Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto: 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
Read more
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.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travelers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Learn moreTop ways to experience Kiyomizu-dera Temple
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles

Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya
170
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Cafe

The Sodoh Higashiyama Kyoto
357
0.4 mi$$$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Smile Burger Kiyomizudera
124
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American

% Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama
452
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Cafe

Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu Kiyomizu Gojozaka
112
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese

fumon-an
44
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe

Kasagiya
75
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese

Key's Cafe, Kyoto Yasakanoto
103
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly

Yasakadori Enraku
442
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Kappo • Vegetarian Friendly

Yumeji Cafe Goryukaku
31
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Cafe
Attractions
1,921 within 6 miles

Jishu Shrine
180
91 ftReligious Sites

Fukurokuju Sekibutsu
2
115 ftReligious Sites

Asakurado
6
133 ftHistoric Sites • Religious Sites

Kiyomizu-Zaka Street
423
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Otowa no Taki
55
271 ftWaterfalls

Kiyomizu-dera Temple Okunoin
33
271 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Kiyomizu-dera Temple 3 Storey Tower
24
386 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

Kiyomizu-dera Temple Niomon
15
271 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Kiyomizu-dera Temple Hondo
16
271 ftReligious Sites

Kiyomizudera Joju-in
28
0.1 miReligious Sites
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
11,545 reviews
Excellent
6,293
Very good
3,908
Average
1,138
Poor
162
Terrible
44
HL❤️
Gold Coast, Australia101 contributions
Dec 2019
We visited the temple at 7am, very peaceful and quiet, if you want to avoid the tourist crowded, this is the time you should go.
We took the taxi from Kyoto train station, it's only 10 mins ride and because its early and the nearby shops haven't open yet, taxi can stop right in front of the temple, so we can skip the uphill slope walk, worth to take the taxi.
We can see a glimpse of sunrise and it's so beautiful.
feel so calm and inner peace to walk around the temple and surroundings, easy walk around.
The temple open from 6am to 6pm.
We took the taxi from Kyoto train station, it's only 10 mins ride and because its early and the nearby shops haven't open yet, taxi can stop right in front of the temple, so we can skip the uphill slope walk, worth to take the taxi.
We can see a glimpse of sunrise and it's so beautiful.
feel so calm and inner peace to walk around the temple and surroundings, easy walk around.
The temple open from 6am to 6pm.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
HPLIM
JOHOR BAHRU750 contributions
Dec 2019
From our hotel at Sotetsu Freesa Inn, we walked to the city bus terminal to take the city bus to our next destination, i.e. Kiyomizu-Dera temple (清水寺). We bought the one-day city bus pass at Keihan Hotel lobby for ¥600. In Kyoto, any station you disembark costs ¥230 regardless the distance you travel. We got off at Gojo-zaka bus stop and then walked up the steep and busy road to the temple. Along the road, there are many restaurants and shops selling Japanese delights such as muachi. This temple is one of the most celebrated temples in Japan. There were already a lot of tourists up there. It was founded in 780. It is also a Unesco World Heritage Sites. The main hall is a wooden stage about 13 m above the hillside below which affords visitors to have a nice view of cherry and maple trees below. It will be much more beautiful during spring or autumn. You also can get a glimpse of Kyoto city in the distance. The main hall which was built without using nails houses a small statue of the eleven faced and thousand arms Kannon. The Jishu Shrine is just behind the main hall. This is a shrine dedicated to the deity of love and match making. This is where youngsters come to seek for luck to find true love! Many tourists also come here to get spiritually refreshed and energized. The Otowa waterfall is located at the base of the Main Hall. Visitors often use cups attached to long poles to drink the water from this water fall. The water is believed to be beneficial to good health and bring good luck! It is definitely an ideal place to explore in Kyoto!
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
izyphotos
Mascot, Australia708 contributions
Mar 2021
The hugely popular Kiyomizu Temple (Kiyomizu-dera) is a must for most visitors to Kyoto. It is a massive temple complex. Cherry blossoms were beginning to bloom which was beautiful. There are also great views of Kyoto city.
The main hall of Kiyomizu is built out on a veranda onto pillars, a structure constructed without nails. The effect is that of a deck reaching out from the foot of the mountain. Unfortunately, much of this was under renovation when we visited.
Due to Covid, there were less crowds. Take Bus 100 to Kiyomizu Ichi stop and walk about 10 mins uphill. You can walk back via Sannen Zaka and Ninen Zaka Streets.
The main hall of Kiyomizu is built out on a veranda onto pillars, a structure constructed without nails. The effect is that of a deck reaching out from the foot of the mountain. Unfortunately, much of this was under renovation when we visited.
Due to Covid, there were less crowds. Take Bus 100 to Kiyomizu Ichi stop and walk about 10 mins uphill. You can walk back via Sannen Zaka and Ninen Zaka Streets.
Written January 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Magnificent Sri Lanka
Kandy, Sri Lanka72 contributions
Oct 2019
Our journey to Kiyomizudera was a delightful trip in every way. There was a shopping street leading up to the temple grounds and it was fun to move along with a lot of tourists, Japanese visitors, and beautiful girls in kimonos. We met a lot of souvenir shops and food stalls before reaching the base of Kiyomizudera. The day we visited Kiyomizudera had mild showers, but we still enjoyed the splendid views around the temple. We walked through the temple grounds visiting the Pagoda and Halls along the paths and enchanted by wonderful views. We watched the Kyoto city and surroundings from the viewing deck and we still have a great memory of this majestic temple and its impressive architecture.
Written June 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Padraig M
Kawasaki, Japan97 contributions
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.
Patrick O
Mount Holly, NC1,031 contributions
Dec 2019
We went here late in the afternoon as part of a tour with Sunrise Travel. It was between Christmas and New Year's so it was busy. This is really a beautiful place to see with great views of Kyoto as well. There are a number of steps to walk up to get to the colrful pagoda shaped temples but unless you are in really poor phyisical shape, it should be no problem.You will be rewarded with great views of the city and even though it was starting to get dark by the time we had finished exploring, the pagoda's lit up make for a beautiful sight as well. There are shrines and temples throughout and you can walk down into wonderful gardens Be sure to go all the way up to see everything as there is a lot to see. It was crowded but not to the point of not enjoyable. There is a lively shopping area down below that is worth checking out. Aloow lots of time and enjoy!
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Daniel Setiawan
South Tangerang, Indonesia170 contributions
Dec 2019
Before you see the temple, you will walk into historic road full of shops and it is very crowded. The temple it self is under renovation but you can still enter the temple. There is otowa waterfall inside with 3 streams, you should choose one of the stream for your wishes.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hsin-Yi W
Forest Hills, NY967 contributions
May 2019 • Family
Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera (音羽山清水寺), is a Buddhist temple and also a signature landmark in Kyoto.
The temple is classic and magnificent located on the hills. It might be difficult for elders to enjoy the entire tour. There are also lots of rules entering the temple. Tourists need to follow the planned routes without shoes.
The temple is currently under construction and covered entirely by semi-transparent scaffolding for 2020 Olympics which is postponed to 2021 now.
The temple is classic and magnificent located on the hills. It might be difficult for elders to enjoy the entire tour. There are also lots of rules entering the temple. Tourists need to follow the planned routes without shoes.
The temple is currently under construction and covered entirely by semi-transparent scaffolding for 2020 Olympics which is postponed to 2021 now.
Written March 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Piotr S
Krakow, Poland243 contributions
Mar 2020
Easily accessible by local bus. Good to see after visiting Kinkakuji, due to convenient bus connection. One of the biggest temples in Kyoto, build on the slope of one of the hills surrounding this city. After about 10 minutes of walk from the closest bus stop You can admire one of the best Kyoto panorama from the temple terrace. Temple buildings themselves are built and decorated in beautiful, typical Kyoto style, where extensive sculpturing and orange/red color dominates. There is a short path coming down from the temple buildings, finishing with a small spring. Definitely worth to see.
Written March 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
GoGo2SlowGo
Denton, TX1,527 contributions
Apr 2019
Kiyomizudera also known as the "Pure Water Temple") is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in wooded hills east of Kyoto and derived its name from the fall's pure waters. In 1994, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites. The main hall of Kiyomizudera is built out on a veranda onto pillars. It was completely constructed without nails.
We wanted to visit Kiyomizu-dera because we tried to see as many UNESCO sites as we could.
There are 17 World Heritage sites in Kyoto alone!
We wanted to visit Kiyomizu-dera because we tried to see as many UNESCO sites as we could.
There are 17 World Heritage sites in Kyoto alone!
Written February 20, 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, Singapore295 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, Mexico116 contributions
Es un lugar elevado. ¿Cuánto se tarda en subir? ¿Cuánto tiempo se le invierte a esta visita?
dionysos22
Appenzell, Switzerland75 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, Australia918 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, UK252 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
11 contributions
Has anyone been on the special tour at this temple and if so, how do I make a reservation?

madpharm2015
Los Angeles, CA69 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, Spain391 contributions
Si, hasta el año que viene están con la restauración, pero merece la pena aunque esté con la lona.
Enas A
Hawalli, Kuwait148 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, Canada201 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, Germany103 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, UK420 contributions
Hi
WE only went during the day so really cannot comment
Marta e Matte
Reggio Emilia, Italy166 contributions
Domanda per chi ha avuto modo di visitare il tempio recentemente, è ancora in fase di ristrutturazione?
etabeta01
Turin, Italy2,177 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 83 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 $173.05)
- 5 Top Highlights of Kyoto with Kyoto Bike Tour (From $189.04)
- Day Trip by Bus to Kyoto from Osaka/Kyoto (From $61.08)
- Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Kyoto Private Tour (From $73.94)
- Kyoto Private Custom Walking & Sightseeing Tour (From $157.00)
- Hotels near Kiyomizu-dera Temple:
- (0.47 mi) Guesthouse Soi
- (0.54 mi) Motonago
- (0.20 mi) Kyoto Kiyomizu Sannenzaka-An
- (0.23 mi) Kiyomizu Sannenzaka
- (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