What other travelers are saying about Kiyomizudera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera is truly a must-visit in Kyoto. The temple is not only beautiful, but it also offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding nature. Walking through the historic wooden halls and seeing the iconic veranda built without nails is an experience in itself. The atmosphere feels peaceful yet vibrant, especially with the sound of flowing water from the Otowa Waterfall, where visitors can drink for good fortune.
The paths leading up to the temple are lined with charming shops and local treats, which make the journey as enjoyable as the destination. Whether you go during cherry blossom season, the lush greenery of summer, or the autumn foliage, the scenery is absolutely stunning.
This is one of those places where you can truly feel the blend of culture, history, and natural beauty all at once. A highlight of Kyoto that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Japan.
Fascinating temple on the hills east of downtown Kyoto, and overlooking the entire city. The walk up is on a street with many shops and food places catered towards tourists. There are many buildings making up this location. Great spot for pictures. To get here, take one of several bus lines that pass by the location. Must see location in Kyoto.
The best shrine in Kyoto, definitely a must-see before you die. I would come here just for this place alone. I’ve been here twice, and each time I was equally impressed.
At the top, there’s one restaurant where I tried the buckwheat noodles. They may not have been the best I’ve ever had, but the view and the ambiance made it absolutely worth it. Down below, there’s also a small tea house that serves shaved ice in the summer.
We visited during the summer, but I imagine the fall season would be even more breathtaking.
Beautiful. Incredible view. Be forewarned, this place is teeming with tourists so if you are looking for a more serene atmosphere I would consider going to a different temple. It was a hot day so they had water sprayers to keep the visitors cool which was nice. Overall it’s lovely but the amount of people detract a bit from the vibe.
One of Kyoto’s most iconic temples and absolutely worth the visit. The walk up is lined with charming shops and food stalls, and once you reach the top, the temple grounds open up with stunning views over the city. The wooden stage is especially impressive and makes for great photos. It can get very crowded, so going early in the morning or later in the day is best. A must-see for history, culture, and breathtaking scenery in Kyoto.
Kiyomizu-dera is renowned for its stunning architecture, historical significance, and spectacular views over Kyoto. The temple's main hall, with its large wooden stage that juts out over the hillside, is a feat of engineering from the Edo period, built without the use of nails. The site's cultural and historical value, along with its connection to Japanese spirituality and its picturesque setting, contribute to its fame.
Kiyomizu-dera occasionally opens its doors for special night viewings, particularly during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn leaves season. These night viewings are a unique opportunity to see the temple illuminated against the night sky, offering a different perspective from the daytime.
During special night viewing periods, the illumination usually begins after sunset and continues until around 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM. The exact times can vary, so it's best to check the temple's official website for the most current information.
A thorough visit to Kiyomizu-dera, including the main hall, surrounding shrines, and the Jishu Shrine dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking, can take around 1 to 2 hours, depending on the crowd and how much time you spend at each spot.
Kiyomizu-dera is accessible by bus from Kyoto Station. You can take the city bus and get off at the Kiyomizu-michi or Gojo-zaka stop, then walk up the hill to the temple. While there's no direct train station nearby, the Keihan Line's Kiyomizu-Gojo Station is within walking distance, about a 20-minute walk to the temple.
