Kiyomizudera Temple

Religious spot

★ 4.9 (36K+ reviews) • 476K+ booked

Kiyomizu-dera, also known as the “Pure Water Temple,” is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. Located in Kyoto Prefecture, this historic temple is renowned for its Kiyomizu Stage, panoramic views, and rich cultural heritage. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, it attracts millions of visitors annually who come to admire its spacious grounds, explore temple buildings, and experience traditional Japanese culture in a relaxed atmosphere.

1-chōme-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan

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4.9 /5

36K+ reviews

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클룩 회원

11 Sep

This trip was even more special and precious thanks to our guide, Hye Kang! Thank you so much. You shared so many great tips, making our trip fulfilling and incredibly informative! You were also considerate, making sure we could rest as much as possible when we were tired from traveling, and you recommended the very back seats for us (?), even though it seemed like we might be cramped. I was so touched that from the very beginning of the trip, you observed what each person preferred and what would be best for them, and tried to accommodate everyone's needs. Fortunately, at each travel destination, it wasn't as crowded as other days, and there wasn't much traffic, making it a perfect trip! I think it will get more crowded as the autumn season approaches. The Cheiz photographers are easy to spot because they wear the same sky-blue hats. They're waiting at the photo zones, and if photos are important to you, it's best to take them first before doing anything else! Anyway, all the photographers were friendly and took beautiful pictures, which was great! Sign up for Cheiz membership in advance, and show the photographer your My Page screen with your account logged in. They will verify it on the spot and take your picture. Do it in advance!! Anyway, if I go to Kobe, Nara, or Fukuoka again, I would trust and use Youtuber's other travel packages, that's how satisfied I was! Oh, and if you haven't already, make sure to allow friend requests via your KakaoTalk phone number, as you need to be added to the travel group chat in advance. For meals, you'll have plenty of time in Arashiyama, which is the first stop, and the guide will recommend several restaurants and cafes for you to choose from. They even helped us make a reservation, so we were able to eat right away without waiting! I chose the eel덮밥 (eel rice bowl), and it was so delicious that I keep thinking about it, especially since it was my first time having it! When we came out after eating, it was much more crowded, and I saw people waiting! After eating, you should go to % Arabica nearby for a cup of coffee and enjoy the sights. You don't have to doubt whether this product is worth it; just use it! Highly satisfied ❤️ Highly recommend ❤️

Klook User

11 Sep

We had a great time on our walking tour with Naoya! We never do this sort of thing but because the streets are busy and a little overwhelming, seeing all the sights can be difficult without a guide. It was great to learn about things we otherwise would have missed! We had three strollers in our group, and Naoya as well as other tour members helped us all up the stairs. Even our 4 year old twins had a great time. I highly recommend experiencing Gion with this tour.

Klook User

11 Sep

the service is good and the quality is great

Huang *******

10 Sep

The sunlight made Kinkaku-ji sparkle, and the tour guide provided a very detailed introduction in both Chinese and English 👍

Klook User

10 Sep

We loved it! Pro tip: Make sure to reserve enough time to find the meeting point as it's just a little bit confusing to find. Other than that everything went smoothly! 👌🏻

클룩 회원

10 Sep

I booked a tour package for the first time, and it was more fulfilling than I expected. The explanations were great, and I had so many amazing experiences in just one day! I highly recommend this for those who want to create a diverse plan and itinerary within a short timeframe. Songran Lee, our tour guide for today, is fluent in Korean and provided excellent historical context and explanations, which allowed me to gain a lot of knowledge. Thank you! 👍👍 The best~!

LEE ********

10 Sep

The timing was great, with point-to-point transportation and enough time to visit each attraction. Our guide, Amy, was meticulous and professional, with clear explanations and seamless bilingual communication. Thumbs up!

Hà **

10 Sep

Great value, beautiful scenery, wonderful

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What is Kiyomizu-dera famous for?

Is it better to go to Kiyomizu-dera in the morning or at night?

Was Kiyomizu-dera built without nails?

Is Kiyomizu-dera worth visiting?

Can you wear shorts at Kiyomizu-dera?

Kiyomizu-dera Must-See Attractions

Kiyomizu Stage (Butai)

The iconic wooden stage, also called the Kiyomizu Stage extends 13 meters over the hillside, built entirely without nails, a masterpiece of Japanese carpentry from the Edo Period. Visitors enjoy stunning views of Kyoto, cherry blossoms, and autumn foliage from this elevated wooden platform.

Otowa Waterfall (Otowa no Taki)

Flowing beneath Kiyomizudera's main hall, the Otowa Waterfall divides into three streams, each said to grant blessings in longevity, academic success, and love. Pilgrims often visit to pray for safe childbirth or personal aspirations.

Koyasu Pagoda

This storied pagoda, located on the east side of the temple complex, is associated with safe childbirth prayers and is a visually striking example of traditional temple architecture.

Principal Image and Temple Halls

Inside Kiyomizudera's main hall, see the principal image of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Explore Okunoin Hall, a national treasure, and other temple buildings that reflect the early Heian Period architectural style.

Jishu Shrine

Located within the temple complex, Jishu Shrine is dedicated to love and matchmaking. In front of the shrine are two stones, and legend says walking from one stone to the other with eyes closed brings good fortune in love.

Kiyomizu Yaki Pottery

Visitors can explore the temple's surrounding area for traditional crafts, including Kiyomizu Yaki pottery, a local ceramic art form dating back centuries.

Kiyomizu Temple Visitor Tips

When is the best time to visit Kiyomizu Temple?

The ideal times to visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple are during the spring and autumn seasons. In late March to early April, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, creating a picturesque setting. Similarly, from mid-November to early December, the autumn leaves transform the area into a vibrant tapestry of colors.

How to get to Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto?

You can easily reach Kiyomizu-dera Temple from JR Kyoto Station by taking bus number 206. You can be dropped off at either Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop, and from there, it's a ten-minute uphill walk to the temple. Alternatively, you can take a taxi for a more direct route. For rail access, Kiyomizu Gojo Station on the Keihan Railway Line is a convenient option for travelers.

What are the operating hours of Kiyomizu Temple?

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours until 6:30 PM in July and August. During special evening illuminations, the temple remains open until 9:30 PM, with the last entry at 9:00 PM.

How long should I spend at Kiyomizu Temple?

If you're on the go, a quick tour of Kiyomizu Temple will take around 30 minutes. However, for a more in-depth exploration of the temple grounds, set aside about two hours to fully explore all the sites at the temple complex.

Brief History of Kiyomizu-dera

Founded in 778 AD, Kiyomizu-dera has a rich history spanning over a millennium. The temple was rebuilt in 1633 during the Edo Period, resulting in the structures we see today. Its spacious grounds and Kiyomizu Stage demonstrate the ingenuity of Japanese wooden architecture. The temple's name, "Kiyomizu," means pure water, inspired by the sacred Otowa Waterfall beneath the main hall.

Nearby Attractions to Kiyomizu-dera

After exploring Kiyomizu-dera Temple, visitors can enjoy several iconic attractions located just a short walk away. These spots offer a deeper dive into Kyoto's historic Higashiyama district, filled with charm, tradition, and scenic beauty.

Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka

Charming, stone-paved streets lined with traditional crafts and shops, perfect for souvenirs and local snacks.

Kodaiji Temple

A Zen temple famous for gardens and seasonal illumination events, located a short walk from Kiyomizu-dera.

Gion District

Kyoto's historic geisha quarter offers traditional tea houses, street photography opportunities, and cultural performances. Nearby, you'll also find Yasaka Shrine, an important Shinto site and the centerpiece of Kyoto's famous Gion Matsuri Festival.

Maruyama Park

Close to Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park is one of the city's most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing in spring, making it an ideal addition to your Kiyomizu-dera itinerary.

Kyoto Imperial Palace

For those exploring more of Kyoto Prefecture, the Kyoto Imperial Palace is another must-visit attraction, showcasing Japan's imperial history, elegant gardens, and refined architecture.

More Places To Visit In Japan

If you want to explore more beautiful places in Japan, check out Arashiyama, Nara Park, Shirakawago or Asakusa.

Kiyomizudera Temple