Nene no Michi: A Stroll Through Old Kyoto

Nene no Michi, nestled in Kyoto's Higashiyama Ward, is a beautifully preserved pedestrian path that evokes the spirit of old Kyoto. Named after Nene, the wife of the powerful 16th-century warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the path offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Nene, also known as Kita no Mandokoro, founded Kodai-ji Temple in 1606 in memory of her husband, and spent her last 19 years at Entokuin Temple, a sub-temple of Kodai-ji. The 400-meter-long flagstone pathway stretches from Sannenzaka to Ninen-zaka, near Maruyama Park in Gion. The absence of overhead wires and garish signs, thanks to Kyoto's building codes, enhances the street's historical ambiance. Along the way, visitors can explore temples like Kodai-ji, Entokuin, and Gesshin-in, as well as the impressive Gion-kaku Tower of Daiun-in Temple. Nene no Michi is particularly enchanting during cherry blossom season and autumn when the surrounding foliage bursts into color. Quaint shops and tea houses line the path, offering local delicacies and handmade crafts. The adjacent Ishibei-koji Alley is another highlight, featuring picture-perfect wooden homes, restaurants, and traditional Japanese inns. A stroll along Nene no Michi offers a serene and immersive experience of Kyoto's rich history and cultural heritage.