Sannenzaka Slope

In short

Also known as Sanneizaka Slope, Sannenzaka Slope is a paved path of stone flagstones and stone steps leading to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, considered an ancient path dating back to the Heian period. In 1976 (Showa 51), the surrounding area of the slope was selected as a national Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and townhouses built from the end of the Edo period through the Taisho period preserve a landscape that is at one with temple and shrine architecture.

• ​Townhouses with Mushiko-mado Windows​​: Chunikai townhouses with mushiko-mado windows stand alongside honnikai townhouses built from the Meiji period onward, so visitors can compare the differences between building eras
• ​Shops Reflecting the Tradition of Sightseeing​​: The teahouses and shops selling traditional crafts are considered to follow the tradition of touring famous sights in the Edo period
• ​A Slope Where You Must Not Fall​​: A legend says that if you fall on this slope, you will die within three years, but it is said that carrying a gourd will keep you safe

History and Highlights

​Sannenzaka Slope​​, also known as Sanneizaka Slope, is a paved sloping path of stone flagstones and stone steps leading to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Among the paths connecting Yasaka to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a steep stone-paved slope continues for approximately 100 meters, which connects further ahead to the smaller Ninenzaka Slope. Along with Kiyomizu-michi, an approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, it is considered an ancient path dating back to the Heian period.

There are several theories regarding the origin of its name. The most common belief is that it is called "Sanneizaka" (meaning "slope of easy childbirth") because it leads to the Koyasu Pagoda on the grounds of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which is dedicated to safe childbirth; visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple by way of this slope is said to ensure a safe delivery. Other theories suggest it was named Sannenzaka because it was constructed in the third year of the Daido era (808), or that it was called "Sainenzaka" (slope of renewed wishes) because pilgrims would reaffirm and deepen their prayers on this slope.

In 1976 (Showa 51), the surrounding area of the slope was selected as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings under the name "Kyoto City Sanneizaka." It began as a temple town (monzen-machi) serving temples and shrines such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Hokan-ji Temple, and Gion-sha Shrine, and from the middle of the Edo period, townscapes were developed along the pilgrimage paths connecting these temples and shrines. Townhouses built from the end of the Edo period through the Taisho period blend harmoniously with temple and shrine architecture, preserving an outstanding historical landscape to this day.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Townhouses with Mushiko-mado Windows​​: Lining Sannenzaka Slope are chunikai (mezzanine-style, half-second floor) townhouses featuring mushiko-mado (narrow latticed windows) built between the Edo and Meiji periods, standing alongside honnikai (full two-story) townhouses built from the Meiji period onward. Visitors can walk while comparing the differences between these respective building eras.
• ​Shops Reflecting the Tradition of Sightseeing​​: The teahouses and shops selling traditional crafts that line the street are considered to follow the tradition of touring famous sights that developed during the Edo period. Visitors can experience the atmosphere of a pathway that has long bustled with pilgrims.
• ​A Slope Where You Must Not Fall​​: A legend says that if you fall on Sannenzaka Slope, you will die within three years. However, gourds are said to trap a soul inside once it has escaped, and it is said that carrying a gourd as a talisman to ward off evil will keep you safe even if you happen to tumble.

Walking Tips

Get off the Kyoto City Bus at "Gojozaka" or "Higashiyama Yasui," and walk about 5 minutes to reach the Sanneizaka Slope preservation district. Since stone steps and cobblestones continue along the path, wear comfortable walking shoes and watch your step. A route proceeding from Yasaka-jinja Shrine toward Kodai-ji Temple and strolling through Ichinenzaka Slope, Ninenzaka Slope, and Sannenzaka Slope offers a delightful walk immersed in the historic atmosphere of Kyoto. You can also combine your trip with visits to Kiyomizu-dera Temple at the top of the slope, as well as the nearby Hokan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda) and Kodai-ji Temple.