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Mt. Otowa Kiyomizu-dera Temple

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Mt. Otowa Kiyomizu-dera Temple

A place that should be visited when traveling to Kyoto, the temple selected as a World Cultural Heritage.

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Opened in the year 778, the temple was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994. In the 130, 000 m2 area of the precincts spread out on the hillside of Mt. Otowa, there are more than 30 cathedrals and monuments, including national treasures and important cultural properties. The changes in scenery of the Kiyomizu-dera temple can be seen every season, with cherry blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, colored leaves in autumn, and snow in winter.

Once you climb up the hill road, you will be greeted by the vermilion-colored “Niomon.” If you continue climbing further up the stairs, you will see the 31m tall "triple tower.” It is one of the tallest in Japan and has a superb viewpoint where the vast scene of Kyoto city could be seen. The "main hall,” well-known for "jumping off the Stage of Kiyomizu (meaning to make a bold decision),” is a must-see. It is built to extend out on the slope of the mountain, and was constructed by the traditional Japanese construction method where wood is combined without using nails. It is approximately 13m in height and is equivalent to a 4-story building. The main body of worship enshrined, the "Eleven-faced Senju Sengan Kannon Statue," is a secret Buddha that, by the rules, could only be seen once every 33 years; the next time it would be shown is scheduled for 2033. Still, the "Gozen '', a slightly reduced size of the main body of worship, could be worshipped anytime.

On the east side of the main hall flows the "Otowa no Taki" waterfall, which is the origin of the name of the temple. After using the ladle to scoop the sacred water of the three lines of falling water, please pray for “purification of the six roots of perception” and “fulfillment of wishes.”

Highlights

  • Is close to the center of Kyoto and is thus easy to access.
  • Is registered as a World Cultural Heritage, and is a popular tourist attraction in Kyoto.
  • Has many places to see, such as the largest "triple tower" in Japan and the "main hall" on the slope of the mountain.
  • With cherry blossoms in the spring, greenery in the summer, colored leaves in the autumn, and snow in the winter, the temple scenery could be enjoyed throughout the year.

Photos

  • The "Main hall" with the famous "Stage of Kiyomizu" built on the slope of the mountain

    The "Main hall" with the famous "Stage of Kiyomizu" built on the slope of the mountain

  • Autumn leaves and triple tower.

    Autumn leaves and triple tower.

  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple light up

    Kiyomizu-dera Temple light up

Reviews

42

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Do
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    Kyoto Kiyomizu-dera Temple | You really have to visit when you come to Kyoto ⛩️🇯🇵

    If you can only choose a few places to visit in Kyoto, I think Kiyomizu-dera Temple is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.

    Especially if it’s your first time in Kyoto, seeing the ancient temple, people wearing kimono, and the Kyoto cityscape really makes you feel like, “Did I travel back in time?” 😂

    And Kiyomizu-dera isn’t just a single temple to see. Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, which you walk through on the way up from the foot of the hill, are themselves great for exploring and taking photos.

  • wendy
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    With more than 1,200 years of history, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is really hard to miss when visiting Kyoto! The temple is primarily dedicated to Kannon and has gone through multiple fires and reconstructions. Today, it is also listed as a World Heritage Site. Its most iconic feature, the Kiyomizu Stage, offers views of Kyoto and was also one of the school trip settings in Detective Conan, which somehow makes it feel a little cute.

    However, it was unbelievably hot on the day we visited, and the crowds were huge. Before long, all we wanted to do was check it off our list and leave. If I come again, I still think it would be much more comfortable to visit in cooler weather and take my time exploring and appreciating the historic temple architecture.

    Kiyomizu-dera also has the unmissable Otowa Waterfall and the famous “love stones.” Legend says that if you can successfully walk from one stone to the other with your eyes closed, you'll be blessed with a wonderful romantic relationship〜With an ancient temple, the Kiyomizu Stage, views of Kyoto, and a touch of romantic legend, Kiyomizu-dera remains a classic Kyoto attraction worth visiting in person, even with the crowds.

  • 黃瓊儀
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    Kiyomizu-dera in the early morning has a charming historic atmosphere. I brought my elders to visit this historic site (I recommend coming early, as it gets more crowded around noon).

    Since we were traveling independently, we could wander around at our own pace. From high up at Kiyomizu-dera, we looked down over a sea of greenery and imagined the maple leaves turning red in the fall (I'll definitely visit again if I get the chance).

    I bought a commemorative omamori, hoping my family will stay safe and healthy〜❤️

    I fell deeply in love with the beauty of Kyoto🥰

  • Linda Liao
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    The most unforgettable sight was the Kiyomizu Stage. It's hard to imagine that such a magnificent structure was built without using any nails. From the stage, you can look out over Kyoto. There are cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, mountains covered in red maple leaves in fall, and snowy scenery in winter. It's picturesque in every season.

    After visiting the main hall, you can continue on to Jishu Shrine, then finish at Otowa Waterfall. I saw many people lining up to drink water using long-handled ladles. The three streams are said to represent different wishes. It was an unforgettable experience.

  • WANG
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    Every time I visit Kyoto, if I could choose only one temple, Kiyomizu-dera, with over a thousand years of history and standing halfway up Mt. Otowa, would definitely be Japan's most iconic landmark! As soon as you reach Kiyomizu-zaka on the way to the main hall, the lively souvenir shops, pottery stores, and wagashi shops along the street offer so much to see. You can already feel the area's rich cultural atmosphere before even entering the temple.

    After passing through the imposing Nio-mon Gate, the most breathtaking sight is the elevated Kiyomizu Stage, built entirely without a single nail and supported by enormous wooden pillars. From the stage, you can take in the cityscape of Kyoto below while surrounded by a magnificent expanse of maple and cherry trees. Whether the hills are covered in soft pink cherry blossoms in spring or fiery red leaves in fall, the changing seasonal scenery is like a huge landscape painting you could never tire of seeing.

    After leaving the stage, don't miss the famous Otowa Waterfall below. Its three clear streams represent academic success, love, and longevity. Waiting in line to take a sip is both fun and filled with a sense of ritual and prayer. Before leaving, be sure to stop by the impressive Koyasu Pagoda nearby and experience the ancient capital's solemnity and tranquility.

    I highly recommend putting Kiyomizu-dera on your must-visit list when traveling to Kyoto. Whether you're there to experience the grandeur of a UNESCO World Heritage Site or admire the beautiful mountain scenery through the seasons, this is a timeless classic you'll never tire of visiting!

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Details

Name in Japanese
音羽山 清水寺
Postal Code
605-0862
Address
1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Telephone
075-551-1234
Holiday
Open every day
Business Hours
6:00am - 6:00pm
Admission
Adults 500 yen, Elementary/ Middle School Students 200 yen
Directions
1) Ride the Keihan Main Line to Kiyomizu Gojo Station, then walk 25 minutes.
2) Ride the Kyoto Municipal Transportation Bureau (City Bus) Line 206 "Higashiyama-Dori Kitaoji Bus Terminal" or Line 100 "Kiyomizudera Gion Ginkakuji" from Keihan Main Line Nanajo Station, get off at "Gojo Zaka" bus stop, then walk 10 minutes.
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa