Culture
Kiyomizu-dera Kyoto
Bonson LamA world heritage temple by the Higashiyama waterfalls that predates the foundation of Kyoto
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple was founded in 778. Its history dates back over 1200 years. As a sacred place where the great compassion of the deity Kannon prevails, the temple has long been open to citizens of all classes.
Thirty Buddhist buildings stand on the site, which extends over 130,000 square meters along the central slope of Otowa Mountain in the eastern part of Kyoto, including the Main Hall of the National Treasure and many other important cultural assets. Most buildings have been destroyed by fire more than ten times since their inception. Thanks to the help of the temple believers, they have been rebuilt over and over again. Most of the current buildings were rebuilt in 1633.
In 1944, the Kiyomizu-dera Temple was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the historical monuments of ancient Kyoto.
Overview
Address
1-294 Shimizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture (Map) (Directions)Hours
6:00 - 18:30 Closed nowOpening Hours
Monday
6:00 - 18:00
Tuesday
6:00 - 18:00
Wednesday
6:00 - 18:00
Thursday
6:00 - 18:00
Friday
6:00 - 18:00
Saturday
6:00 - 18:30
Sunday
6:00 - 18:30
Holidays
6:00 - 18:30
Price
¥400~
Website
Highlights
Otowa waterfall
The waters of Otowa waterfall are divided into three separate streams. Visitors can use the cups provided at the base of the waterfall to drink from one. Each stream is believed to have a different effect: success, love, or longevity. You should only pick one though, as it is considered greedy if you were to drink from all of them.
Kiyomizu Platform
Kiyomizu’s wooden porch is a highlight for any visitor, not just for its stunning city views in any season but for its impressive construction. The porch is comprised of 168 wooden pillars and over 400 cedar floorboards, all fitted together without the use of nails, relying instead on a unique interlocking-joint system.
Jishu Shrine
Famous as the Cupid Shrine of Kyoto, this small shrine behind Kiyomizu Temple houses various gods, all who aid in finding or keeping love. There's even a love challenge: love will come easily for those who can walk blindfolded between two rocks.
Kiyomizu Zaka
This shopping street leads up to Kiyomizudera and is lined with shops, tea rooms, and restaurants serving local Kyoto-style cuisine and souvenirs. Especially famous in the area is nama-yatsuhashi, soft mochi cakes filled with red bean paste, cream, matcha, chocolate, or other seasonal fillings.
General Amenities
- Baby-friendly
Accessibility
- Barrier-free access
Internet
- Free Wi-Fi
Access
By City Bus: Get off at the Gojozaka Stop on Route 206 bound for Higasihama-dori Kitaoji Bus Terminal or Route 100 bound for Kiyomizu-dera Gion/Ginkaku-ji and walk 10 minutes. The bus can be crowded, especially after 11am and on weekends and Spring/ Autumn. Alternate route is Keihan train to Gojo and 15 minute walk via Sannenzaka, or catch a taxi.
Related Articles
18 articles
Recommended Activities
Kiyomizu-dera Autumn Illumination 2024
Autumn foliage is lit up at night at Kiyomizu-dera
Culture
Kiyomizu-dera Autumn Guide
Vicky AminMake the most of your visit at Kyoto's most famous temple, despite the large crowds.
Historical
Platform of Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Tomoko KamishimaThe Platform of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto is an icon that is truly impressive.
7
Temples & Shrines
Kiyomizu-dera in Autumn
Manish PrabhuneSpending autumn in Japan's cultural capital is one of the most beautiful memories I have of the Kansai region, and Kiyomizu-dera..
11
Temples & Shrines
Great Sunset from Kiyomizu-dera
Tomoko KamishimaOne of the great sunsets in Kyoto can be seen from the Sai-mon West Gate of Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
14
Cherry Blossoms at Kiyomizu Temple
Cathy CawoodVisit Kyoto World Heritage Site Kiyomizu Temple in springtime and enjoy the combination of beautiful old Japanese temple and cherry..
6
Temples & Shrines
Kiyomizu Temple in Early Spring
Martijn BeckersA cold spring day at Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera: the perfect place to relax and enjoy the spring weather while exploring this popular..
Culture
Kiyomizu at Dawn
John CarterNihon or Nippon translated literally means “the sun’s origin” though Land of the Rising Sun is a phrase that is commonly known..
Historical
The Ascent of Kiyomizu Temple
Alexandra DoroviciKiyomizu-dera is one of the most popular temples of Kyoto. It has been registered in 1994 on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritag..
7
Temples & Shrines
Sakura Light-up at Kiyomizu Temple
Hana JoyIn the spring, Kiyomizu Temple features a cherry blossom light-up at night, which is a truly beautiful event.
Historical
Kiyomizu Temple and Otowa Waterfall
Stefanus HusinKiyomizudera, also known as the Pure Water Temple is one of more famous temples in Japan. This temple is located up in a hill in..
Culture
Seiryu-e Dragon Festival 2024
The Seiryu-e festival is held every spring and autumn near Kiyomizu-dera. The Seiryu or blue dragon is believed to be a guardi..
7
Kyoto Higashiyama Lantern Street
Takako SakamotoKyoto Higashiyama Flower Lantern Festival: Gorgeous and mysterious views of Kiyomizu Temple looming in the dark.
Activities
Temple of Pure Water, Kyoto
Ariane MignaultThe temple is extremely popular any time of the year, especially during festivals and during New Year.
11
Temples & Shrines
Delights of Kiyomizudera Temple 1
Larry KnipfingThere are a lot of articles and photo stories here at JapanTravel focusing on Kiyomizudera, and with good reason: It is one of the..
12
Temples & Shrines
Kiyomizudera: International Hangout
Larry KnipfingKiyomizudera, Kyoto: What a surprise and pleasure. Many of the visitors that day (in late December) were not Japanese, and they..
Reviews
Help rate this location
Your experience helps others planning their trip
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Near Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Accommodation
Higashiyama-sou Ryokan Kiyomizu
Located at the foot of the eastern mountains and Kiyomizu-dera, this Ryokan really is something else.
Accommodation
Guest House Trip Sound
Welcome to Trip Sound, a small guest house that provides a perfect base for Kyoto and offers something for everyone.
Ryokan
Hotel SOWAKA
Enjoy a luxury getaway at Hotel SOWAKA, tucked away in Kyoto's Gion district just moments away from Yasaka Shrine.
Food
Japanese Sweets Afternoon Tea 2021
Past EventFor a limited time this summer, The Sodoh Higashiyama Kyoto is hosting a Japanese Sweets afternoon tea event. There will be a variety..
Food
% Arabica in Higashiyama, Kyoto
Enjoy specialty coffee at Arabica Kyoto – a stylish, artisanal third-wave coffee shop found in Kyoto's downtown Higashiyam..
7
Food
Kyoto Trattoria Minoura
Trattoria Minoura is a small restaurant near Kodai-ji Temple and Yasaka Jinja Shrine. Their weekday lunch set (1500 yen) is qu..
Culture
Kodaiji
The Kodaiji is located northeast of the Yasaka Hokanji Temple at the foot of the Higashiyama Ryozen Mountains in Kyoto. The official name of the temple..
Culture
Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park is the oldest public park in Kyoto and a popular springtime cherry blossom viewing spot. It opened in 1886 and is located next to Yasaka..
Culture
Yasaka Shrine
The Yasaka Cry, located in the Gion district in Kyoto, is often referred to as the Gion Shrine. The shrine is one of the most famous shrines in the city..