Kiyomizu-dera Travel Guide

Free Guide: Explore Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto's historic temple with stunning views, sacred waterfalls, and ancient traditions. A must-see UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Kiyomizu-dera

A brief summary of Kiyomizu-dera

Explore Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto's historic temple with stunning views, sacred waterfalls, and ancient traditions. A must-see UNESCO World Heritage site.

Kiyomizu-dera, or 'Pure Water Temple,' is a renowned Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto, founded in 778. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it's famous for its wooden stage offering panoramic city views and the Otowa Waterfall, whose waters are believed to have healing properties.

4.5 Excellent · 53,218 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • Every day6 am–6 pm

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862
Phone
Website

Getting there

Public Transport

From Kyoto Station, take bus number 100 or 206 from the north exit. The ride to Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop takes about 15 minutes and costs ¥230. From either bus stop, it's a 10-minute uphill walk to Kiyomizu-dera. Alternatively, take the JR Nara Line to Tofukuji Station, then transfer to the Keihan Railway and get off at Kiyomizu-Gojo Station. From there, it's a 20-25 minute walk to the temple.

Taxi

A taxi from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu-dera takes approximately 10-20 minutes, depending on traffic. The fare is around ¥1,500. Note that during peak seasons, there may be a queue for taxis.

Walking

It is possible to walk from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu-dera. Head east, cross the Kamo River, and follow the signs towards Higashiyama. The walk is approximately 3.5 km and takes around 40-50 minutes. Note that the final approach to the temple involves an uphill climb.

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Overview

Kiyomizu-dera, officially Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera, has a history stretching back over 1200 years. Founded in 778 by Enchin Shonin, the temple's origins are linked to the sacred Otowa Waterfall and a vision he received. In 798, Sakanoue Tamuramaro enhanced the site, incorporating a hall from Emperor Kammu's palace. The temple transitioned in 1965 to become the head temple of the Kita-Hosso sect.Most of the current structures date back to 1633, rebuilt by Tokugawa Iemitsu. The main hall houses a statue of the eleven-faced, thousand-armed Kannon. Kiyomizu-dera's wooden stage, constructed without nails, provides stunning views, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Below the main hall, the Otowa Waterfall offers three streams of water, each believed to grant different benefits: longevity, success, and a good love life. Jishu Shrine, dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking, features two stones 18 meters apart; successfully navigating between them is said to bring good fortune in love. The Koyasu Pagoda, a three-storied structure, is associated with safe childbirth. Kiyomizu-dera is a vibrant blend of history, faith, and natural beauty.

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