Ninenzaka: Where Tradition Meets Modernity, A Perfect Guide from Starbucks to Wagashi

Let me introduce you to the beautiful traditional street of Kyoto, Ninenzaka (二年坂). Located in the Higashiyama district, a bit far from Kyoto Station, there are two main ways to get there. The first is to take the city bus number 206 and get off at the Kiyomizumichi (清水道) stop. The second is to take the Keihan train from Kyoto Station and get off at Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, then walk. It's especially popular because it's on the way to Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺), making it a frequent stop for tourists visiting the temple. Ninenzaka is a traditional stone stairway street that has been preserved since the Edo period. Meaning 'Two-Year Slope,' it, along with Sannenzaka (三年坂), is one of the most well-preserved historical streets in Kyoto. The traditional houses lining the street retain the architectural styles of the Edo and Meiji periods. The area is home to various traditional shops, including confectionery stores, pottery shops, and kimono rental stores. Recently, it has become even more famous with the opening of the Yasaka Chaya Starbucks, which is housed in a renovated traditional house. I took a leisurely walk through Ninenzaka. Slowly climbing the stone steps and admiring the traditional houses on either side was a truly unique experience. Seeing tourists and locals in kimonos walking through the street made it feel like a journey back in time. The taste of wagashi enjoyed with hojicha from a traditional confectionery store was unforgettable. Visiting in the late afternoon, there were fewer tourists, allowing me to enjoy the atmosphere of the street even more.