Kiyomizu-dera
Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most famous monuments in all of Japan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Buddhist temple stands on the edge of the hills above the Higashiyama Historic District, its iconic wooden terrace rising high above the hillside. The view of Kyoto from here is one of the best in the city.
For me, the place is gorgeous and one of Kyoto's absolute highlights.
But at the same time, I don't think I've seen such extreme crowds of tourists anywhere else in Japan as I have here. I get it, Kiyomizu-dera deserves attention, it's just something to take into account when visiting.
Find a hotel near Kiyomizu-dera
If you're planning a trip to Japan for the first time, we recommend starting with our complete guide to Japan.
Is it worth visiting Kiyomizu-dera?
If you're only planning 1-3 days in Kyoto, we recommend reading my 3-Day Visit Itinerary and choosing which temples to visit in advance.
✅ Yes, if:
- you want to see one of Japan's most iconic sights
- you're drawn to the monumental wooden architecture
- you want one of the best views of Kyoto
- you love "instagram spots"
❌ Not if:
- you hate crowds
- you only have a few hours in Kyoto
- you're looking for the quiet atmosphere of the temples
💡 Alternative:
If you want a similarly beautiful temple area without the extreme crowds, try Nanzen-ji or Chion-in.
But Kiyomizu-dera is just one of those places you should see at least once.
The terrace that hangs over the valley
The most famous part of the temple is the huge wooden terrace that juts out over the hillside.
It was built without using a single nail and offers one of the best panoramic views of Kyoto.
In spring it is surrounded by sakura trees, in autumn by red maples - this is when the temple is at its most photogenic.
But the temple grounds have several other pagodas, prayer halls, a sacred spring and other buildings. It is the largest temple complex in Kyoto.
The largest crowds in all of Kyoto
The breathtaking views and monumental buildings are a rewarding subject for Instagram photos. And that's why Kiyomizu-dera draws such huge crowds.
Seriously - I don't think I've seen such huge crowds anywhere in all my years of travelling.
It's virtually impossible to take a selfie on a terrace with a view, and while I consider Kyiomizu-dera one of the most monumental places, such extreme crowds made my visit a bit frustrating.
The best time to visit and how long to stay
The ideal time to arrive is just after sunrise.
There aren't nearly as many crowds in the early morning, and the whole of Kyoto is beautifully lit by the morning sun at this time.
You can also get iconic shots at sunset or after dark - but that's when the crowds are at their biggest.
And how much time to set aside for your visit?
- 30 minutes - a quick walk around the grounds
- 60-90 minutes - a leisurely visit to explore all the nooks and crannies
Entrance fees and opening hours
The temple grounds are open to the public daily from 6:00-18:00.
Entrance to the main temple and the wooden terrace costs 500 jpy and can only be paid in cash.
Official website: kiyomizudera.or.jp/visit.
Most common mistakes
1️⃣ Arrive at noon
This is when the crowds are at their absolute biggest.
2️⃣ Underestimate the access route
The journey through the historic streets can be slower than it looks.
3️⃣ Cut your visit short just to the main terrace
The grounds have more interesting parts that are worth a short walk.
How to include Kiyomizu-dera in your itinerary
The temple lies in the Higashiyama area and is ideally combined with:
- Yasaka Shrine
- the traditional streets of Higashiyama
- Chion-in
The whole area can be covered on foot in one day.
Detailed itineraries can be found in the map What to see in Kyoto or Kyoto Itinerary in 3 days.
If you are planning a wider tour of Japan, also check out the city guides for Tokyo, Kobe, Osaka and Nara.
How to get there
The nearest bus stops are called "Kiyomizumichi" and "Gojozaka" and are located about 750 meters from the temple on the main road.
Expect long queues at bus stops when travelling to central Kyoto between 16:00 and 19:00. You can wait for more than 30 minutes for a free seat.
We recommend walking uphill to a bus stop where there won't be as many people waiting.
- Kyoto Station - lines EX100, 86, 106, 206
- Heian Shrine - lines EX100, 86
- Ginkakuji - line EX100
- Kinkakuji - line 206
- Nijo Castle - line 202
- Kawaramachi - lines 58, 207
You can find more articles about travelling in Japan on our website:
Accommodation in Higashiyama area
Higashiyama is one of the most attractive parts of the city for accommodation - most of the sights are within walking distance.
Right on the main pedestrian street leading to Kiyomizu-dera, we would recommend the highly rated local EnSe Kiyomizu Villa.
Check hotel prices in Higashiyama
Sightseeing and activities
If you want to take a guided tour of Higashiyama, Gion and Kiyomizu-dera and avoid the logistics, an organised walking tour may make sense.
Why Kiyomizu-dera is so famous
- The iconic wooden terrace
- views of the whole of Kyoto
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- one of the most photographed buildings in Japan
And even though I was a little taken aback by the crowds, it's still a place I wouldn't leave off my Kyoto itinerary.
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Kyoto.
Any questions left?
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