Three-year Slope

The 380-meter stone road features 46 steps and connects Kiyomizu Temple to Yasaka Shrine through traditional wooden buildings and narrow alleys.

Established in 808, the path earned its name Sannenzaka from prayers for safe childbirth at Kiyomizu Temple's Koyasu Pagoda during the Heian period.

The stone-paved road contains numerous preserved merchant houses from the Edo period, displaying traditional architectural elements like latticed windows and wooden facades.

The slope rises 28 meters in elevation and requires careful walking, particularly during rain, as the stone steps can become slippery.

Local legend states that carrying a gourd while walking prevents the curse of falling on the steps, which supposedly shortens life by three years.

Location: Higashiyama-ku

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

GPS coordinates: 34.99647,135.78093

Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:53