Tours and Tickets to Experience Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka

There are plenty of ways to experience Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Private Kyoto Tour With a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Personalised

• 10 Must-See Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour (up to 7 People)

• Kyoto Customized Private Tour: See Top Attractions in 1 Day

• The Right Way to Know Kyoto

• Gion Night Walking Tour

While it’s free to visit Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka on your own, as these are public streets, there are several guided tours available if you want to learn more about the Gion district. Short (1.5–2 hours) group walking tours start from around US$22, while full-day tours begin around US$60.

Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka are pedestrianized streets in Kyoto that lead up to the famous hilltop Kiyomizu-dera Temple. They are old, narrow streets with wooden architecture and shops and restaurants selling traditional items. Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka are especially popular with photographers and anyone who wants to share their pictures on social media, as the streets are very picturesque.

Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka are about 1.8 miles (3 kilometers) northeast of Kyoto Station. This is an interesting 45-minute walk, if you’re comfortable on foot, as you’ll pass through Kyoto’s historic neighborhoods. Alternatively, catch a taxi (around 15 minutes, depending on traffic) or take a bus from near Kyoto Station, but you may need to change lines or walk for a while.

Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka are very popular locations in the historical part of Kyoto, so the best time to visit to avoid the crowds is early morning. Spring and fall are especially popular seasons as the weather is mild and the flowers and foliage are most attractive. To shop here, visit during normal business hours: around 10am until 6pm.

Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka streets lead up to the hilltop temple, Kiyomizu-dera, which is one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions. Other nearby attractions within walking distance include the whole Gion neighborhood, the Hokan-ji Temple, the Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park, the Ryozen Kannon Temple and Ryozen Museum, and many other temples, shrines, and gardens.