Planning a trip to Kyoto? Don’t miss the famous Kiyomizu Dera temple. Here’s everything you need to know for a smooth and successful visit!
If you’re planning a trip to Japan and passing through the popular city of Kyoto, you’ll undoubtedly want to visit the ancient temples for which the city is famous. Located on one of the hills, the Kiyomizu Dera temple is one of the city’s most prized sites, for tourists and locals alike.
Founded in 778 and best known for its wooden terrace offering a magnificent view of the city and its surroundings, the temple is a must-see on any trip to Kyoto, and indeed any trip to Japan, especially if you go during the sakura blossom season! To help you prepare for your visit, we’ve put together this guide containing the most important information about visiting Kiyomizu Dera temple.
History of Kyoto’s Kiyomizu Dera temple
Taking its name from the waterfall within its walls, Kiyomizu Dera temple is actually a complex of Shinto and Buddhist temples, the main buildings of which were built in 778 by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, aided, according to legend, by a monk named Enchin.
This temple has been under the authority of the Hossô sect – one of the Buddhist branches created in Nara – since its construction, although it has come close to changing authority on numerous occasions as a result of the many struggles between the various sects in the region.
One of Kyoto’s oldest temples, it has been damaged and partially destroyed many times over the centuries. However, in 1633, a fire completely destroyed the various buildings. The temple was then rebuilt identically, and the buildings you’ll see if you visit Kiyomizu Dera Temple today still date from that period.
Today, its popularity and unique atmosphere attract over 5.5 million tourists and locals every year.
It’s also worth noting that the temple has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, and was the only Japanese monument among the 20 contenders for the 7 Wonders of the World.
What to see and do at Kiyomizu Dera temple
If you’re thinking of visiting the Kiyomizu Dera temple, you’ll quickly notice that it’s made up of several buildings stretching across the temple grounds, making for long hours of sightseeing and wonder. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some of the temple’s most important and interesting sights!
The terrace
The terrace is one of the highlights of a visit to Kyoto’s Kiyomizu Dera temple. It stands almost 15 metres high, supported by over 140 wooden stilts. It overlooks the city of Kyoto in the distance and, above all, a veritable sea of Japanese maple and cherry trees stretching as far as the eye can see. This space is all the more magical when the cherry trees are in bloom, in March and April, but also when autumn arrives and the maple leaves turn red.
Otowa waterfall
Located at the foot of the main hall, the Otowa waterfall is a must-see when visiting Kiyomizu Dera temple. In fact, the temple owes its name to this waterfall, which has been part of the temple grounds since its inception.
The water in this cascade, divided into 3 streams, is believed to have various benefits. Visitors can use the cups attached to the waterfall’s structure to drink from one of the 3 streams to obtain good luck in love, succeed in studies or increase their longevity. Be careful, however, not to drink from all three cups, as greed is extremely frowned upon in Japan.
The Jishu altar
Located at the rear of the main hall, the Jishu altar is dedicated to a deity of love and encounters. For over 1,300 years, the Japanese have prayed to her to find love, but also to make their current relationship last, for example.
Koyasu pagoda
From the terrace of the main hall, you can see the third floor of the Koyasu pagoda. Accessible from the temple via a short path through the woods, this pagoda is renowned for offering visitors an easy, risk-free way to get here.
How do I get to Kiyomizu Dera temple?
Located high above Kyoto, Kiyomizu Dera temple is only accessible on foot, although you can also get there by bus. The temple’s exact address is 1-294 Kiyomizu Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto.
By bus
From Kyoto station, you can take the following buses:
- Line 100: « Gojo-zaka » or « Kiyomizu-michi » stops
- Route 206: « Gojo-zaka » or « Kiyomizu-michi » stops
The journey takes about 15 minutes and costs 230 yen(about €1.93). After getting off the bus, it’s a 10-minute walk to the temple.
On foot
The temple can also be reached on foot from Kiyomizu-Gojo station. The journey takes around 20 minutes, but it’s well worth the detour for its typically Japanese scenery and the many stores selling local specialties.
Kiyomizu Dera temple opening times and prices
Opening hours
Classic timetables
- Weekdays: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Weekends: 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
This is also the case during the vacations between April and July, as well as every day in August and September.
Special schedules
During Hanatoro, the temple opens its doors to visitors from 6.30pm to 9pm to admire the illuminations.
This event takes place twice a year: once from late March to early April, when the Japanese cherry blossoms, and again from late November to early December, when the maple leaves turn red.
Rates
A visit to the temple costs 400 yen, or around €3.30 depending on the exchange rate.
This amount is the same if you wish to enter the temple in the evening during Hanatoro.
Good to know
– If you’d like to visit the temple at your leisure, it’s best to do so when it’s open.
– Avoid taking a tripod for your camera, as this type of relatively cumbersome object is not much appreciated by temple staff.
– During the Hanatoro, some tourists and locals will wait for hours to admire the illuminations. If you want to see them at their best, get to the temple as early as possible.
– It’s possible to visit the Kiyomizu Dera temple and Kyoto’s main monuments with a guide. The price for this type of activity is often around €75 to €100 per day, depending on the package chosen.
– Since February 2017, the main hall of the Kiyomizu Dera temple has been undergoing renovation work on its roof. It is covered by a tarpaulin and scaffolding and will remain so until March 2020. It is nevertheless possible for all visitors to access and visit this part of the temple.
– Please remember to dress decently and respect both the temple and Japanese traditions when visiting such a place.