An absolute flood of people in narrow spaces. Some quaint shops rebuilt in the traditional Japanese style. I read that you must visit on certain days to avoid the school groups. But there were still school groups. I think they come in their thousands every day of the week.

This place is beautiful and great for photos, please be mindful as some shops and streets prohibit photography. Best to come here at around 1600, as most of the stores will still be open. I read on a guide that it's best to come at night but I was sorely disappointed as most of the shops were closed. Coming at 1600 and taking a stroll around until its evening would be better as you can shop and take photos. This place looks lovely at night but be careful and watch your step. The kimono rental here is pretty reasonably priced at around 3000 yen, if you're interested. If you happened to come here late, and there's no restaurants open, I suggest walking down to Pontocho, and having a meal there as it is open till late. Be prepared for a lot of walking however as this area is huge!

The most iconic photo spot in Kyoto. Come early in morning or late at night to get a clean beautiful photo. Lucky my hotel is located nearby. Only took 10 min walk. I came 3 times to get a clean shot both at night and morning. Really love the view. My personal favourite photo in Japan.

Walking down the street is a nice way to understand what old Kyoto looked like, the path is filled with old buildings and shops. Many of the shops are just for tourists, with little authentic old style shops, but the walk up the path allows to reach a beautiful temple and shrine. It gets less crowded after 5pm, while before it is full of people walking up and down. Reccomended to have a look at the buildings and do some shopping while in Kyoto. You can walk the entire path in 20 minutes and then visit the temples. Take the time to look over Kyoto once you reach the top of the hill for a great view of the city which is hard to get anywhere else.

It will consider you have not been in Kyoto if you dont visit this area. You could rent a Kimono and walk to this area. It is really surprising to me when Japanese can keep this ancient place in good condition for tourism until now.

This bustling street attracts a multitude of tourists who come to explore its vibrant offerings. Numerous shops line the street, each showcasing their unique goods and wares. It’s easy to find both local specialties and souvenirs here.

Very kyoto-ish. Suggest to go on weekdays and as soon as the sunrise because everyone is still sleeping. That you can take nice photo. But most shops open around at 10am.

Very charming little street. Arrive 8a.m if you are into photography, very beautiful during cherry blossom season especially during sunrise/sunset. Crowds started around 10a.m when vendors opening.

Me and my boyfriend went to rent the kimono at the store near Ninenzaka, after that we went for walk and eat at the restaurant in Ninenzaka, took some photo, we really like this place here very much. It’s very spectacular here the view the place was also authentic. But would recommend everyone to come at 5:30-6:00 to avoid crowds.

The most iconic spot in Kyoto based on the pictures - well, just not in my case. Beating the crowds is a real thing, and I neither managed, nor tried to really. It’s a beautiful place for a stroll, without caring where you’ll land or which alleyway you’ll follow - beauty is everywhere. A sad observation for me is seeing how such places’ character has changed due to overtourism - my 2 cents.

Visiting Ninenzaka in Kyoto was an enchanting experience, so much so that I found myself drawn back three times in one week. Each stroll along the historic street, with its beautifully preserved wooden buildings, was a journey through a timeless slice of Japan. The atmosphere was captivating, creating moments of pure enjoyment that will linger in my memory.

An ancient stone paved pedestrian road lined with old traditional buildings selling all sorts of items from pottery to incense. A good place to stroll after visiting Kiyomizu-dera. Be sure to drop by a Starbucks located in an old townhouse.

It's an enchanting area. There are lots of shops selling local treats and goods. It's stunning during the day and even more captivating during sunset. The store owners are kind and helpful. It is busy regardless of the day of the week, but it is definitely worth visiting.

Extraordinary place to walk and memorable for anyone visiting Kyoto. It is crowded but doesn’t matter. You traverse yourself to 1800s what Kyoto or Japan would look like. The old capital of Japan and the world of Japan lived in this busy business street!

Beautifully preserved traditional street. However, once you’ve entered, you’d realize the modern have definitely seeped into the old buildings. Especially when you realize that one of the beautiful building is actually a Starbucks!? 😂 another popular building here is the studio ghibli shop.

Beautiful streets in all of Higashiyama district, with lots of shops, cafes and souvenirs. Love the atmosphere, you can really feel the "old" vibes of this historic area of the city. You must walk through here on your way up to amazing buddhist temple Kiyomizu-dera, the whole experience is unique and exciting to your senses. I recommend waiting for the sunset so you can glimpse the beautiful streets in low light and less crowded as well.

This is a very touristic event There are more tourists in the area than Japanese, but there are multiple shops and stores so it is really fun I liked the desert options in the area Be prepared to the crowd even on a weekday

Awesome street, very traditional and full of local shops. I really enjoyed all the way to the castle.

Went here at 530-6am to get some good photos without crowds. Would recommend coming back when everything is opened as well as there are a lot of cool shops.

Very nicely laid out facility. Please note where you are allowed to take photos - this should of course be out of respect. Go there, let it work on you, enjoy the nature. Amazing. Very friendly staff.

Had pretty good browsing experience here. Stores are all cute, despite the people. So many samples eating places that I was actually full. The wide variety of pickles is like heaven for pickle lovers. We can’t help but bought quite a lot. There are also nice cafes where you can rest your leg and take a cupcake.

A very touristy part of Kyoto. Loved the splendid sakura tree hanging out from the old stores. There’re tons of tourists, of course. The slightly tilted but wide stairways were easy to walk on. The Starbucks which recently opened became another trendy spot! Highly recommend this area for visitors!

Amazing place to visit any season, winter or spring, any time of day or night. You will feel and smell Japan. In the late evening when lights are on this allay is crowd less and You may enjoy lonely stroll.

Must visit if you're in Kyoto! Don't forget to check out the Starbucks there... It's *very different than any other that you've been too - only one with the brown wood sign!

Chanced upon this stretch of shops quite unexpectedly as we strolled from Nanzenji temple to Kiyomizu - it was a great find because there’s something to shop (both dine and shop) while we make our way through the stretches of temples in this Eastern part of Kyoto! Definitely recommended to everyone to try this trail/hike out, from Philosophers Path to Nanzenji to Kiyomizu 😊 and you will pass by this stretch of good pit stops to get your stomach and shopping fix! Side note: This reminds us of Jiufen Old Street in Taiwan 👍🏻

A very quaint shopping street flooded with many ladies wearing kimonos and students from all parts of Japan. The shops there were fairly interesting, many selling delicacies of all sorts. I loved the spicy steamed pork bun. Tinted an orange-red colour, the pork melts in your mouth, the bun fluffy and light. The ice cream (soft served) was also out of this world. It’s located near the top of this street but a bite of this dessert was worth the walk.

A very instragammable spot. You can see a lot of people dressed up in kimonos here. Best visited around dusk or probably dawn. Over a weekend, this place gets very crowded.

Crowded with lots of tourists for food and souvenir. You’d better be there before 9am to beat the traffics for templates visiting and photos, then when having coffee or shopping when everything is opened at 10am

Very over crowded and the stores are nothing special. However, I would highly recommend waking along the foot of the mountain as you can find some amazing gardens and temples to walk. The only thing I found on the street was as I was walking out there was a small bamboo carving stand that sold hand made bamboo items.

It is definitely worth to visit this historical street full with shops with varieties to see. The temple up in the hill Hokan jin temple. The only down is there s no much bathrooms along the street Our kids was busted to go bathroom a few times but there were only three toilets we could find : the one close to tourist bus parkings, one at the entrance of Hokan Jin Temple and one inside the temple or purchase a cup of coffee to get in.

Ninenzaka is a charming and picturesque preserved street in Kyoto. It's known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, stone-paved paths, and a historic ambiance that transports visitors to Japan's past. The street is lined with shops, teahouses, and restaurants, making it a popular spot for strolling, shopping, and experiencing Kyoto's traditional culture.

Should visit 15:00-18:00 pm for best experience the shop close after 17:30 many souvenir shop, food and shop beautiful Japanese local house.

When you visit Kyoto make sure you add this to your list. This was one of our favorite places to visit the small narrow streets get very busy but it is well worth the hustle an bustle just for the people watching alone.

Might have been just the day we were there but the crowd was overwhelming. Go up through the temple and cemetry to the main shrine on the hill. Dont attempt the village from the bottom.. too many people.

We were originally attractive by the special Starbucks shop here. But, once here, we really like this area. The houses all looked so interesting, well maintained and together, they make this area a very enjoyable walking tour.

I would definitely recommend stopping by and get a matcha at starbucks or local store AND please get the hot dorayaki cream cheese just few shops after starbucks, closer to the stairs going up, its heavenly and i havent found anything like it before! Please stay a bit longer to simple enjoy the ambience of this area.. my fav time is to go there closer to sunset time as the crowd is easing & you get to enjoy the nice quite ambience in the area after sunset :) definitely one of my fav places in kyoto

went during nighttime after 8pm so all the shops were closed/closing up. It's still a spectacle even when its dark, just makes it easier to take solo shots without any crowd in my opinion. Although it would have been nice to experience this place with all the hustle and bustle.

Its one of the iconic streets of Kyoto City, that represents Japan’s good old days.Picture perfect ,nostalgic and a historical street.This street leads to the famous Kiyomizudera Temple and also one of the main attraction of the city for its beautiful scenery.The historical stone paved streets are lined with traditional Japanese buildings, shops, cafes and inns, and are also surrounded by several famous landmarks.It also houses The World's First Tatami Starbucks.A street worth visiting to have a Japanese cultural experience.

As usual the place was full of tourists. Worth visiting the place.

Beautiful place but typically fairly crowded. You’ll see people waiting to take photos…

Super fun and authentic spot in Kyoto. Incredibly beauteful buildings, but a lot of people. I recommand going very early (7am) or late (6h30-7pm). The shops and restaurant are pretty expensive but you can find a few gems here and there (like Ichiren Kyoto Ramen !! Delicious spot).

Great old town with historical style shops along the way, great place to getaway from cities and buildings.. great place to take photos as well..

Great shops and restaurants. Nice place for a stroll and snacks along the way.

Come very early in the morning (I was there about 7am ish) you’ll get the entire place for yourself

Lovely hidden gem! A small coffee stand hidden in between two buildings along the route to the Kiyomizu Temple and nearby the Hokan-Ji pagoda. Has delicious drinks and super friendly owner. Will visit again.

A lot of intressting stores, also a small but charmful ghibli store is to be found here. If you visit Fushima Inari Shrines, you can also make a walk here and enjoy the different kinds of specialities they offer here.

Beautiful place, I do recommend to arrive early before 9 am after that the crowds start to arrive and it is hard to walk. Famous starburst will be the only thing open at 8 am.

Good if you plan to have a good experience time to know and see how look Japanese old shop at old different era.. The shop still look like the Samurai era time.. I suggest, you better buy the JR West Line ticket and you can rode all JR train from Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Kobe or Okayama area.. With that ticket, you can ride shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Okayama station.. If want to reserve any seat, you need to inform to the ticket counter first before ride the shinkansen.. Because non-reserve seat only available for 3 cars.. So, I cannot guarantee any available seatfoe that 3 cars..

Busy little street with old-style buildings. Even Starbucks is in the traditional Japanese style. Fun to walk around and reminds me a little of Lombard street.

Nice shopping street but come early if you care to just walk and enjoy the sights. By 9 AM it’s packed even though most stores don’t open until 10.

Very beautiful at night. Huge contrast to the chaotic day time scenery. Had a very nice stroll after dinner.

It is a very touristy place so do expect it to be crowded. There's many places to eat, drink and shop. Many people come early for that signature sunrise photo.