Kyoto in the Rain: A Beautiful Day on Sannenzaka and Ninnenzaka
#springitinerary There’s something incredibly enchanting about the historic streets of Sannenzaka and Ninnenzaka, especially when the weather turns rainy in autumn. These two picturesque streets lead to the famous Kiyomizudera Temple, and even on a misty, rain-soaked day, they retain their timeless beauty. The cobbled streets, lined with traditional wooden houses and charming shops, seem to come alive in the rain, offering a different side of Kyoto that’s equally captivating.
The autumn leaves, though muted by the weather, added a warm glow to the scene. The gentle drizzle created a reflective sheen on the stone path, amplifying the colors of the trees, their vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows standing out against the gray skies. Walking along these historic streets, the sound of raindrops hitting the ground and the occasional splash of puddles underfoot only enhanced the peacefulness of the area. There’s a kind of quiet magic that comes with rainy days in Kyoto—a certain tranquility that invites contemplation and makes you slow down to truly appreciate your surroundings.
As we approached Kiyomizudera, the iconic temple perched on a hillside, we could see the rain-kissed pagodas and rooftops through the mist. The temple itself looked almost ethereal, surrounded by the deep hues of autumn foliage, but what truly struck us was how this weather transformed the whole area. There was an undeniable sense of anticipation in the air, as we looked forward to how different it would feel in the spring, when the cherry blossoms would be in full bloom and the streets would be awash in shades of pink and white.
Despite the rain, there was a certain charm to Kyoto’s ancient atmosphere, enhanced by the quiet hum of nature. The subtle scent of wet earth and leaves mixed with the air of history, making it easy to imagine how this place must have felt centuries ago when it was just as peaceful and serene. Even in autumn, the area remains stunning, but we couldn’t help but picture how it would look in spring when the streets and the temple are enveloped in the soft, fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms.
For now, the beauty of Sannenzaka, Ninnenzaka, and Kiyomizudera in autumn—with its rich colors, ancient charm, and tranquil atmosphere—was a perfect way to experience Kyoto. But as we walked through the rain, we found ourselves eagerly anticipating the return to these streets come spring, when the air would be filled with the scent of cherry blossoms and the streets would once again come alive with color. Kyoto’s timeless charm is truly a year-round experience, and each season brings its own unique beauty to this incredible city.