In this article, I’d like to pick up “Kiyomizudera Temple”, which is one of famous tourist spots in Kyoto!
Kiyomizudera Temple is one of the most celebrated temples in Japan. It was founded 1,200 years ago and the very popular tourist spot for those who visit Kyoto for the first time. Regarding the temple, I will tell you the following points.
- Location
- Opening Hours and Contact Information
- Getting to and Around the Temple
- Must-See Attractions
- Events of the Four Seasons
- How Crowded it is
- Souvenirs
- Walk and Eat
- Tourists Sports near the Temple
- Traditional Japanese Hotels near the Temple
Then, let’s begin!
Location
Kiyomizudera Temple is located in “Higashiyama ward, Kyoto city,” the distance between Kyoto Station and the temple is 2.8 km and it takes about 40 minutes on foot.
- Postal code: 605-0862
- Address (English): 1-294, Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan
- Address (Japanese): 京都市東山区清水1丁目294
Opening Hours and Contact Information
- Hours: 6:00 to 18:00
- Closed: No closing days
- Contact: +81-75-551-1234 (Kiyomizudera Temple Office)
- Contact (Domestic): 075-551-1234
- Official website: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/
Official Website: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/location/#OpenHours
- Except the special night viewing, Kiyomizudera Temple closes early.
- Shops in this area, for example, Kiyomizu-zaka street and Sannei-zaka street, also close early, so please pay attention to each shop’s opening hours.
Getting to and Around the Temple
Each person has each place of departure, so it is difficult for me to cover everything. However, you can find some access information on the official website of Kiyomizudera Temple.
From Kyoto Station: EXTREMELY CROWDED!!
- Kyoto sta. Bus Terminal → Kyoto City Bus No. 206 (bus stop no. D2) → Gojo-zaka → 10 minutes on foot from the bus stop
- Kyoto sta. Bus Terminal → Kyoto Bus No. 18 (bus stop no. C3) → Gojo-zaka → 10 minutes on foot from the bus stop
Kyoto Sta. Bus Terminal Official MAP: https://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/kotsu/webguide/en/bus/busstop_bunsetu.html
From Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu Railway) or Gion-Shijyo Station (Keihan Railway)
- Kyoto City Bus No. 207 → Kiyomizu-michi → 10 minutes on foot from the bus stop
- Kyoto Bus No. 83 or 85 or 88 → Kiyomizu-michi or Gojo-zaka → 10 minutes on foot from the bus stop
From Kyomizu-Gojo Station (Keihan Railway)
- 25 minutes on foot from the station
From Shichijo Station (Keihan Railway)
- Kyoto City Bus No. 206 → Gojo-zaka → 10 minutes on foot from the bus stop
Please refer to the page below for detailed transportation information. (Japanese ONLY)
Information of Bus Stops and Stations
The Nearest Station/Bus Stop to Kiyomizudera Temple is as follows.
- 26 minutes on foot from Kyoto-kawaramachi sta. (Hankyu Railway)
- 22 minutes on foot from Gion-shijyo sta. (Keihan Railway)
- 20 minutes on foot from Kyomizu-gojo sta. (Keihan Railway)
- 10 minutes on foot from Kiyomizu-michi bus stop
- 11 minutes on foot from Gojo-zaka bus stop
A slightly larger map is here.
Must-See Attractions
I’d like to pick up some must-see attractions of Kiyomizudera Temple.
- Nio-mon and Three-Storied Pagoda
You will see Nio-mon first, which is the main entrance of the temple, when you get Kiyomizudera Temple. - Main Hall and the Wooden Stage
It is the most famous spot of Kiyomizudera Temple. The stage is approximately 190 square meters and this about 13-meter-high stage is supported by 18 zelkova pillars. - Jishu-Jinja Shrine (Closed for construction)
Located near the Mail Hall, it is known as a shrine for bringing good luck in matchmaking. - Iron Clogs and Canes
If you can lift the can, your wish will come true… - Otowa Waterfall
You will see the three streams of the water. Its water gushing from the waterfall is said to brings good fortune in longevity, relationships, and academic success, respectively.
Nio-mon and Three-Storied Pagoda
Main Hall and the Wooden Stage
Jishu-Jinja Shrine (Closed for construction)
Otowa Waterfall
Events of the Four Seasons
When Japanese people think about seasonal events at Kiyomizudera Temple, the first thing that comes to mind is “evening illuminations”. Cherry blossoms are illuminated in spring and also green fresh aomomiji in summer, autumn leaves in fall.
The approximate timing is as follows, but please check the correct information on the website of Kiyomizudera Temple.
- Spring: From late March to early April
- Summer: During OBON period
- Autumn: From mid-November to the end of the month
Here is the photo of summer illumination.
Here is the photo of autumn illumination.
You can join the other event held in Kimiyomizudera Temple. For more detail, please refer to the official website.
EVENTS & RITUALS: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/visit/
How Crowded it is
Is there ever a time when Kiyomizudera Temple is not crowded? Visitors can see the cherry blossoms, new green leaves, autumn leaves, and snow-clad temple in each season. In addition to this, they can enjoy evening illuminations held during the spring, summer, and fall.
It must be crowded. Yes, it must be crowded. Basically, it is better to assume that the temple is crowded throughout the year. Besides, during the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves seasons and the period of the year-end and New Year’s holidays, it is even more, even more, crowded and you can only see the heads of people.
I posted the photo of the autumn illumination. Do you see the mass of people at the far right of the photo? Please be REALLY careful when you are with children or those who have concerns about their legs. I suppose that there is a possibility the temple is not crowded in the early morning or close to closing time, so is you would like to stroll, it is good to choose the specific timeframe.
Souvenirs
You can find many kinds of souvenir shops and eateries along Kiyomizuzaka-street, Sanneizaka-street, Ninnei-zaka street, and Chawan-zaka street where is at the foot of Kiyomizu Temple. There are many options available, for example, traditional Kyoto’s souvenirs and foods, so you should not to know what to choose.
Kiyomizudera-monzenkai Official Website (Japanese ONLY)
http://www.monzenkai.com/
However, if you have souvenirs that you are interested in, actually, there are some souvenirs which YOU SHOULD NOT TO BUY THERE. When walking around, it is best to enjoy sightseeing hands free if possible.
Because opening hours of shops around Kiyomizudera Temple is linked with the temple and close early, so I suppose that you will go to another tourist spot. If you can buy souvenirs at the place where many tourists stop by, for example, Kyoto station. It is better to buy at Kyoto station so that they can walk around with less shopping bags. Please refer to the article below for shopping at Kiyomizudera Temple. (Japanese ONLY)
Walk and Eat
The Kiyomizudera Temple area has a wide variety of souvenir shops and take-out shops where you can enjoy Kyoto’s foods. I would like to share the foods that you can only find at this area. I will tell you some foods, but please eat what you want to eat. That should be the most fun and amazing. Here is KYOTO’S FOODS you can only enjoy near the temple.
- Cinnamon Cream Puff (Kiyomizu-zaka street)
- Bon Bon Chocolat (Kiyomizu-zaka street)
- Roasted Chestnuts (Kiyomizu-zaka street)
- Smoothie (Sannei-zaka street)
- Ohagi (Ninnei-zaka street)
- Warabi Mochi (Chawan-zaka street)
KIYOMIZU KYOAMI’s Cinnamon Cream Puff
KIYOMIZU KYOAMI is a “sweets and coffee” shop located on Kiyomizu-zaka street. You can find Cinnamon Cream Puff, called Yatsuhasi-syuu, and home roasted coffee.
You can also eat other handmade sweets and their selling points are sweets that their pâtissier makes by hand in shop’s kitchen and the coffee roasted by the manager themselves. Just for your information, their products are free of preservatives, so it is safe to eat.
- Hours: 10:00 to 18:00
- Closed: Their days off varies.
- Contact: +81-75-531-6956
- Contact (Domestic): 075-531-6956
- Official website: https://www.kiyomizukyoami.com/
- Menu: https://www.kiyomizukyoami.com/menu/
SNOOPY Chocolat’s Bon Bon Chocolat
SNOOPY Chocolat is a “chocolate with a Japanese touch” shop located on Kiyomizu-zaka street. You can enjoy gelato and chocolat drinks. SNOOPY Chocolat has also a store in the Arashiyama area. If you do not a plan to go to the Arashiyama area, please stop by the Kiyomizu-zaka street’s shop.
- Hours: 9:30 to 17:30
- Closed: Their days off varies.
- Contact: +81-75-708-3728
- Contact (Domestic): 075-708-3728
- Official website: https://snoopy-chocolat.jp/
- Menu: https://snoopy-chocolat.jp/#menu
HISAYA CAFÉ’s Roasted Chestnuts
HISAYA CAFE is a “roasted chestnuts” shop located on Kiyomizu-zaka street. You can enjoy Mont Blanc made by Tanba-kuri and chestnuts soft-serve ice cream.
In the café space, customers can enjoy “Premium Mont Blanc with Tanba-kuri Chestnuts” squeezed out in front of cthem.
- Hours: 10:00 to 17:00
- Closed: Their days off varies.
- Contact: 0120-689-890 (domestic only)
- Official website (Japanese Only): https://kyo-yakiguri.com/
- Menu: https://kyo-yakiguri.com/hisaya-cafe/#product
DRINK DRANK’s Smoothie
DRINK DRANK is a “smoothie” shop located on Sannei-zaka street. You can enjoy smoothies made by seasonal fruits and vegetables from Kyoto. DRINK DRANK has also a store at Ginkakuji Temple. If you do not a plan to go to there, please stop by the Sannei -zaka street’s shop.
- Hours: 10:00 to 17:30
- Closed: Their days off varies.
- Contact: +81-75-551-9595
- Contact (Domestic): 075-551-9595
- Official website (Japanese Only): https://www.drinkdrank.com/
- Menu: https://www.drinkdrank.com/kyotokiyomizu/
Kasagi-Ya’s Ohagi
Kasagi-Ya is a “Japanese sweets” shop located on Ninnei -zaka street. You can enjoy various kind of Japanese sweets like Ohagi and Matcha. In summer, shaved ice is also available.
- Hours: 11:00 to 18:00
- Closed: Every Tuesday
- Contact: +81-75-561-9562
- Contact (Domestic): 075-561-9562
Tsubone-Ya-Risshun’s Warabi Mochi
Tsubone-Ya is a “Japanese sweets” shop located on Chawan -zaka street. You can enjoy Wagashi, Japanese sweets, for example, Warabi mochi.
Japanese enjoy it with kinako (=soybean flour) and kuro-mitsu (=brown sugar syrup.) Shaved ice is also available in summer.
- Hours: 11:00 to 17:00
- Closed: Their days off varies.
- Contact: +81-75-561-7726
- Contact (Domestic): 075-561-7726
- Official website (Japanese Only): https://kyoto-tsuboneya.com/
- Menu: https://kyoto-tsuboneya.com/cafe/index.html
Tourists Sports near Kiyomizudera Temple
The Kiyomizu area, which includes Kiyomizu-dera Temple, is one of the best sightseeing areas in Kyoto. There are many tourist spots in this area that are located within walking distance from the temple. Here is a Map of tourist spots and you can find a lot of spots near the temple.
Sightseeing spots that can be reached within a 20-minute walk are as follows.
- Yasaka Pagoda (8-minute walk)
- Kodaiji Temple (10-minute walk)
- Ishibe-koji Alley (10-minute walk)
- Path of Nene (10-minute walk)
- Kenninji Temple (11-minute walk)
- Yasaka Shrine (15-minute walk)
- Chion-in (18-minute walk)
- Hanamikoji-dori Street (17-minute walk)
Yasaka Pagoda (8-minute walk)
It takes 8 minutes on foot from Kiyomizurera Temple.
Kodaiji Temple (10-minute walk)
It takes 10 minutes on foot from Kiyomizurera Temple.
- Kodaiji Temple Official Website: https://www.kodaiji.com/e_index.html
- Access: https://www.kodaiji.com/e_fee.html
Ishibe-koji Alley (10-minute walk)
It takes 10 minutes on foot from Kiyomizurera Temple.
Path of Nene (10-minute walk)
It takes 10 minutes on foot from Kiyomizurera Temple.
Kenninji Temple (11-minute walk)
It takes 11 minutes on foot from Kiyomizurera Temple.
- Kenninji Temple Official Website (Japanese Only): https://www.kenninji.jp/
- Access: https://www.kenninji.jp/access/
Yasaka Jinja Shrine (15-minute walk)
It takes 15 minutes on foot from Kiyomizurera Temple.
- Yasaka Jinjya Shrine Official Website: https://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/en/
- Access: https://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/en/access_map/
Chion-in Temple (18-minute walk)
It takes 18 minutes on foot from Kiyomizurera Temple.
- Chion-in Official Website: https://www.chion-in.or.jp/en/
- Access: https://www.chion-in.or.jp/en/guide/access.php
Hanamikoji-dori Street (17-minute walk)
It takes 17 minutes on foot from Kiyomizurera Temple.
Hotels/Ryokans near the Temple
In the Kiyomizu area, which includes Kiyomizu-dera Temple, there are many hotels and ryokans, so you can choose your accommodation according to your budget and preference. In addition, this area keeps the old cityscape, so you can experience the atmosphere of an ancient city, Kyoto.
Here is the Hotels and Ryokans in the Kiyomizu area.
- ISHIBEKOJI MUAN
- Campton Kiyomizu
- Kyokoyado Yasaka Yutone
ISHIBEKOJI MUAN
ISHIBEKOJI MUAN has 3 guest rooms in total, Western-style and Japanese-style rooms. Depending on the room type, some rooms have both Western and Japanese style rooms. In addition, a cypress bath is equipped on each room.
ISHIBEKOJI MUAN Official Website: https://www.ishibekojimuan.com/
For more detail, please refer to the article below. (Japanese Only)
Campton Kiyomizu
Campton Kiyomizu, located near the Yasaka Pagoda, has 7 guest rooms in total, which are maisonette-type and furnished. Depending on the guest room’s type, you can see the Yasaka Pagoda from your room.
Campton Kiyomizu Official Website: https://www.kyokoyado.com/lg_en/
For more detail, please refer to the article below. (Japanese Only)
Kyokoyado Yasaka Yutone
Kyokoyado Yasaka Yutone, located near Kodaiji Temple, has 7 Western-style guest room in total. This ryokan is an auberge and the Japanese cuisine restraint is on the first floor, so if you choose the plan includes breakfast or dinner, you can enjoy it in the restraint.
Kyokoyado Yasaka Yutone Official Website: https://www.kyokoyado.com/lg_en/
For more detail, please refer to the article below. (Japanese Only)
Summary
I have told you Kiyomizudera Temple and sightseeing information in this article.
- Location
- Opening Hours and Contact Information
- Getting to and Around the Temple
- Must-See Attractions
- Events of the Four Seasons
- How Crowded it is
- Souvenirs
- Walk and Eat
- Tourists Sports near the Temple
- Traditional Japanese Hotels near the Temple
For a tourist attraction as famous as Kiyomizudera Temple, I have many things to write about and many things that need to be written about, but if I do so, it would be a very long article, so I have written an overview first.
I am glad if this article will help your stay and sightseeing in KYOTO!
Regarding other information of Kyoto, please refer to the page below. (Japanese Only)
Overview of Kyoto
Accommodations in Kyoto
Traffic Information
Souvenirs Information
