World and Lore / Kyoto mystery

The Curse of Sannen-zaka Slope

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.