Kiyomizudera Temple

Getting to Kiyomizu Temple

You can easily reach Kiyomizu-dera Temple from JR Kyoto Station by taking bus number 206. Get off at either Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop, and from there, it's a ten-minute uphill walk to the temple. Alternatively, take a taxi for a more direct route. Many visitors also walk from nearby neighborhoods, enjoying the scenic approach.

Kiyomizu Temple Opening Hours

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.

If you're short on time, a quick visit takes about 30 minutes. For a more comprehensive experience across the temple grounds, plan for about two hours to explore all the highlights.

Must-Visit Attractions at Kiyomizu Temple

Butai (Kiyomizu's Wooden Stage)

Discover the extraordinary wooden stage complex of Kiyomizu-dera, showcasing 168 pillars and providing breathtaking vistas of Kyoto. Crafted without the use of nails, this architectural wonder is a national treasure that symbolizes pure traditional Japanese craftsmanship. During cherry blossom season, the view from the stage becomes even more magical, with soft pink petals blanketing the surrounding hills.

Three Story Pagoda

Be amazed by the majestic three-story pagoda, one of Japan's tallest. This iconic structure stands proudly among the temple buildings, full of intricate details and symbolic elements that tell the story of the temple's rich history and cultural importance.

Bell Tower

Visit the colorful bell tower, surrounded by chrysanthemum flowers and centuries of tradition. On New Year's Eve, visitors can witness the bell-ringing ceremony, a symbolic ritual that marks the passage of time. This tower is part of what makes Kiyomizu-dera a widely worshiped holy place in Japan.

Jishu Shrine

Jishu Shrine is devoted to the deity of love and matchmaking. Located in front of the shrine are two stones set 18 meters apart. Legend has it that going from one stone to the other with closed eyes brings luck in love. Alternatively, having someone assist you on this journey signifies the need for a mediator in your romantic endeavors. Enhance your cultural experience with kimono rental, available nearby, to walk the grounds in traditional attire.

Otowa Waterfall

Located at the base of Kiyomizu-dera's main hall, discover the Otowa Waterfall, where water cascades into three distinct streams. Visitors use long-poled cups to sip from the streams, each believed to offer blessings of longevity, academic success, or romantic luck. While tempting, drinking from all three streams is traditionally seen as greedy.

Okunoin Hall

Make sure to explore Okunoin Hall, a peaceful and sacred part of the temple complex often less crowded than the main stage. It offers a reflective space with historical significance, adding depth to your visit to this Japanese equivalent of a spiritual retreat.

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 blossom season transforms the temple into a picturesque wonderland. Similarly, from mid-November to early December, vibrant autumn leaves create a stunning backdrop.