Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Kyoto’s must-see attractions. It’s a bustling riot of commerce and schlock, but it’s a lot of fun, especially for the kids.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Presiding over the Southern Higashiyama Sightseeing district, with a brilliant view across the entire city, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is just about everything a temple shouldn’t be: it’s noisy, crowded, crassly commercial (in its sales of amulets and fortunes), and as gaudy as an attention-starved peacock, but it somehow manages to transcend all of this to become one of Kyoto’s most worthwhile temples to visit. Start by climbing Chawan-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi to get there and you’ll soon see the brightly painted entrance gate and pagoda. Before buying your ticket to enter the main compound, ask someone to point you in the direction of the “Tainai Meguri.”
We’re not going to say much about this place, other than it’s a pitch-black subterranean grotto which contains a stone that has the power to grant any wish. Continue from there into the main compound and visit Jishu-jinja, where you’ll see students trying to walk from one stone pillar to another with their eyes closed. Success at this is said to ensure a lucky love life. (Note: Jishu-jinja is presently under construction and it’s not clear when the construction will be completed.) After this, make a thorough exploration of the various temples and subtemples scattered about. And whatever you do, don’t miss the nighttime lightups of the temple held during cherry blossom season – the effect is truly otherworldly.
Walking Tour: Kiyomizu-dera Temple features in our Private Walking Tour of Southern Higashiyama
English address:
1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku
Japanese address::
東山区清水1-294
Opening hours:
6:00am-around 6:00pm, the gate close time varies by season (5:30pm-6:30pm)
Admission:
Adults: ¥500
Junior and elementary school students: ¥200
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
10-min walk from Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi Bus Stop, Kyoto City Bus 100 (weekends only) or 206 from Kyoto Station
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near Kiyomizu-dera Temple on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone: 551-1234
Website:
Official Website (English)
Near To Here:
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is located in Kyoto’s Southern Higashiyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Southern Higashiyama, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Where Is This Place Located?
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Kyoto Walking Tour: Classic Southern Higashiyama
Take in some of Kyoto’s most famous sights and some of its secret spots too, all in one four hour private Kyoto walking tour.(Four hours duration. Price: ¥40,000)
More Details About The Tour
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
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About InsideKyoto.com and Chris Rowthorn
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