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Planning a trip to Kyoto and want to fully experience the charm of the ancient capital? Then we have a perfect walking course for you.
This recommended route takes you through Ichinenzaka, Ninenzaka, and Sanneizaka—three beautiful historic streets near Kiyomizu Temple.
Since this walking course also leads to Kiyomizu Temple, it’s a great option for those heading there.
You can find more detailed information about these iconic spots in the article linked below:
Read more about Ichinenzaka, Ninenzaka, and Sanneizaka
In this article, we’ll take you on a virtual walk along this route, showcasing the experience with plenty of photos to help you feel the atmosphere of Kyoto’s streets.
Ichinenzaka is a narrow path less than 100 meters long, but it’s packed with the essence of Kyoto’s old-town charm.
Ninenzaka stretches about 140 meters, taking just a couple of minutes to walk. Aside from the stairs, the path is mostly flat and easy to walk.
Lined with cafes and boutique shops, Ninenzaka has a lively yet serene charm.
Compared to Sanneizaka, Ninenzaka offers a more tranquil vibe. While still preserving the feel of ancient Kyoto, it also features stylish, well-maintained “Wa-modern” elements that blend traditional and modern aesthetics.
Sanneizaka is approximately 210 meters long with a 10-meter elevation change. Like the other streets, it’s mostly flat except for a few steps, making it easy to walk.
Sanneizaka boasts beautifully preserved townscapes that perfectly capture the essence of Kyoto. It’s also very lively and bustling with visitors.
There are many shops along the way, making the walk enjoyable for those who like browsing and discovering hidden gems.
It truly feels like stepping back in time.
If you’re on Sanneizaka, there’s one shop you absolutely have to try.
That would be the renowned yudofu (tofu hot pot) restaurant, Okutan Kiyomizu.
This beloved traditional tofu shop sells delightful tofu buns right next to the main restaurant—and they’re delicious!
The bun is made with an old-fashioned dough base, combined with soy milk and tofu. The filling is seasoned okara (soy pulp) with finely chopped vegetables.
It has a subtly sweet and savory flavor that’s incredibly comforting.
Highly recommended—be sure to give it a try.
From Sanneizaka, you can easily access Kiyomizuzaka. Walk uphill and you’ll reach the famous Kiyomizu Temple.
When exploring Kyoto, it’s easy to focus solely on major landmarks like temples and shrines. But sometimes you just want to soak in the atmosphere of the city itself—and it’s not always obvious where to go for that.
There are several areas that offer glimpses of old Kyoto, but this course is especially ideal because it’s lined with shops and full of things to see and enjoy.
If you want to experience Kyoto’s historic streets but aren’t sure where to start, we highly recommend strolling through Ichinenzaka, Ninenzaka, and Sanneizaka.
