Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto: Tickets, Tours, Hours, Address, Kiyomizu-dera Temple Reviews: 4.5/5
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
4.5
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
This most-visited temple in Kyoto was built to honor Kannon, the goddess of mercy. It's beautiful hillside location offers spectacular views of the city and valley below.
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Top ways to experience Kiyomizu-dera Temple
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya
168
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Cafe
Smile Burger Kiyomizudera
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0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American
The Sodoh Higashiyama Kyoto
356
0.4 mi$$$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
fumon-an
43
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe
Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu Kiyomizu Gojozaka
110
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese
% Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama
453
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Cafe
Kasagiya
75
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese
Key's Cafe, Kyoto Yasakanoto
103
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Myodai Omen Kodaiji
141
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Asian • Vegetarian Friendly
Local SAKE and BEER Stand -SANSARO-
53
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Bar • Pub
Attractions
1,043 within 3 miles
Jishu Shrine
179
91 ftReligious Sites
Fukurokuju Sekibutsu
2
115 ftReligious Sites
Asakurado
6
133 ftHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
Kiyomizu-Zaka Street
421
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Otowa no Taki
54
271 ftWaterfalls
Kiyomizu-dera Temple Okunoin
32
271 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Kiyomizu-dera Temple 3 Storey Tower
23
386 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
Kiyomizu-dera Temple Niomon
14
271 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Kiyomizu-dera Temple Hondo
14
271 ftReligious Sites
Kiyomizudera Joju-in
28
0.1 miReligious Sites
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
11,530 reviews
Excellent
6,284
Very good
3,902
Average
1,137
Poor
163
Terrible
44
Julia
7 contributions
Hard on legs
May 2021 • Family
We recommend you take a good pair of shoes. Visiting this temple can be hard on your legs. It is a big complex. Also, few more hours than typical tour a tourist does anywhere.
Written May 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Damien H
13 contributions
The stage
Aug 2020
The stage which was under renovation for over a year is open and looking beautiful. With less tourists now you have more time to take in the panorama of the city.
Written March 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
muhammad rizal f
Jakarta, Indonesia60 contributions
what a scenery
Dec 2020
one of my bucket list for place to visit before i die,
great view of this temple with kyoto city in the background.
i think it is greater to see this temple in spring or autumn. the scenery will be greater.
basically not so many to see here, only the main temple architecture. but the surrounding area offer many sight seeing palace with japan ancient atmosphere. traditional food, traditional house, museum and traditional clothes (can be rent to complete the ancient japan atmosphere.
great view of this temple with kyoto city in the background.
i think it is greater to see this temple in spring or autumn. the scenery will be greater.
basically not so many to see here, only the main temple architecture. but the surrounding area offer many sight seeing palace with japan ancient atmosphere. traditional food, traditional house, museum and traditional clothes (can be rent to complete the ancient japan atmosphere.
Written December 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Harald Gracholski
Cologne, Germany6,793 contributions
Spectacular temple, but not the same during renovation works
Dec 2019
The Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Kyoto's most famous temples and ranks top among local visitors. It really is a spectacular sight that is build into a slope, offering beautiful views of nature from the top. Having said that the terrace is unfortunately being renovated, which, of course is a necessity, but temporarily reduces the pleasure of its sight. Still a must see temple that is worth the effort and time.
Written November 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elisabethmh
Oslo, Norway558 contributions
Indescribable beautiful
Nov 2019
Kiyomizudera Temple (translated pure water). The temple is from 780 and in front of Kiyomizudera there are several beautiful temples and shrines, among others, a three-story red-orange pagoda - indescribably beautiful! A must see while in Kyoto!
Written October 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PeterHsieh168
Washington DC, DC29 contributions
Must visit in Kyoto
Feb 2020
There is not much to say other then VISIT VISIT! This is a place where you create your own memories!
Written September 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Padraig M
Kawasaki, Japan97 contributions
Kyomizu-dera: Go while it is not packed.
Aug 2020
Kyomizu-dera is one of my favourite places in Kyoto and we have gone there every time we have visited. I love the trees and how the temple is situated on the side of the mountain. Normally it is packed, but when we visited in August 2020, it was completely empty and very special experience. I recommend people in Japan to go before it gets crowded again next year.
Written August 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HotRodHeart
France119 contributions
The famous view of Kyoto
Oct 2019
This place is a must go for a first time in Kyoto, since it's in every book and documentary you'll come upon.
It can get crowded, but the view of the temple is not the only view to enjoy.
It can get crowded, but the view of the temple is not the only view to enjoy.
Written August 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Safariholic
Horsham, UK1,926 contributions
Yet another UNESCO Heritage Awarded Temple - worth a visit
Sep 2019
Originally built or conceived in 778, but most recently re-built (present Structure anyway) in 1633, whatever you may think of Buddhist Temples or the Religion or Lifestyle, that's impressive. It is quite high on a hill and a steep hillside at that. Great views on a clear day.
Photgenic site for sure, but a bit of patience prved essential as it was mobbed - Koyoto is not the most popular Japoanese City for no reason.
Photgenic site for sure, but a bit of patience prved essential as it was mobbed - Koyoto is not the most popular Japoanese City for no reason.
Written July 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
StripeyMiata
Lisburn, UK634 contributions
Beautiful temple, but crowded
Jul 2019
Kiyomizudera is beautiful and offers some stunning views of Kyoto. But the ambience is really kind of ruined with just hoards of people at the temple. I loved it, but try to get there really early.
Written June 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Adriana M
Popesti Leordeni, Romania57 contributions
Hi there! Does anyone know if the restoration is still in progress? We saw some different pictures from March, and it's confusing.
Many thanks in advance!
Vhalerie Lee
Singapore, Singapore287 contributions
Yes the restorations is still ongoing
Cristina R
Piacenza, Italy156 contributions
Buongiorno,
la ristrutturazione del tetto è terminata? Grazie
juliam_to
Pinerolo, Italy1,333 contributions
ad agosto era un cantiere enorme, un vero peccato
Mar-P-Alonso
San Luis Potosi, Mexico91 contributions
Es un lugar elevado. ¿Cuánto se tarda en subir? ¿Cuánto tiempo se le invierte a esta visita?
dionysos22
Appenzell, Switzerland73 contributions
Esta un poco elevado, pienso que se tarda a unos 10 minutos en subir... pero ahorita no vale la pena porque esta en renovación
Adeletth
Singapore, Singapore2 contributions
Hello, understand that there are renovations going on for the Temple. For those who came back recently, can share the experience ?
We are visiting in Nov.
Travelbug291
Bribie Island, Australia919 contributions
I'm sorry I cannot give you up to the minute news. There was no renovations under way when I was there. However the Japanese are such resourceful people I am sure by what I can glean they should be completed shortly. Enjoy, it's a beautiful country, and the Japanese people so friendly.
Cato1111
Sheffield, UK249 contributions
Is there an entry free?
Likes2travel_13
Lake Tahoe (California), CA212 contributions
You can walk around grounds, freely; however, to enter main temple I think I paid about 500 yen
fruittravels
10 contributions
Has anyone been on the special tour at this temple and if so, how do I make a reservation?
madpharm2015
Seattle, WA69 contributions
As far as I know, there is no reserved tour offered by the temple. There are audio guides and peope who are on group tour around Kyoto. I really enjoyed my visit to this temple. A road to this temple is filled with shops selling unique items and souvenirs.
¡Hola! He visto que estaba en obras en mayo, ¿sigue en obras? Gracias
Luis Miguel C
Barcelona, Spain386 contributions
Si, hasta el año que viene están con la restauración, pero merece la pena aunque esté con la lona.
Enas A
Hawalli, Kuwait145 contributions
How far is the temple from the gion street. We are thinking to rent kimono and walk in it in the area.
JennuineP
Whitby, Canada162 contributions
It will take you 30 min to walk from Gion Corner to Kiyomizu-dera. Plus you have to walk all around the temple (at least 30 min), and then back again.
Unless you are extremely comfortable walking around in wood thong shoes I don’t recommend this to be done in a kimono.
If you absolutely want to rent a kimono and walk around in it, I suggest you either just walk around the Gion Corner district and explore the local shops and restaurants close by, or, take a taxi to and from the temple to save some walking.
T Z
Mannheim, Germany100 contributions
I have noted quite a few reviews that it is quite beautiful at night but when I look at the temple's website there are only a few "special night viewing days."(listed below). Unfortunately, I will not be in Kyoto during these particular days." Is the exterior lit up during non-night viewing dates? Or would you recommend that I just go during the day?
Spring: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (last entry), March 8 – 17, March 29 – April 7
Summer (Thousand-day Pilgrimage/Special Viewing of nainaijin in the Main Hall): 9:00 p.m. (last entry), August 14 – 16
Autumn: 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (last entry), November 16 – December 1
foxylady23
London, UK395 contributions
Hi
WE only went during the day so really cannot comment
Marta e Matte
Reggio Emilia, Italy155 contributions
Domanda per chi ha avuto modo di visitare il tempio recentemente, è ancora in fase di ristrutturazione?
etabeta01
Turin, Italy2,028 contributions
Ciao, a fine settembre era in ristrutturazione
Frequently Asked Questions about Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple is open:
- Sun - Sat 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- We recommend booking Kiyomizu-dera Temple tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 99 Kiyomizu-dera Temple tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Kiyomizu-dera Temple:
- Private Highlights of Kyoto Tour (From $212.49)
- Kyoto Cultural Forest, Shrine and Temple Tour with Options (From $152.38)
- Kyoto Afternoon Tour - Fushimiinari Shrine & Kiyomizu Temple from Kyoto (From $64.07)
- Kyoto welcome tour (From $37.14)
- 5 Top Highlights of Kyoto with Kyoto Bike Tour (From $167.14)
- Hotels near Kiyomizu-dera Temple:
- (0.47 mi) Guesthouse Soi
- (0.54 mi) Motonago
- (0.20 mi) Kyoto Kiyomizu Sannenzaka-An
- (0.28 mi) Yadoya Manjiro
- (0.28 mi) Sangen Ninenzaka
- Restaurants near Kiyomizu-dera Temple:
- (0.03 mi) Takinoya
- (0.08 mi) Chuboku Chaya
- (0.05 mi) Shitakiri chaya
- (0.12 mi) Rokkatei
- (0.14 mi) Saryo Kiraku, Asahido Honten
- Attractions near Kiyomizu-dera Temple:
- (0.01 mi) Kyoto Twilight Walking Tour Day Tours
- (0.02 mi) Jishu Shrine
- (0.02 mi) Fukurokuju Sekibutsu
- (0.03 mi) Asakurado
- (0.12 mi) Kiyomizu-Zaka Street