Kiyomizu-dera Temple
(清水寺)
Buddhist Temple and Historic and Protected Site
京都市
Ranked #3 for Buddhist temples in Kyoto
"the best season should be autumn"(7 Tips)
"Beautiful temple high up where you have a perfect view over Kyoto."(6 Tips)
"amazing views of Kyoto and the surrounding mountains."(4 Tips)
"entrance fee for the main hall"(4 Tips)
137 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- scenic views
- architecture
- autumn
- historic sites
- temple
- (15 more)
Sort:
- Popular
- Recent
Simple DiscoveriesApril 8, 2016This is a must-see in #Kyoto especially at sunset, but it's only open then 3x a year - so check listings. Sweeping views of the city with brilliant temple lighting. Entry fee of ~400¥.
Upvoted 2 weeks ago
Joshua PetersSeptember 29, 2017Very crowded so arrive early, and 11am is not early. Beautiful temple that is partly under construction, but the walk up plus the adjoining temples make this a must see.
Upvoted Mar 17
Clau🌷November 21, 2012Visit this temple as early as you can in the morning to avoid some crowds. Go to the golden Budda and make an offer, write your wish on the wood stick and deposit it in the wooden box.
Upvoted Mar 17
Yohan Gabriel LiutamaNovember 27, 2017Beautiful temple to be. Best to come early or you will have difficulty catching those wonderful photos. Only ¥400 per pax. Oh and get your hands on those mochies and matcha-chestnut ice creams!
Kit&kafoodleMay 1, 2017My favourite temple in Kyoto, maybe even Japan. Currently undergoing restoration so the beautiful photo worthy shot is a bit marred, still a lovely walk with scenery, temples and shopping strip.
Sofia PapastamelosApril 10, 2018The views here were breathtaking on the sunny April day we were here. Even with the roof under construction it’s worth walking around and enjoying the structure and nature.
Lauren BatesAugust 16, 2023Incredible temple, and worth the hike! Give yourself time to explore the area. This is a good spot to start your day with, but get here early to avoid crowds.
Try to get here as early as possible (opens at 6am) to avoid the crowds and maybe even catch a beautiful sunrise
- M. R.January 16, 2012If you only visit Kyoto for one day, make sure to visit Kiyomizu-dera. Best visited near dusk for amazing views of Kyoto and the surrounding mountains. Note, it's a long uphill walk to the temple.
Ryan BrightOctober 7, 2016Very packed during the day, so come early. Views are best when the autumn leaves are turning. The walking trails outside the temple are calm and have great views of the landscapes and temple itself.
Diegoberto BellamyFebruary 18, 2023Full of people. One of Kyoto’s main attractions. Don’t forget to wash your hands with the sacred water, but just from one stream, because I read that is considered greedy to wash from all three.
etta yOctober 1, 2014Gorgeous temple atop a steep hill. Wear comfy shoes and come with wishes that you want granted by the numerous deities that frequent this spot. Cute touristy shops line the path with good eats.
Stephanie GeJanuary 24, 2017They had a night viewing opportunity (seasonal) when I visited in November. One of my favorite experiences in Japan!
National Geographic Traveller (UK)February 5, 2015Its statues of razor-toothed lions guard red pagodas and sacred waterfalls, all set against a velvet-forested mountainside. Its huge veranda offers city views that any warrior would feel at ease with. Read more
J-OSLNovember 17, 2015One of the world heritage temple in Kyoto, incredibly built in ancient time. I prayed & made a wish before walking around to have nice snapshots of temple with the red leaves in autumn.
Dan Mondragón SomeraMay 15, 2018Really liked it! A bit of a hike but you get distracted watching all the shops around. You can pay a small fee and cross the temple to the other side (of the road)
CLDecember 30, 2014Cool to explore, if you hit early to enjoy the whole site you'd have a nice walk down from the wooden shopping area town. Very ancient Japan!
Steve ZhangJanuary 25, 2015One of the most famous landmarks of Kyoto is Kiyomizu-dera. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also one of the finalist for the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007
Edwin ShaoDecember 18, 2013Spectacular views over the city and sip from the waterfall nearby. Back in the Edo period people believed that whoever jumped from the 13m high cliff and survived would have their wish granted. Read more
uni uniNovember 4, 2015Amazing place of the combination of nature and people's creativity based on history. This is really worth name of world heritage.
Connie ChiuJuly 8, 2017The walk up to the temple is lined with markets and food stalls so it gets a bit crowded but it's super cool. The temple area is great for viewing but you need to buy tickets to go further.- Steve ZhangJanuary 25, 2015From Kyoto station, take the 206 bus to Kiyomizu-michi or Gojozaka.From other areas, take the bus to Kiyomizu-michi or Gojozaka (large bus stop on maps)
Souri SoOctober 22, 2016My favourite place in kyoto with a very traditional neighborhood on the way to the temple and an amazing view on Kyoto up there
- etta yOctober 6, 2014Gorgeous, crowded, and a must-see. Wear good shoes here and while sightseeing in Kyoto in general. It's a hike.
- Artyom FedosovJuly 28, 2016The name Kiyomizu-dera means Pure Water Temple. There is a stream at the base of main hall, where visitors can drink water using cups. And, of course, stunning view on Kyoto and surrounding mountains.
Roger ChuJanuary 22, 2020Make sure to do the walk through the bowls of the temple. It’s an amazing experience. Take your time and let the darkness cleanse your mind.
Steph KudusFebruary 23, 2016Under renovation at the moment but still a great sight. Definitely do the walk between two love rocks and 求签！
Andres NovoaNovember 11, 2015The Tainai-meguri before you actually get to the main stage is an amazing, spiritual experience! It's easy to miss so be on the lookout!
Elena KiselevaApril 3, 2017If you are here when the temple is opened in the late evening (it happens 3 times per year), then you are really lucky. It's difficult to compare this experience with anything else.
Tom Van GoylenMarch 22, 2015Definitely worth visiting but expect a big crowd even on weekdays. Like all of Japan's temples, it is best enjoyed during spring or autumn.
Steven GrimmJune 25, 2013Mobbed during the day. If you like your temples serene and meditative, probably best to show up first thing in the morning.
Fluying ✅December 7, 2015Don't miss the followings : 1.Golden Kannon 2. the stone Budhas 3. The views of Kyoto 3. The pagoda
K BNovember 12, 2018You can see most of the temple from the grounds for free. It’s not really worth paying the entrance fee for the main hall while the main altar and terrace are covered with scaffolding.
Nikita KorotaevJanuary 18, 2015Get you love-life predictions here. Separate area devoted to love myths, spirits & stones.- Lisa StarbucksApril 1, 2017Beautiful temple high up where you have a perfect view over Kyoto. Lots of people though 🤦🏻♀️
- Steve ZhangJanuary 25, 2015Tourists flock the street, looking for souvenirs to bring back home. Kimonos, yukatas, keychains, fridge magnets, handphone straps, folding fans or even the local snacks
- Eh AufaitJanuary 31, 2016It is worth the visit as you will enjoy the refined nature, beautiful complex building, breathtaking views overlooking the city.
budi santosaDecember 15, 2016great color paint and sight seeing.. and we can find souvenir at street around the temple
Nadyne RichmondApril 9, 2018In the spring, the temple is open late. Sunset is beautiful, as are the temple and grounds.
Kelsey Gilbert-KreilingApril 8, 2019Busy place! Main temple is under construction as of April 2019, but still a beautiful view of Kyoto- Steve ZhangJanuary 25, 2015It's main attraction is the veranda, which extends out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside below. Supported by wooden pillars, not a single nail was used in the construction
- Edwin ShaoDecember 18, 2013View the city of Kyoto from this hilltop temple and take a sip from the Otowa waterfall flowing from beneath the main hall, known to grant wishes to those who drink it.
Jon GoldmannApril 27, 2018Make sure to go when there isn’t construction (ruins the pictures). The area is a madhouse, but the views can be quite spectacular.
Julia GrandoMarch 17, 2016My favorite place in Kyoto, the sunset is amazing and the streets around are really pretty.
Jess KonoSeptember 8, 2015a beauty. Easy enough walk with lots to see. There are lots of relationship/love temples to pray with
Jessalynne PetersOctober 7, 2017An amazing temple with lots to see and do! A must for anyone visiting Kyoto.
YC CheahOctober 16, 2015Lovely greenery & well kept garden. Super Insta-worthy. Enjoy a relaxing stroll here
11,358 Photos
Foursquare © 2024 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
Open until 5:00 PM (Show more)
- Mon–Thu, Sat–Sun
- 6:00 AM–5:00 PM
+81 75-551-1234
See More
Places inside Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 9.2
"It takes its name from the waterfall within the complex, which runs off the nearby hills. Kiyomizu means clear water/pure water.The stages is the access into the temple of Kyomizu-Dera#TravelingKyoto"
A Hazet - 9.1
"Best to come here early morning to avoid crowds. The ground level was under construction when we visited but the neighboring areas are quite picturesque. Don’t miss the hot custard/red bean pancakes."
Vasu - 8.5
"Good chill walk, and its famous Love stone would draw your attention"
CL
Appears on 1,871 lists
Created by Wanna See It All
200 items • 175 followers
京都の定番スポット Famous sightseeing spots in Kyoto
Created by eg eg
162 items • 201 followers
Created by Izumi Tomiyama
152 items • 104 followers
