Nene-no-Michi Path

In short

A stone-paved path centered on the area in front of the gate of Kodai-ji Temple in Higashiyama, also called Kodai-ji-michi. It runs for about 460 meters, from the south side of Maruyama Park to the approach to Ryozen Kannon, and was laid out in 1998. It is called Nene-no-Michi because Kodai-ji Temple is associated with Kita-no-Mandokoro Nene, the lawful wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

• ​Granite paving​​: With the power lines buried underground and stone paving laid to protect the landscape, the path has a clean view and is lined with retro-style street lamps
• ​Nene and Entoku-in Temple​​: In 1605, Nene moved the Kesho Goten palace of Fushimi Castle and its front garden to the site of present-day Entoku-in Temple and went to live there, spending 19 years until she died at the age of 77
• ​Ishibe-koji Alley and Ishin-no-Michi Path​​: Along the way is Ishibe-koji Alley, lined with high stone walls and townhouses built mainly in the Taisho period. Ishin-no-Michi Path, the approach to Kyoto Ryozen Gokoku-jinja Shrine, also crosses Nene-no-Michi Path

History and Highlights

​Nene-no-Michi Path​ is a stone-paved path running north to south centered in front of the gate of Kodai-ji Temple in Higashiyama, and is also called Kodai-ji-michi. Extending approximately 460 meters from the south side of Maruyama Park to the approach of Ryozen Kannon, it was refurbished in 1998 (Heisei 10). It is called "Nene-no-Michi Path" because Kodai-ji Temple is closely associated with Nene, also known as Kita-no-Mandokoro, the principal wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

After Hideyoshi passed away, Nene wished to erect Kodai-ji Temple. In 1605 (Keicho 10), she relocated the Kesho Goten (dressing palace) and its front garden from Fushimi Castle—a place filled with memories of Hideyoshi—to the current site of Entoku-in Temple and moved there. She spent 19 years here until she died at the age of 77, and it is said that during that time feudal lords (daimyo), Zen monks, tea masters, poets, painters, and others visited out of admiration for Kita-no-Mandokoro. This was the origin of Entoku-in Temple; after Nene's death, her nephew Kinoshita Toshifusa established it as the family temple of the Kinoshita clan, and it became a sub-temple of Kodai-ji Temple.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Granite Pavements​​: Granite is laid along the wide street, lined with retro-style street lamps. To preserve the surrounding scenery steeped in Kyoto atmosphere without spoiling it, power cables were buried underground and stone paving was installed to protect the landscape, creating a clean view. Behind the plaster walls, galleries and shops selling Kyoto souvenirs are quietly established.
• ​Daidokoro-zaka Slope Leading to Kodai-ji Temple​​: Daidokoro-zaka is the approach leading from Nene-no-Michi Path to the precinct of Kodai-ji Temple. The highlights of Kodai-ji Temple are introduced in the spot guide for Kodai-ji Temple.
• ​Ishibe-koji Alley and Ishin-no-Michi​​: Along Nene-no-Michi Path lies Ishibe-koji Alley, characterized by rows of high stone walls and lined primarily with machiya (traditional townhouses) built in the Taisho period. In 1995 (Heisei 7), the Preservation District for a Group of Traditional Buildings of Sanneizaka Slope was expanded to include Ishibe-koji Alley. In addition, Ishin-no-Michi, the approach leading from Higashioji-dori Street to Kyoto Ryozen Gokoku Shrine, intersects with Nene-no-Michi Path.

Walking Tips

Maruyama Park is about 390 meters to the north, and Yasaka-jinja Shrine is about 370 meters to the northwest. If you pass through Yasaka-jinja Shrine, enter Nene-no-Michi Path from Shimokawara-dori Street, and walk south, Ichinenzaka Slope begins next to the former site of the residence of modern Japanese painting master Takeuchi Seiho, leading toward Ninenzaka Slope and Sannenzaka Slope on the way to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. It is a route where you can enjoy a stroll while immersing yourself in Kyoto's atmosphere.