Kiyomizu-dera: A Spiritual Sanctuary in Kyoto
Explore Kiyomizu-dera, an iconic Buddhist temple in Kyoto, renowned for its stunning wooden stage and breathtaking views of seasonal landscapes.
Kiyomizu-dera is a breathtaking Buddhist temple in Kyoto, renowned for its stunning wooden stage and panoramic views of cherry and maple trees. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it offers a serene escape and rich cultural experiences for tourists.
A brief summary to Kiyomizu-dera
- 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Kyoto, 1 Chome Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, JP
- +8175-551-1234
- Visit website
- 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
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.
- Don't forget your camera; the views from the wooden stage are stunning, especially during cherry blossom season.
- Explore the surrounding streets for traditional crafts and local snacks to enhance your cultural experience.
- Consider taking a guided tour to learn about the temple's history and significance.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the temple is located on a hillside with many steps and paths to explore.
Getting There
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Car
If you are driving from Settsu, take the Hanshin Expressway Route 13 heading towards Osaka. Merge onto the Kyoto Line and follow the signs for Kyoto. Once you reach Kyoto, follow the signs to Higashiyama Ward. There are several parking lots available near Kiyomizu-dera, but they can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Expect to pay around 1000-2000 yen for parking.
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Public Transportation - Train
From Settsu, head to the nearest train station, such as Settsu-Tonda Station. Take the Hankyu Takarazuka Line to Kawaramachi Station. From Kawaramachi, transfer to the Kyoto City Bus #100 or #206. These buses will take you directly to the Kiyomizu-dera bus stop. The total travel time should be around 50 minutes, and the bus fare will be approximately 230 yen.
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Public Transportation - Bus
If you prefer taking a direct bus from Settsu to Kiyomizu-dera, check if there are any local buses that connect to Kyoto. You may need to take a local bus to a nearby train station (like Takatsuki Station), then transfer to a train heading towards Kyoto. Once in Kyoto, use the Kyoto City Bus #100 or #206 to reach Kiyomizu-dera. As this can vary significantly depending on the local bus schedule, plan accordingly and check the local timetable.
Discover more about Kiyomizu-dera
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