【Uma Musume Pretty Derby】Complete Sacred Site Pilgrimage Guide to Sannenzaka and Surrounding Areas in Kyoto
Introduction: The Relationship Between Uma Musume and Kyoto’s Sannenzaka
“Uma Musume Pretty Derby” is a popular work with horse racing as its motif, and various real-world locations beyond racetracks appear throughout the series. Among these, the area around Sannenzaka in Kyoto Prefecture has become an important setting in the work’s worldview, attracting many fans for sacred site pilgrimages.
Sannenzaka (三年坂) is a historic stone-paved slope that leads to Kiyomizu Temple, one of Kyoto’s representative tourist destinations. Formally also called “Sannen-zaka,” the surrounding area features traditional townhouses and offers an atmosphere distinctive to Kyoto.
This article provides detailed information to help Uma Musume fans maximize their enjoyment of sacred site pilgrimages around Sannenzaka in Kyoto.
What is Uma Musume Pretty Derby?
“Uma Musume Pretty Derby” is a multimedia content project developed by Cygames. The series features “Uma Musume”—beautiful girls who are transformed versions of actual racehorses—competing in races called the Twinkle Series for victory. Since the first season of the television anime aired in 2018, the work has expanded across multiple platforms including game applications, manga, and anime sequels.
The appeal of the work lies in its faithful recreation of actual horse racing history and drama while carefully depicting the growth, friendship, and rivalry of the Uma Musume. Not only horse racing fans but also viewers unfamiliar with horse racing can enjoy the content, making it a highly acclaimed work that creates familiarity with the world of horse racing.
In the anime and games, actual racetracks and related facilities are faithfully reproduced, including the Tokyo Racecourse, Nakayama Racecourse, Hanshin Racecourse, and Kyoto Racecourse, all appearing as stages throughout the country. Additionally, various real-world locations have been incorporated into the work, starting with the Fuchu area that served as the model for Tracen Academy.
Scenes of Kyoto’s Sannenzaka Area Appearing in Uma Musume
The area around Kyoto’s Sannenzaka appears as a background in the anime “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” when Uma Musume visit Kyoto. The historic slope and surrounding scenery are depicted in episodes related to races at Kyoto Racecourse and daily scenes of characters.
In the work, the characteristic stone-paved slope of Sannenzaka, traditional townhouses standing on both sides, and distant views of Kyoto’s cityscape are rendered in detail. Due to the high degree of correspondence with actual scenery, it has become a popular sacred site pilgrimage spot.
In the anime’s background art, the unique atmosphere of Sannenzaka—the texture of stone steps, the appearance of old buildings, the gradient of the slope—is reproduced down to the finest details, allowing visitors to experience the excitement of “this is exactly the place” when visiting.
Basic Information About Sannenzaka (Sannen-zaka)
History and Cultural Background
Sannenzaka is a historic slope that has long served as a pilgrimage route to Kiyomizu Temple, with many people passing through over the centuries. The name “Sannenzaka” is said to derive from the use of the character for “childbirth” (産) because it was a pilgrimage route to Kiyomizu Temple’s Koyasu Tower, associated with prayers for safe childbirth. It is also called “Sannen-zaka,” and there is a folk belief that falling on this slope results in death within three years, though this is said to be a cautionary tale about the slope’s hazards.
The area surrounding the slope is designated as a “Traditional Wooden Townhouse Preservation District” by Kyoto City, and many townhouses from the Edo period through the Meiji period are preserved. The stone-paved road, lattice-doored townhouses, and rows of souvenir shops maintain Kyoto’s distinctive landscape.
Location and Access Methods
Address
Near Kiyomizu 2-chome, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access by Nearest Stations
- By City Bus from Kyoto Station
- Board Kyoto City Bus routes 206 or 100
- Get off at “Kiyomizu-michi” or “Gojo-zaka” bus stop
- 10-minute walk to Sannenzaka entrance
- Total time: approximately 30 minutes (including bus travel)
- By Keihan Railway
- Get off at “Kiyomizu-Gojo Station” on the Keihan Main Line
- 20-minute walk
- Many slopes, so comfortable shoes are recommended
- By Hankyu Railway
- Get off at “Kawaramachi Station” on the Hankyu Kyoto Line
- 25-minute walk or transfer to city bus
By Car
The Sannenzaka area is a tourist destination with limited parking. Using paid parking nearby or using public transportation is strongly recommended. Especially during tourist seasons (spring cherry blossoms, autumn foliage), expect significant congestion.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage: Specific Photography Spots
The Stone Steps of Sannenzaka
The main stone steps of Sannenzaka are an impressively depicted location in the anime. Both the perspective looking down from the top and looking up from the bottom are likely to appear in the work.
Photography Tips
- Early morning (7:00-8:00 AM) has fewer tourists, making clean photographs easier
- Be aware of angles that capture the stone steps’ texture and surrounding townhouses
- Shooting from the middle of the slope yields depth-filled compositions
Precautions
- During busy hours, be considerate of other visitors
- Avoid using tripods during congested times
- Stone steps are slippery; avoid getting so absorbed in photography that you trip
The Junction with Ninenzaka
Sannenzaka connects with Ninenzaka (Ninen-zaka), and this junction point has a distinctive landscape. The unique spatial composition where multiple slopes intersect is a distinctly Kyoto experience.
Photography Tips
- Compositions overlooking multiple directions from the slope’s branch point
- Surrounding townhouses and shop signs are important for creating atmosphere
- Different seasons present different expressions (cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, autumn foliage, snow)
Surrounding Townhouses and Streetscape
Along Sannenzaka, traditional Kyoto townhouses converted into souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, and more stand in succession. The harmonious combination of lattice doors, tiled roofs, and stone paving is likely the model for the anime’s background art.
Photography Tips
- Photograph townhouse exteriors while being considerate of business operations
- Compose with awareness of the combination of stone paving and buildings
- Hanging lanterns and noren curtains at eaves are important elements in creating Kyoto atmosphere
Precautions and Etiquette During Visits
Manners as a Tourist Destination
Sannenzaka is one of Kyoto’s representative tourist destinations, attracting not only Japanese tourists but also international visitors. When enjoying sacred site pilgrimages, observe the following etiquette.
- Don’t Obstruct Traffic
Don’t stand in the middle of the slope absorbed in photography
- Respect Private Property
Don’t trespass on private residences or business property
- Be Mindful of Noise
As it’s also a residential area, avoid loud conversation or disturbances
- Take Trash With You
Few trash cans in the area, so carry your own trash away
- Respect Shop Etiquette
If entering a shop to photograph, always ask for permission from staff
Avoiding Crowded Hours
Sannenzaka attracts tourists year-round, but certain periods and times are particularly busy.
Busy Periods
- Spring (late March to early May): Cherry blossom and fresh foliage season
- Autumn (November): Autumn foliage season
- Golden Week, Obon, year-end and New Year holidays
Relatively Quiet Times
- Early morning (7:00-9:00 AM): Before shops open, ideal for exterior photography
- Weekday mornings
- Winter (mid-January to February): Fewer tourists, allowing peaceful pilgrimages
Recommended Clothing and Items
Recommended Attire
- Comfortable walking shoes (avoid heels due to slopes and stone steps)
- Seasonally appropriate clothing (summers are hot, winters have a penetrating chill)
- Non-slip soles for rainy weather
Packing Checklist
- Camera or smartphone (sufficient charge)
- Screenshots of relevant anime scenes (for comparison)
- Map application (Google Maps, etc.)
- Drinks (especially in summer)
- Rain gear (Kyoto has sudden rain)
Surrounding Tourist Attractions
Kiyomizu Temple
At the top of Sannenzaka lies Kiyomizu Temple, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. From its main hall, famous for the “Kiyomizu Stage,” you can view Kyoto’s cityscape.
Basic Information
- Viewing hours: 6:00 AM-6:00 PM (varies by season)
- Admission: ¥400 (adults)
- Time needed: 1-2 hours
Yasaka Tower (Hokanji Temple)
A five-story pagoda located about 5 minutes’ walk from Sannenzaka, it’s an iconic symbol of Kyoto. Its harmony with the surrounding streetscape is beautiful and popular as a photography spot.
Kodai Temple
A temple founded by Nene, the principal consort of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, known for its beautiful gardens and illuminations. About 10 minutes’ walk from Sannenzaka.
Nene no Michi
A stone-paved pathway leading to Kodai Temple, offering a quiet and calm atmosphere different from Sannenzaka, allowing visitors to enjoy a different aspect of Kyoto’s charm.
Other Uma Musume Sacred Sites Within Kyoto Prefecture
Kyoto Racecourse
One of the most important settings in Uma Musume, the actual racecourse where numerous racing scenes from the work are set, allowing visitors to experience the actual racing atmosphere.
Address
32 Yoshima-Watariba Island Town, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access
- About 20 minutes by Keihan Bus from JR Kyoto Station
- About 3-minute walk from Keihan Railway’s “Yodo Station”
Race Days
Open only on racing days (check the Japan Racing Association website for annual schedule)
Admission
¥200 (free for ages under 15)
Mirono-mori Kamo Shrine (Shiga Prefecture)
A shrine that appears in Uma Musume works, located in Shiga Prefecture adjacent to Kyoto Prefecture. While distant from Sannenzaka, many fans visit this site in combination with Kyoto tourism.
Dining and Rest Spots
Cafes Around Sannenzaka
Numerous cafes and restaurants where visitors can rest between pilgrimage activities line Sannenzaka.
Recommended Cafes
- Kyoto-style Townhouse Cafes
Cafes in converted traditional townhouses serving matcha sweets and Japanese confectionery
- Cafes with Good Views
Located partway up the slope, offering views of Kyoto’s cityscape during breaks
- Light Meal Venues
Serving Kyoto specialties like yudofu (hot pot tofu) and kaiseki (traditional multi-course cuisine)
Kyoto Cuisine
Famous Dishes
- Yudofu (hot pot tofu)
- Kyoto pickles
- Matcha sweets
- Yatsuhashi (cinnamon-flavored confectionery)
- Kyoto cuisine
Many restaurants around Sannenzaka serve these Kyoto specialties. Enjoy Kyoto’s food culture alongside sacred site pilgrimages.
Accommodation Information
Hotels and Ryokan Around Sannenzaka
If completing sacred site pilgrimages in Kyoto in one day is difficult, consider staying overnight. Various types of accommodations are available around Sannenzaka.
Types of Accommodations
- Traditional Kyoto Townhouse Inns
Experience Kyoto atmosphere in converted traditional townhouses
- Luxury Ryokan
Enjoy Kyoto cuisine and hot springs
- Business Hotels
Numerous near Kyoto Station with convenient access
- Guesthouses
Budget-friendly accommodation options
Accommodation in Surrounding Areas
The Gion and Kawaramachi areas within walking distance of Sannenzaka are also convenient for lodging. Alternatively, staying near Kyoto Station and commuting daily to Sannenzaka by bus is an option.
Combining with Other Sacred Sites
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Routes in Kyoto, Osaka, and Hyogo
Uma Musume sacred sites are concentrated in the Kansai region, allowing visitors to efficiently visit multiple sites.
2-Night, 3-Day Model Plan
Day 1: Kyoto
- Morning: Sacred site pilgrimage around Sannenzaka
- Afternoon: Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka Shrine, nearby sightseeing
- Evening: Kyoto Racecourse (if racing)
Day 2: Osaka and Hyogo
- Morning: Sacred sites in Osaka
- Afternoon: Hanshin Racecourse (if racing)
- Evening: Kobe area sightseeing
Day 3: Shiga
- Morning: Mirono-mori Kamo Shrine
- Afternoon: Lake Biwa sightseeing
Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto
Shinkansen
- Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station approximately 2 hours 15 minutes
- Nozomi is fastest
- Cost: Approximately ¥13,000 per direction (reserved seat)
Airplane
- Haneda Airport to Itami or Kansai International Airport
- Flight time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
- LCC (Peach Aviation, etc.) reduces costs
- Consider airport-to-Kyoto travel time
Highway Bus
- Most economical travel option
- Travel time: Approximately 8 hours
- Night buses save on accommodation costs
Seasonal Attractions
Spring (March to May)
Cherry Blossom Season
- Cherry blossoms around Sannenzaka are beautiful
- Kiyomizu Temple’s blossoms are spectacular
- Prepare for crowds, though it’s the most vibrant season
Summer (June to August)
Fresh Greenery and Festivals
- Lush green foliage photographs well
- Gion Festival (July) is especially crowded
- Heat measures necessary (Kyoto summers are extremely hot)
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn Foliage Season
- Sannenzaka area foliage is magnificent
- Mid to late November is peak
- Busy comparable to spring
Winter (December to February)
Quiet Kyoto
- Fewer tourists, allowing leisurely pilgrimages
- Snowy Sannenzaka has its own charm
- Essential cold weather precautions
Photography Techniques and SNS Posting
How to Photograph Sacred Sites
Tips for Comparative Photography
- Find angles matching anime scenes
- Consider time of day and weather (shoot in matching conditions)
- Use wide-angle lenses to capture surrounding atmosphere
Composition Points
- Utilize stone step texture
- Emphasize rows of townhouses
- Blue sky and cloud formations are important elements
Sharing on SNS
These hashtags are effective when sharing sacred site pilgrimage records on SNS:
- #ウマ娘
- #ウマ娘聖地巡礼
- #産寧坂
- #京都観光
- #聖地巡礼
- #舞台探訪
Posting Precautions
- Prevent personal information from appearing in photos
- Blur faces of other tourists appearing in images
- Carefully consider location sharing
Recording Your Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage Notebook
Recording visited locations, dates, weather, and photographs in a notebook is convenient for later reflection. Both digital and analog methods work; choose what suits you.
Creating a Pilgrimage Map
Using Google Maps’ My Maps feature allows marking visited sacred sites. This is useful for future visits and sharing information with other fans.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Sacred Site Pilgrimage Experience at Sannenzaka
The area around Kyoto’s Sannenzaka is a precious sacred site where you can experience the world of Uma Musume Pretty Derby. The historic stone-paved slope, traditional townhouses, and Kyoto’s distinctive atmosphere further enhance the work’s appeal.
To recap the key points for a successful pilgrimage:
- Thorough Preparation
Confirm anime scenes and identify pilgrimage locations
- Avoiding Crowds
Target early mornings, weekdays, and off-seasons
- Respecting Etiquette
Remember it’s both a tourist destination and residential area
- Enjoying Surrounding Tourism
Experience Kyoto’s attractions like Kiyomizu Temple and Yasaka Shrine
- Combining Other Sacred Sites
Visit Kyoto Racecourse and other Kansai sacred sites
- Seasonal Timing
Cherry blossoms and foliage seasons are beautiful but crowded
- Recording Memories
Preserve pilgrimage memories through photos and diaries
Uma Musume Pretty Derby is a work that creates familiarity with the world of horse racing while rediscovering beautiful locations throughout Japan. Through sacred site pilgrimages at Sannenzaka, your understanding of the work deepens and appreciation for Kyoto’s charm is renewed.
There’s a special emotion when the anime’s world intersects with real-world locations. Please use this guide as reference and enjoy a wonderful sacred site pilgrimage journey.
Reference Information
Official Websites
- Uma Musume Pretty Derby Official Website
- Kyoto City Tourism Association
- Japan Racing Association (JRA)
Related Books
- Various anime sacred site pilgrimage guidebooks
- Kyoto tourism guidebooks
Applications
- Butai Meguri (sacred site pilgrimage support app)
- Google Maps (My Maps feature)
May your sacred site pilgrimage at Sannenzaka become an unforgettable memory. Fully appreciate the world of Uma Musume and savor Kyoto’s charm. Have a good trip!
