Nene-no-Michi Lane in Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

The Nene-no-Michi Lane is located in the Southern part of the Higashiyama Ward in Kyoto. The beautiful 400-meter-long flagstone pathway stretches from the Sannen-zaka street to Ninen-zaka near the Maruyama Park in Gion. Phone lines and power cables are buried underground to preserve the feeling of the feudal ages. During your strolls, you will see the impressive 36-meter tall Gion-kaku Tower of the Daiun-in Temple, the Kodai-ji Temple (one of the greatest Zen temples in Kyoto), Entokuin Temple, Gesshin-in, exclusive shops, teahouses, and villas of the wealthy. The best time for a visit is during the cherry blossom season. The walkway can get crowded over the day and if this is too much for you hop on a rickshaw there. My tip: Come here in the evening to enjoy a less crowded atmosphere.

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• Shops along Nene-no-Michi Lane:
• Opening Hours - 10:00 am to 5:00/6:00 pm

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History

Nene-no-michi (Path of Nene) became named after the widow of the famous daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537 - 1598). She was known as Nene or Nene Kita no Mandokoro (1546 - 1624). The Kodai-ji Temple, located along the path, was founded by her in 1606 in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542 - 1616) donated the money to build this beautiful and magnificent temple. Entokuin Temple, a sub-temple of Kodai-ji, was the home of Nene for the last 19 years of her life.

Sightseeing spots along Nene-no-michi

Top:

Daiun-in Temple - The most famous structure of the Daiun-in Temple is the Gion-kaku tower. The building is with a height of 36 meters an impressive sight. Read more >

Kodai-ji Temple - Kodai-ji Temple is one of the greatest Zen temples in Kyoto. It was established in 1606 to pay tribute to Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537 - 1598), the warlord of the Sengoku era (1467 - 1568). Read more >

Entokuin Temple - It is a sub-temple of Kodai-ji. People come here to admire the beautiful North Garden, which got the status of a Designated Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government. Read more >

Gesshin-in - Gesshin-in is a sub-temple of the nearby Kodai-ji Temple and belongs to a branch of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism. Read more >

Ishibei-koji Alley - This is without doubt one of the most beautiful walkways in Kyoto. It feels like you jumped back 300 years in time. Read more >

Festival & Events in Kyoto (dates can change without notice)

March

Illumination event at Kodai-ji (6th March - 6th of May)
Kodai-ji temple is open till 9:30 pm during that period. It is enough time to enjoy the illumination after sunset.

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31th)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from the Imperial Palace through the Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamigamo Shrine. More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri as the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

June

Aoba Matsuri (Green Leaf Festival) at Chishaku-in (15th)
The festival is an ancient ritual of followers of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, which is called Yamabushi. They participate in a series of ceremonies like celebrating the birth of founder Kobo-Daishi (744 - 835).

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month of July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which lasts around 2 hours.