โ† All practical guides

๐Ÿ›• KIYOMIZU-DERA TEMPLE

ๆธ…ๆฐดๅฏบ

Kiyomizu-dera guide overview: access, visiting hours, history, highlights, omamori, and etiquette

๐Ÿ“ ACCESS

๐Ÿš† From Kyoto Station

Kyoto City Bus

๐ŸšŒ Bus No. 206 or EX100 / EX101

Get off at Gojozaka (ไบ”ๆกๅ‚)

โ†’ About 10-minute walk

Sightseeing Limited Express Bus EX100 / EX101

Available on weekends and holidays

Get off at Gojozaka

โš ๏ธ IMPORTANT

Kiyomizu-dera is located on a hillside.

Some map apps may show routes that cannot be used to enter the temple grounds.

Please enter through:

Kiyomizuzaka (ๆธ…ๆฐดๅ‚)

or

Chawanzaka (่Œถใ‚ใ‚“ๅ‚)

๐Ÿ’ก TIP:

Wear comfortable shoes!

Illustrative schematic map from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu-dera via Gojozaka, with approximate locations; not to scale

Illustrative map showing the approximate route and locations; not to scale.

๐Ÿ• VISITING HOURS

Regular Hours

6:00 AM โ€“ 6:00 PM

In July and August:

6:00 AM โ€“ 6:30 PM

๐ŸŒ™ During special evening illuminations, the temple may stay open until 9:30 PM.

Last admission: 9:00 PM during these special evening periods.

โš ๏ธ Opening hours change depending on the season and special events.

Please check the latest information before visiting.

๐ŸŽ Omamori & Goshuin

The Omamori (protective charms) and Goshuin (temple stamps) are generally available from around:

8:00 AM

๐Ÿ›• WHAT IS KIYOMIZU-DERA?

Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Kyoto.

It stands on the side of Mt. Otowa and is surrounded by beautiful nature.

The temple is famous for:

๐ŸŒธ Beautiful seasonal scenery

๐Ÿฏ Kiyomizu Stage

๐Ÿ’ง Otowa Waterfall

๐Ÿ›• Traditional Japanese architecture

๐ŸŒ… Beautiful views of Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site โ€œHistoric Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.โ€

๐Ÿ“œ A LITTLE HISTORY

Kiyomizu-dera was founded in 778.

For more than 1,200 years, it has been an important place of worship dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist Bodhisattva of compassion.

The temple has suffered from many fires throughout its history and was rebuilt several times.

Most of the buildings you see today were reconstructed in 1633.

In 1994, Kiyomizu-dera was registered as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site โ€œHistoric Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.โ€

๐ŸŒฟ THE FAMOUS KIYOMIZU STAGE

The Kiyomizu Stage is the most famous part of the temple.

The wooden stage projects from the main hall and stands about 13 meters above the ground.

It was built using a traditional Japanese construction technique called Kakezukuri, which uses wooden structures to support buildings on steep slopes.

The current main hall and stage date from 1633.

๐Ÿ‘€ LOOK DOWN!

From the stage, you can enjoy beautiful views over the surrounding trees and Kyoto.

๐Ÿ’ง OTOWA WATERFALL

The Otowa Waterfall is considered the origin of Kiyomizu-dera.

The name โ€œKiyomizuโ€ means โ€œpure water.โ€

The water falls in three streams.

Visitors traditionally drink the water as a prayer for blessings.

๐Ÿ™ Please follow the instructions at the waterfall and use the provided ladle hygienically.

๐ŸŽ OMAMORI & GOSHUIN

You can receive traditional Buddhist charms called Omamori at the temple.

You can also receive a Goshuin, a special temple stamp written by hand.

๐Ÿ“ Omamori & Goshuin:

Available at the temple's designated areas.

๐Ÿ• Generally from around 8:00 AM

โš ๏ธ The types of charms and Goshuin available may vary depending on the season and events.

๐Ÿ“ธ GOOD TO KNOW

๐Ÿ‘Ÿ Comfortable shoes are recommended.

The temple is located on a hillside and there are many slopes and stairs.

๐ŸŒ… Want a quieter visit?

Early morning is a good time to visit.

๐ŸŒธ Seasonal beauty

Kiyomizu-dera is especially popular during:

๐ŸŒธ Spring โ€” Cherry blossoms

๐Ÿƒ Autumn โ€” Colorful leaves

The exact timing varies each year.

๐Ÿ™ TEMPLE ETIQUETTE

ๅขƒๅ†…ใงใฎใƒžใƒŠใƒผ

Please help keep Kiyomizu-dera peaceful and enjoyable for everyone.

๐Ÿšญ No Smoking

Smoking is prohibited throughout the temple grounds.

There are no smoking areas.

๐Ÿฅค No Eating or Drinking

Eating and drinking are not allowed while walking around the temple grounds.

Exception: Drinks in bottles or water bottles with a secure lid are allowed.

๐Ÿ“ท Please Keep Paths Clear

Do not block paths or disturb other visitors while taking photos.

๐Ÿš No Drones / Tripods / Monopods

The use of drones, tripods and monopods for photography is not allowed.

๐Ÿ• No Pets

Pets are not allowed inside the temple grounds.

Service dogs are allowed.

๐ŸŽฅ Photography & Filming Restrictions

Commercial filming, livestreaming, wedding photography, cosplay and model/fashion photo shoots are not allowed without permission / are subject to restrictions.

๐Ÿšซ Restricted Areas

Please do not enter areas marked as off-limits.

๐Ÿ™ Please follow staff instructions and be respectful.

Enjoy your visit to Kiyomizu-dera! ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต

INFORMATION CHECK

Verification & sources

This article has been checked against the official sources listed below.

Last verified
5 October 2026