theory that the warning that “the stone steps are careful” has been transmitted in an exaggerated manner. Ninen-zaka Slope has a gentle slope compared to Sanen-zaka Slope, but when it rains, the stone pavement will be slippery. Be careful when walking with high heels or sandals.
“Sannen-zaka Slope” was built as an approach for people who visit Kiyomizu Temple from the Kodaiji area. The reason why it is also described as “Sannei-zaka Slope” is because Koyasu-Kannon (a guardian goddess of mercy for children), which is enshrined in Kiyomizu-dera, has the benefit of safe delivery.
As with Ninen-zaka Slope, there is a legend that if you fall on Sannen-zaka Slope, you will die within 3 years, but the origin is still unknown. At the end of the steep stone steps leading to Kiyomizu Temple, amulets are sold.
Sannen-zaka Slope, along with Ninen-zaka Slope below, is designated as an important traditional building preservation district in Kyoto. For this reason, it has a traditional house with tiled roofs and outer walls made of baked cedar.
You can go to Kiyomizu-dera Temple from Yasaka Shrine via Kodaiji Temple or Ninen-zaka Slope, or you can go down Yasaka Shrine and Gion area after seeing Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The journey takes about 1 hour. There are shops on both sides so you can enjoy shopping and dining.

A place that makes you feel like Kyoto

“Ninen-zaka”, “Sannen-zaka” are part of the approach to Kiyomizu-dera, including “Ichinen-zaka”. Beautiful townscapes lined with old souvenir shops and others are always crowded with many tourists regardless of Japanese or foreigners.
There are various sightseeing spots in Kyoto, both of which are attractive places, but “Ninen-zaka” and “Sannen-zaka” in which a lot of popular shops are lined with especially scenic views are attracting attention .
Not to mention the surrounding sights such as Kiyomizu Temple, Kodaiji Temple and Yasaka Tower, the streets around “Ninen-zaka” and “Sannen-zaka” will make you feel like Kyoto no matter where you look.
The beautiful scenery where the slope and the buildings are continuing are also designated as “Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Historic Buildings” in Kyoto. The landscape is historically valuable as well.
Here, you can feel the atmosphere like Kyoto, and in the summer many people wearing yukata or kimono are also seen, and it is also a place to shoot photos. Who wants to taste Kyoto-like atmosphere, why do not you visit “Ninen-zaka”, “Sannen-zaka” and enjoy sightseeing.

Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings

The Sannen-zaka (the slope of three years) and the Ninen-zaka (the slope of two years), both were made as Kiyomizu pilgrimage route, the beautiful scenery that the hill and row of houses continue, it is specified as An Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
It is crowded with those who go to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and is the spot where is popular among tourists.
The Sannen-zaka slope was built as an approach of people who worship at Kiyomizu-dera from the direction of Kodai-ji Temple. The reason the Sannen-zaka slope is also written “the Sannei-zaka slope” (the slope for an easy delivery of a baby) is that the divine favor of an easy delivery is in the Koyasu Kannon installed in the Kiyomizu-dera temple.

Die within three years when you fall down in the Sannen-zaka slope

There is ancient folklore to die within three years when you fall down in the Sannen-zaka slope. Although circumference whole the Kiyomizu-dera temple is said to originate in having been a ground of attendance at a funeral a long time ago, but do not still know the clear thing. Even now, the gourd of charm against misfortunes is sold at the last place of the foot of the steep stone steps which leads to the Kiyomizu-dera temple.

The whole view panorama of the foot of the Higashi-yama Mountain and Kyoto

The course just leads to the Kiyomizu-zaka temple when you go up the Sannen-zaka slope, but if you go up the stone steps to the top from the Ninen-zaka slope to the Shobo-ji Temple, the whole view panorama of the foot of the Higashi-yama Mountain and Kyoto can be seen before the tower of Yasaka.

The Kiyomizu-dera temple via the Kodai-ji Temple

You can also go to the Kiyomizu-dera temple via the Kodai-ji Temple and the Ninen-zaka slope from the Yasaka Jinja shrine, and after having seen Kiyomizu-dera Temple, you can also go down the slope and can lead to Yasaka-jinja Shrine and the Gion area.

Shopping and a meal can also be enjoyed

The time required is approximately one hour. Since stores stand in a row on both sides, shopping and a meal can also be enjoyed.

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