Photo by Perry Merrity II on UnsplashKiyomizu wagashi
From storied shops along the approach to lesser-known gems.
A guide to wagashi along the approach
The Sannenzaka–Ninenzaka approach to Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto's signature tourist routes. Several wagashi shops with local followings are introduced in published guides along this route. This article picks two stops on and just past the approach.
Walking sweets on Sannenzaka
Kyodango Fujinami is introduced in multiple guides as a walking-dango shop on Sannenzaka. Per public information, mitarashi, kinako and matcha skewers are offered in the ¥150–¥300 range.
A long-established Kyoto wagashi house
Kanshundo's main shop has been in business for over 160 years. Just past Kiyomizu, in the Higashiyama-Shichijo area, it sells jōnamagashi and seasonal nerikiri. The on-site tea room serves a calm matcha-and-wagashi set.
Wagashi that mark the season
- Spring: sakura mochi, hanami dango
- Summer: mizu manjū, kuzukiri
- Autumn: kuri kinton, tsukimi dango
- Winter: kan-zenzai, ichigo daifuku
When to come
The approach is calmer before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Midday (noon to 3 p.m.) is the peak — expect lines at popular stops.
The Sannenzaka stones get slick in the rain. Wear shoes you can walk in.