Ninenzaka

I visited Ninenzaka in Kyoto and really enjoyed it. It’s a beautiful historic street with traditional wooden buildings, cute shops, and amazing photo spots. It was very packed when I went, but even with the crowds, the charm of the place still comes through. A must-see if you want that classic Kyoto atmosphere!

Beautiful old city great for scenic photos. We went dressed in our kimonos and got some great photos. This is also a great place to pray at several shrines. Lots of cute shops and great souvenirs for reasonable pricing. We came during tourist off-season and we’re able to get see a lot and take photos with no issue. During busy season it may be best to pre-plan your visit.

This lovely picturesque village exudes charm and history at every nook and corner (when it is not overcrowded with tourists). If you do not mind the shops being closed, then I would suggest coming here super early at the crack of dawn. You will get the opportunity to walk down these ancient streets and marvel at the quaint buildings. We arrived at a wet morning and despite the rain, there were many people already there. However, we still enjoyed ourselves, visitng the nearby temples and musuem.

Easy walk from the bus stop, the streets are filled with very old and beautiful homes and the temple is stunning at any time of the day, you don’t need to bd early to get a great pic as the crowds often clear if you wait for a gap,

Ninenzaka — Where Time Slows and Beauty Whispers Wandering through Ninenzaka, I felt as though I had quietly slipped through the folds of time. Each stone beneath my feet seemed to echo centuries of footsteps — monks, merchants, and dreamers who once climbed this gentle slope beneath Kyoto’s eternal sky. The narrow street, lined with traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and artisan boutiques, holds a quiet magic that transcends the ordinary. The scent of matcha drifts softly through the air, mingling with the faint sweetness of freshly made yatsuhashi. Every corner feels like a delicate painting — a harmony of soft lantern light, weathered wood, and the hushed rustle of passing kimonos. Even in the midst of visitors, Ninenzaka preserves a serene intimacy — an invitation to slow down, to breathe, and to simply be. The slope leads gently toward the majestic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, yet the journey itself becomes the destination. It’s a walk that awakens nostalgia, a tender reminder that beauty often hides within stillness. As raindrops touched the ancient stone path, I found myself smiling — grateful for places like Ninenzaka, where history and heart meet, and where Kyoto’s soul continues to whisper softly through every breeze.

No doubt this is an iconic place to visit in Kyoto. But it’s super crowded. I could not enjoy my walking as I need to watch my steps all the time 😅 may be it better to come there very early while some shops are closed.

One of the oldest streets in kyoto and a must visit if you are ever in the city Lots of scenic opportunities to be found Kimono rentals available Lots of shops for street foods and souvenirs Go in the early morning to avoid the crowds

Beautiful view of houses, but only if early (before 7 am) otherwise just a mass of people and more frustrating than enjoyable. Caveat is that if you want to shop and eat nothing will be open. Pick which one is more important and that will determine when you go. Didn’t waste my time on pics as we were able to stroll and just take in the view