EAT IN ASIA / Destinations / Japan
Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka - strawberries, mochi and matcha desserts in Kyoto's Best Old Streets
Tags: JAPAN
When you think about Kyoto, you probably think aboWhen you think about Kyoto, you probably think about multiple temples, shrines and Nijo castle and of course the Kyoto Imperial Palace. However, in Kyoto, that are not the only attractions. Actually, there is much more to be done and to be seen. Apart from the geisha district, Pontocho and Gion there is a few museums and restaurants serving a good Japanese food.
Worth mentioning are also Nishiki Market where you could find many great shops including those with clothes, souvenirs and Japanese products. Apart from that, this place allows you trying many local dishes and try an original Japanese sake (check also our post on Japanese street food in other places).
Another option is to stroll on old Kyoto’s streets and admire a traditional architecture. These cobblestone streets also offer a lot of places where you could relax, enjoy the local atmosphere and where you could try some Japanese desserts (wagashi).
Kyoto's Best Old Streets
Recommended Old Kyoto's Streets
So, which streets should you visit and walk along? Well, even though there is a few of them in Kyoto, we would recommend you strolling on three of them if you do not have plenty of time. The best thing would be to spend one day on cobblestone streets of Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka and Ichinenzaka.
All three of them have played an important role since almost ancient times. And their vibe and charm are still present. Both sides of these streets are mainly lined with traditional Japanese buildings that let you travel in time to previous centuries.
Apart from that, close to them are many great temples and shrines including Yasaka Shrine, Kodaji Temple and, of course, the highlight of the area – Kiyomizu Temple with a gorgeous park.
And if you would like to try Japanese, traditional sweets (wagashi) and desserts, shops along these streets give you such a great possibility too. Then, what could be nicer than an original matcha tea enjoyed in the historic environment? With a great view over old, traditional houses, with old trees that give a lot of shadow and with many picturesque spots. Nothing could be more pleasant!
Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka and Ichinenzaka – where do these names come from and what does the legend say?
Actually, these names have their own significance in Japanese. The first of them – Ninenzaka means ‘second year hill/slope’, the second one – Sannenzaka means ‘third year hill/slope’ and the last one – Ichinenzaka – ‘first year hill/slope’.
Apart from that there is a legend related to these streets. If you fall on any of these streets, you will die in, certain number of years. So, for example falling on Ichinenzaka, will result in your death within one year. Falling down on Ninenzaka will lead to your death in two years and falling down on the last one – on Sannenzaka might finish in your dying within three years. Yes, it sounds terrible but it should not discourage you from walking along them. Just be careful and take your time.
Recommended walking tour
Start your stroll with Ichinenzaka that is only about ninety meters long. It is a very pleasant short walk where a lot of traditional buildings with homes, shops and souvenir stalls are located. Especially recommended are these tiny shops with delicious udon and soba noodles. Where else would you have such a great option to buy them if not in a historical place? Apart from that, this street is not as popular as Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, so it would be a nicer stroll too.
When walking from one shop to another, do not forget to visit a colorful Yasaka Koshindo known also as Daikokusan Kongoji Temple Koshindo.
Then walk along Ninenzaka that is not only almost twice longer but is also wider. Here you will find more shops with souvenirs, these with Japanese products, some local restaurants and of course shops with some sweets that you should not miss.
Finally, finish your walk on Sannenzaka that is only slightly longer than Ichinenzaka but is also steeper than Ninenzaka. There you will find plenty of restaurants and shops with sweets located in traditional and slightly old-fashioned buildings (but, please, do not expect buildings resembling these from Europe).
TOP Japanese deserts in Kyoto’s Old Streets
Mitarashi dango
First of all you should not miss mitarashi dango. What are they? That are traditional Japanese rice flour sweet balls that are served like skewers. These small, round dumplings are usually glazed with a sweet soy sauce. One skewer consists of about three pieces. Mainly they come in two forms. The first one is the basic one and has a natural rice flavor.It is covered with the sweet soy sauce. The second one is without any glazing and consists of three rice dumplings of different colors – green, white, and pink.
Strawberry mochi - ichigo daifuku
Mochi are extremely popular not only in Japan but also around the world. I might even say that this wagashi is the best-known Japanese confection. So, what is daifuku? Daifuku is nothing else than a stuffed mochi. The filling may include almost anything starting with an anko paste (a sweet, red been paste) and finishing on fresh fruits like strawberries that are so loved in Japan.
Apart from that, daifuku has also a meaning in Japanese. It means a ‘great luck’.
Grean tea and bean cake
This Grean tea and bean cake is like a variation on a gingerbread. Instead of using all spices that are used for the traditional Christmas gingerbread, here matcha green tea and red beans are dominating. It is baked in a rectangular form and has a soft texture. It is slightly moist, however with a gingerbread-like delicate crunchiness.
Gyokuro cookies
Gyokuro cookies are unique Japanese sweets that are produced with a rare, top quality gyokuro green tea. Gyokuro is one of the best teas in the world and characterized by a special harvesting process in which tea leaves are shaded from the sunlight. This process takes about three to four weeks. In consequence the concentration of nutrients in the gyokuro tea is higher. Apart from that, the tea taste is sweeter and without bitterness.
Gyokuro cookies are made from milk, oil, soy flour, sugar, eggs and, of course, of this gyokuro tea powder. They are crunchy, semi-sweet and have a distinguishable tea flavor.
Matcha cookies
Other cookies that you should try in Kyoto, Japan, are definitively matcha cookies. With an emerald-green color, crunchiness, and softness, they are much different from gyokuro cookies. The matcha powder is finer, they are sweeter, and their texture is more soft.
Cream puffs with green tea
If you are looking for a soft, cake-like dessert, try cream puffs with a vanilla or matcha tea custard filling. As these cream puffs are being prepared when ordered, there is a possibility of choosing a mixed filling. That means, that instead of filling the cream puff either with matcha ice creams or with the custard flavored filling, you could have a combination of both of them. And that is what I would strongly recommend you to choose. For me, a soft cream puff with a green tea custard cream and matcha ice creams is the best choice. It is so good! Of course, it is sweet, but as ice creams are cold, they nicely balance the custard's cream sweetness. The puff is moist and soft, it is really good!
Matcha green tea ice creams
During a hot spring or summer day, you would be probably enjoy refreshing and cooling ice creams. Select these with a matcha green tea flavor. Why? Because there are not many places in the world where you could have it. Here, inJapan, it is very often possible to have soft ice creams with a mixed vanilla and matcha flavor. So if you are not a big fan of any new tastes, choose this option.
Fresh strawberries
Then, grab a cup of fresh Japanese strawberries. They are sweet, delicious, and refreshing. Sold with cut off butts and packed into a cup this healthy snack is easy to be eaten on a stroll. Enjoy this light dessert and try Japanese fruits.
Japanese cold green tea
And for the rest of the day, take a cold Japanese bottled green tea. Choose the one with or without sugar and add some extra nutrients to your diet. Japanese green tea, that is lower in calories, purer and healthier than any other soft drink, is freshly prepared and well chilled. And trust me, this bottled tea would be your great companion during the whole day.
So, remember, pair both sightseeing of old Kyoto’s streets with some culinary breaks that would give you an extra insight into the traditional Japanese way of life.
But don’t forget not to be in a hurry and not to fall!
ut multiple temples, shrines and Nijo castle and of course the Kyoto Imperial Palace. However, in Kyoto, that are not the only attractions. Actually, there is much more to be done and to be seen. Apart from the geisha district, Pontocho and Gion there is a few museums and restaurants serving a good Japanese food.
Worth mentioning are also Nishiki Market where you could find many great shops including those with clothes, souvenirs and Japanese products. Apart from that, this place allows you trying many local dishes and try an original Japanese sake (check also our post on Japanese street food in other places).
Another option is to stroll on old Kyoto’s streets and admire a traditional architecture. These cobblestone streets also offer a lot of places where you could relax, enjoy the local atmosphere and where you could try some Japanese desserts (wagashi).
Kyoto's Best Old Streets
Recommended Old Kyoto's Streets
So, which streets should you visit and walk along? Well, even though there is a few of them in Kyoto, we would recommend you strolling on three of them if you do not have plenty of time. The best thing would be to spend one day on cobblestone streets of Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka and Ichinenzaka.
All three of them have played an important role since almost ancient times. And their vibe and charm are still present. Both sides of these streets are mainly lined with traditional Japanese buildings that let you travel in time to previous centuries.
Apart from that, close to them are many great temples and shrines including Yasaka Shrine, Kodaji Temple and, of course, the highlight of the area – Kiyomizu Temple with a gorgeous park.
And if you would like to try Japanese, traditional sweets (wagashi) and desserts, shops along these streets give you such a great possibility too. Then, what could be nicer than an original matcha tea enjoyed in the historic environment? With a great view over old, traditional houses, with old trees that give a lot of shadow and with many picturesque spots. Nothing could be more pleasant!
Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka and Ichinenzaka – where do these names come from and what does the legend say?
Actually, these names have their own significance in Japanese. The first of them – Ninenzaka means ‘second year hill/slope’, the second one – Sannenzaka means ‘third year hill/slope’ and the last one – Ichinenzaka – ‘first year hill/slope’.
Apart from that there is a legend related to these streets. If you fall on any of these streets, you will die in, certain number of years. So, for example falling on Ichinenzaka, will result in your death within one year. Falling down on Ninenzaka will lead to your death in two years and falling down on the last one – on Sannenzaka might finish in your dying within three years. Yes, it sounds terrible but it should not discourage you from walking along them. Just be careful and take your time.
Recommended walking tour
Start your stroll with Ichinenzaka that is only about ninety meters long. It is a very pleasant short walk where a lot of traditional buildings with homes, shops and souvenir stalls are located. Especially recommended are these tiny shops with delicious udon and soba noodles. Where else would you have such a great option to buy them if not in a historical place? Apart from that, this street is not as popular as Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, so it would be a nicer stroll too.
When walking from one shop to another, do not forget to visit a colorful Yasaka Koshindo known also as Daikokusan Kongoji Temple Koshindo.
Then walk along Ninenzaka that is not only almost twice longer but is also wider. Here you will find more shops with souvenirs, these with Japanese products, some local restaurants and of course shops with some sweets that you should not miss.
Finally, finish your walk on Sannenzaka that is only slightly longer than Ichinenzaka but is also steeper than Ninenzaka. There you will find plenty of restaurants and shops with sweets located in traditional and slightly old-fashioned buildings (but, please, do not expect buildings resembling these from Europe).
TOP Japanese deserts in Kyoto’s Old Streets
Mitarashi dango
First of all you should not miss mitarashi dango. What are they? That are traditional Japanese rice flour sweet balls that are served like skewers. These small, round dumplings are usually glazed with a sweet soy sauce. One skewer consists of about three pieces. Mainly they come in two forms. The first one is the basic one and has a natural rice flavor.It is covered with the sweet soy sauce. The second one is without any glazing and consists of three rice dumplings of different colors – green, white, and pink.
Strawberry mochi - ichigo daifuku
Mochi are extremely popular not only in Japan but also around the world. I might even say that this wagashi is the best-known Japanese confection. So, what is daifuku? Daifuku is nothing else than a stuffed mochi. The filling may include almost anything starting with an anko paste (a sweet, red been paste) and finishing on fresh fruits like strawberries that are so loved in Japan.
Apart from that, daifuku has also a meaning in Japanese. It means a ‘great luck’.
Grean tea and bean cake
This Grean tea and bean cake is like a variation on a gingerbread. Instead of using all spices that are used for the traditional Christmas gingerbread, here matcha green tea and red beans are dominating. It is baked in a rectangular form and has a soft texture. It is slightly moist, however with a gingerbread-like delicate crunchiness.
Gyokuro cookies
Gyokuro cookies are unique Japanese sweets that are produced with a rare, top quality gyokuro green tea. Gyokuro is one of the best teas in the world and characterized by a special harvesting process in which tea leaves are shaded from the sunlight. This process takes about three to four weeks. In consequence the concentration of nutrients in the gyokuro tea is higher. Apart from that, the tea taste is sweeter and without bitterness.
Gyokuro cookies are made from milk, oil, soy flour, sugar, eggs and, of course, of this gyokuro tea powder. They are crunchy, semi-sweet and have a distinguishable tea flavor.
Matcha cookies
Other cookies that you should try in Kyoto, Japan, are definitively matcha cookies. With an emerald-green color, crunchiness, and softness, they are much different from gyokuro cookies. The matcha powder is finer, they are sweeter, and their texture is more soft.
Cream puffs with green tea
If you are looking for a soft, cake-like dessert, try cream puffs with a vanilla or matcha tea custard filling. As these cream puffs are being prepared when ordered, there is a possibility of choosing a mixed filling. That means, that instead of filling the cream puff either with matcha ice creams or with the custard flavored filling, you could have a combination of both of them. And that is what I would strongly recommend you to choose. For me, a soft cream puff with a green tea custard cream and matcha ice creams is the best choice. It is so good! Of course, it is sweet, but as ice creams are cold, they nicely balance the custard's cream sweetness. The puff is moist and soft, it is really good!
Matcha green tea ice creams
During a hot spring or summer day, you would be probably enjoy refreshing and cooling ice creams. Select these with a matcha green tea flavor. Why? Because there are not many places in the world where you could have it. Here, inJapan, it is very often possible to have soft ice creams with a mixed vanilla and matcha flavor. So if you are not a big fan of any new tastes, choose this option.
Fresh strawberries
Then, grab a cup of fresh Japanese strawberries. They are sweet, delicious, and refreshing. Sold with cut off butts and packed into a cup this healthy snack is easy to be eaten on a stroll. Enjoy this light dessert and try Japanese fruits.
Japanese cold green tea
And for the rest of the day, take a cold Japanese bottled green tea. Choose the one with or without sugar and add some extra nutrients to your diet. Japanese green tea, that is lower in calories, purer and healthier than any other soft drink, is freshly prepared and well chilled. And trust me, this bottled tea would be your great companion during the whole day.
So, remember, pair both sightseeing of old Kyoto’s streets with some culinary breaks that would give you an extra insight into the traditional Japanese way of life.
But don’t forget not to be in a hurry and not to fall!
Date: 2024-05-15
Author: Beti – A passionate traveler and lover of Asian cuisine, especially Thai and Japanese dishes, Bernadeta brings her culinary and cultural experiences to life in her writing. Beyond her travels, she’s an avid technology enthusiast with a deep interest in data processing, merging her love for exploration with analytical insights.
Photographer: Adalbert – An aficionado of computers and photography, Adalbert captures the essence of diverse cuisines with a discerning eye. A connoisseur of rich flavors and particularly fond of meat-based dishes, he combines his technical skills with his passion for the culinary arts in every shot.
