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All 310 Kyoto Attractions »

Kiyomizu Temple

Mt. Otowa, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
+81 75-551-1234
Ranked #3 of 278 attractions in Kyoto
4.5 of 5 stars 677 Reviews
Type: Religious Sites, Lookouts, Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Traveler Description: Visited the temple for 4 or 5 times and it is still a favorite attractions in Kyoto. Latest visit was 11NOV09, when the nature turned the maple... more »
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677 reviews from our community

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Sydney
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 23, 2012 NEW

Whenever we go to Kyoto (as often as we can) we visit Kiyomizu-dera as its fascination never palls. The great building itself is magnificent, an awe-inspiring feat of construction. There are many other features to be discovered, from places of worship to the wonderful lanterns. The grounds are beautiful in the three seasons we've seen them. The light-up that happens... More

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See 6 more reviews by heachri for Kyoto
Sydney, Australia
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2012

The temple is built entirely without a single nail, and one part of the temple is a few stories above ground. Quite a sight and interesting to see locals praying in the temple. Nearby, there are many shops selling sweets & souvenirs. So, great to start from temple, then continue on to the nearby Sanneisaka & Ninensaka areas. More

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See 7 more reviews by PaulofSydney for Kyoto
Wakefield, MA
Top Contributor
110 reviews 110 reviews
Reviews in 43 cities Reviews in 43 cities
110 helpful votes 110 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2012

Out of the all the things that I did in my short time in Kyoto, the Fushimi Inari Shrine was my favorite and the Kiyomizu Temple was my second favorite. You walk uphill and the streets on both sides are lined with shops and restaurants. If you like to shop you will be in heaven. The view of Kyoto from... More

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See 7 more reviews by zippy608 for Kyoto
Tokyo
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2012

Especially beautiful in late November/early December when the leaves turn red. And I like the little good luck man they sell there. More

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See 5 more reviews by TeejTeejTeej for Kyoto
Camas, Washington
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
43 helpful votes 43 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2012

a must see in kyoto, one of the oldest temples in japan with a great view of kyoto tower and beyond. the shops on the road leading up to the temple are great to explore. More

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See 6 more reviews by mimijj for Kyoto
Chicago, Illinois
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 12, 2012

This is my favorite temple in Kyoto for a number of reasons: 1) you climb up a hill full of tradition craft shops to get to it 2) once you conquer the hill you are met by bright vermillion from the shrine south of the temple 3) there are lots of stories and experiences to read about before, inside and... More

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See 2 more reviews by Trvlr313 for Kyoto
Frydek-Mistek, Czech Republic
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 12, 2012

Kiyomizu teple is really magical and you have to visit this area. This area is crowded of course, but it is not so big disadvantage. The atmosphere, buildings are so great and you can jus fell this magical atmosphere. I highly recommend to visit this area in the evening to see the sunset and evening. This area is not about... More

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See 5 more reviews by DanielJanecek for Kyoto
Magelang, Indonesia
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2012

The temple was built in elevation that allows us to get a great view of Kyoto. Part of the temple was under renovation, but the view was definitely worth to visit. Some of the local visitors were wearing kimono, so it was nice to get some pictures of them with the temple as the background, they were so friendly and... More

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See 2 more reviews by Travellermom0571 for Kyoto
Melbourne
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2012

To get to Kiyomizu temple have to prepare a pair of good runners, a bottle of water and also a sunny if in summer. Have to spend at least 30 mins (normal speed without stopping by any places) to climb all the steps up to the place from the bus stop. There are hundreds shops along the steps for you... More

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See 2 more reviews by Ming S for Kyoto
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2012

Whole setting was wonderful and breathtaking. Led me into the historical and sacred beauty and values of Kyoto. Appreciate the work of the Japanese in building this temple. Art and craft work were more than valuable. Great visit here. More

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See 3 more reviews by Celinell for Kyoto

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