Kiyomizu-dera
Buddhist temple · Higashiyama, Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera

Photo: Jordy Meow · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

A hillside temple famous for its huge wooden stage, built out over a slope on a frame of pillars without nails. The stage looks across a valley of trees to the city, and the approach through old sloping streets is part of the experience. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Kyoto's busiest sights.

On day 2 of Kyoto in 5 days

Good to know

Time to spend
1–1.5 hours
Tickets
Paid entry to the main hall area, open daily, no booking needed
Best time
Right at opening (early morning) or seasonal evening openings
Getting there
Bus to Gojozaka or Kiyomizu-michi, then 10 min uphill walk

Itineraries with Kiyomizu-dera

Day 2 of Kyoto in 5 days

Higashiyama's old lanes

How Kiyomizu-dera fits into a day.
  1. 8:00Kiyomizu-deraHigashiyama
  2. 10:00Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka lanesHigashiyama
  3. 11:30Ishibe-koji laneHigashiyama
  4. 13:30Kōdai-jiHigashiyama
  5. 15:30Tea ceremonyHigashiyama
See all 5 days
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Kiyomizu-dera questions

What time does Kiyomizu-dera open?

It opens early, around 6am, which is the best time to see the stage without crowds.

What is the Otowa waterfall?

A spring below the main hall split into three streams; visitors drink from one, each linked to a different wish.

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