Kiyomizu-dera
清水寺
Visit the hillside temple and leave time to explore its sloping approach streets.
Getting there
Take a city bus to Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi and continue uphill on foot. Map the entrance to 清水寺 rather than stopping at the bus stop.
Admission
The main temple area is ticketed. Check regular admission and whether special illumination has a separate schedule or ticket.
What to see
Take in the hillside setting from the temple grounds, then explore the approach lanes on your way back through Higashiyama.
Plan your visit
The streets to the temple are steep and can get crowded. Allow time to reach the entrance, especially if you plan to visit early.
Allow around two hours including the approach streets. There are slopes and steps. Continue down Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka for a longer Higashiyama walk.
Ratings and designations
- National Treasure Main hall
- UNESCO World Heritage Part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto