One of the best preserved historical district in Kyoto is at Higashiyama area along the slopes of its eastern mountains. The two meters long narrow cobblestones paved steep lanes Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka that lie between famous Kiyomisudera temple and Yasaka Pagoda, offer an incredible atmosphere and feeling of an old Japan capital. The area is filled up with traditional wooden buildings. The shops and restaurants that lined up the two sides of the steep and bustling lanes were catered to tourists and pilgrims for centuries. It is indeed a great place to experience a tradition old Kyoto.
It is interesting and fun to spend half a day strolling on the street, enjoying an old Kyoto atmosphere, admiring the old building structures, trying mochi and macha samplings and watching the joyful crowds......
Millions of people passing along this atmospheric street every year to visit and pay homage to the temples that lie within Higashiyama district.
This should be the first time I met a Japanese nun in alms on the street and her black robe was also the first time I see a nun put on.
The elegant kimonos!
Kimono for adults and children are sold in this shop
Products in sale are mainly local specialties like kiyomisu-yaki pottery, tradition crafts and souvenir, tea leaves and local snacks.
Bustling sometimes also can be a joy!
Relax and enjoy a cup of macha tea with mochi in the tradition cafe is a moment for peace of mind.
The most visible landmark at this narrow precincts in Higashiyama District most probably is this 5-storey Yasaka pagoda. The 49 meter high wooden structure was the last remnant of Hokanji Shrine and was said to be first constructed in year 592 by Prince Shotoku-Taishin and relocated to Kyoto in year 794. It had been destroyed and restored several times in the past centuries. The current structure with some Buddhist images enshrined at the first floor, was rebuilt in year 1440 by the 6th Shogun Yoshinori Ashikaya. Yasaka pagoda is one of the few pagodas in Japan that opened for public to enter and climb up for a view.
Yasaka Pagoda designated as an important national cultural property is located at the west end of Ninen and Sannen-Zeka.
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