Kiyomizu-Dera Otowanotaki Falls
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Kiyomizu-dera: Kyoto's Iconic Pure Water Temple
Discover Kyoto's iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple: panoramic views, ancient traditions, and the pure waters of Otowa Waterfall.
Kiyomizu-dera, the 'Pure Water Temple,' is a captivating Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto, founded in 778. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it's famed for its wooden stage offering panoramic city views and the Otowa Waterfall, whose waters are believed to have therapeutic properties.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Kiyomizu-dera
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Kyoto, 1 Chome Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, JP
Monday
6 am-6 pm
Tuesday
6 am-6 pm
Wednesday
6 am-6 pm
Thursday
6 am-6 pm
Friday
6 am-6 pm
Saturday
6 am-6 pm
Sunday
6 am-6 pm
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Kyoto Station, take bus number 100 or 206 to Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop. The bus ride takes about 15 minutes and costs ¥230. From either bus stop, it is a 10-minute uphill walk to Kiyomizu-dera. Alternatively, take the JR Nara Line to Tofukuji Station, 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
From Kyoto Station, a taxi to Kiyomizu-dera takes approximately 15 minutes, depending on traffic. The fare typically ranges from ¥1,600 to ¥2,000. Note that traffic can be heavy, especially on weekends and holidays.
Walking
From Kiyomizu-Gojo Station on the Keihan Line, walk east along Gojo street. In approximately 10 minutes, you'll reach the Gojo-zaka Intersection. Continue uphill for another 10 minutes to reach Kiyomizu-dera. The walk is about 20 minutes in total.
Local tips
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Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and experience a more peaceful atmosphere.
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Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a 10-minute uphill walk from the bus stops to the temple entrance.
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Stay hydrated, especially during summer, as Kyoto can be hot and humid.
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Check the temple's website for special events and seasonal illuminations.
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Be respectful of the temple's religious significance by following the rules and maintaining silence in prayer areas.
Discover more about Kiyomizu-dera
Kiyomizu-dera, officially Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera, has a rich history dating back to 778 AD. According to legend, the monk Enchin Shonin was instructed in a dream to seek a pure water spring, leading him to Mount Otowa where he encountered a hermit and received a sacred tree to carve a Kannon statue. The temple's origins are linked to Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, who built a temple around the waterfall as atonement for taking lives.
Most of the current buildings were constructed in 1633 by Tokugawa Iemitsu, showcasing remarkable architecture without using a single nail. The main hall, a National Treasure, features a large wooden stage that juts out from the hillside, supported by massive pillars. This stage provides breathtaking views of Kyoto and is a prime spot to witness the city's seasonal beauty, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
Other key features include the Otowa Waterfall, where visitors can drink from three separate streams believed to grant health, longevity, and success. Jishu Shrine, dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking, is also located on the grounds. Here, visitors can test their luck in love by attempting to walk between two stones with their eyes closed. The temple also holds special evening illuminations during the cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons.
A brief summary to Kiyomizu-dera
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