Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Tickets, Hours & Visitor Tips

Fast Facts

About the Temple

Kiyomizudera (literally “Pure Water Temple”) stands on the wooded eastern hills of Higashiyama, founded in 778 CE. The current buildings date to 1633, rebuilt by the Tokugawa shogunate. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most visited religious sites.

The temple is famous for its butai — a large wooden stage extending 13 meters out from the main hall over the forested hillside, constructed without a single nail using a complex interlocking timber framework. The phrase kiyomizu no butai kara tobioriru (“jumping off the Kiyomizu stage”) is a Japanese expression meaning to make a bold, irreversible decision.

The complex is larger than most visitors expect. Allow time to explore beyond the main hall.

Getting There

By bus: City Bus 100 (tourist route) or 206 from Kyoto Station to Gojo-zaka — about 15–20 minutes. From the bus stop, walk 10–15 minutes uphill along souvenir-lined Kiyomizuzaka lane.

By taxi: ~¥900–¥1,200 from Kyoto Station. Taxis can drop you closer to the gate than buses.

On foot from Higashiyama: If you’re walking the Higashiyama district, Kiyomizudera sits at the southern end of the walk. Start at Yasaka Shrine, walk through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, and arrive at Kiyomizudera from above.

What to See at the Temple

Main Hall & Wooden Stage

The hondo (main hall) is the visual centerpiece. The stage faces west toward the city — views are best in early morning before haze builds. During cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, the hillside below the stage explodes in color.

Inside the hall, the central image of Kannon (the thousand-armed bodhisattva of compassion) is normally hidden — it’s revealed only every 33 years.

Otowa Waterfall

Below the main stage, three separate streams of water flow from a cliff. Visitors drink from long-handled cups attached to chains. Each stream supposedly grants a different wish: longevity, success in school, and fortunate love — though you’re only supposed to drink from one or two, not all three (greedy).

Jishu Shrine

Just behind the main hall, this small shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god of love and matchmaking. Two “love stones” stand 18 meters apart. The tradition: walking between them with your eyes closed (unaided) predicts success in finding love. Very popular with Japanese students.

Tainai-meguri

Beneath Zuigudo Hall, a pitch-black corridor represents the womb of a bodhisattva. You feel your way through complete darkness holding a rope. Exits through a small glowing stone symbolizing rebirth. ¥100, worth it.

Practical Tips

• Go early. The complex opens at 6am and tour groups typically arrive after 9am. The 6–8am window is the most peaceful.
• Wear comfortable shoes. The path from bus stop to gate is steep stone-paved lane; the temple grounds involve many stairs.
• Photography. The best angle on the main stage is from the Okuno-in sub-temple to the north of the main hall — looking back at the stage with the forested hillside behind it.
• Exit route. Walk downhill through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka instead of the same lane you came up. The stone-paved slopes are lined with traditional two-story machiya shops.

Continue walking: The Higashiyama District Guide covers the full route from Kiyomizudera through to Yasaka Shrine. See also the 1-Day Kyoto Itinerary for a full day plan.

Evening in Gion: Our Gion Sake Walk departs from the Gion district — a 15-minute walk from Kiyomizudera.