The Curse of Sannen-zaka Slope三年坂
On the road to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, there is a slope called Sannen-zaka, or "Three-years'" Slope. It is also known as Sannei-zaka Slope, "the slope of safe delivery," for it leads to Koyasu Pagoda, where expecting mothers may pray for a healthy birth.
There has long been an urban legend associated with Sannen- zaka Slope, which is that if one should have a fall there, you will die within three years. To safeguard against this, visitors are recommended to take a gourd along with them, as this is said to serve as a sort of lucky charm.
Why a gourd, you might ask? The reason is that the dried shell of this fruit will capture and return your spirit should it escape your body in the event of a fall.
At least, that is what people believe.
With the long war at an end, I have finally returned home, where my dear wife waited for me so patiently. Now I have taken over her family business, which has put us on a firm footing as we enter this new peaceful era.
Sadly, my leg was wounded in battle, and though a year has passed, I still move with great difficulty. But that is a trifling complaint really. I feel nothing but gratitude for how life has turned out.
...Hm? Why are you smiling like that, my dear? Did something happen. What's that? You're pregnant? Why, that's wonderful news! There shall be one more to share in our happiness!
長い戦が終わりを告げ、 ようやく私は妻がいる我が家へ帰還した。 戦では足を負傷してしまい、 一年経った今も歩くのには不自由している。 しかし、妻の実家である商家を継いで、 夫婦で過ごす平和な時間…。 戦いのない日々が、これほどにありがたいとは…。 …む？ 妻よ、嬉しそうな顔をしてどうした？ なんと、妊娠！？ それはめでたい！ 家族がひとり、 増えるのだな！
My husband was thrilled to hear that I am with child. He said that, as soon as I'm feeling ready, we should go to Kiyomizu-dera Temple to pray for a healthy birth. But to get there, we will need to climb Sannen-zaka, Three-years' Slope.
But what if my poor husband were to take a tumble? His leg's still giving him terrible trouble, and everyone knows that if you fall on that slope, you will die within three years. I simply don't know what I would do if I were to lose him!
I wonder why my wife's so hesitant about going to Kiyomizu-dera Temple... Oh, wait! That must be it! She's anxious about my leg, and fears that I'll have a fall!
Well, there's nothing to fear. As a man who is soon to be a father, I can't allow myself to be afraid of a mere slope!
Help! Help! My husband had a fall on Sannen-zaka Slope! And it's my fault! I stumbled, and he was trying to make sure I didn't hurt myself. What do I do!? What do I do!?
...Ah? What do you mean I needn't worry? Because of this gourd you gave me at the bottom of the hill? I figured it must have been some kind of charm. So you really think it's going to be OK? What a relief!
- Where
- Yasaka Pagoda district
- Map
- Eastern Kyoto
- Region
- Eastern Kyoto
- Hand in to
- Lady Murasaki, Yasaka Shrine