Visit Kiyomizu Dera Temple in Kyoto: tickets, prices, schedules

Are you planning a stay in Kyoto? Don't miss the famous Kiyomizu Dera temple. Here's all you need to know for a successful and uncomplicated visit!

If you are planning a trip to Japan and you pass through the popular city of Kyoto, you will undoubtedly want to visit the ancient temples that make the city famous. Located on one of the hills, the Kiyomizu Dera temple is one of the most popular in the city, both by tourists and locals.

Founded in 778 and known mainly for its wooden terrace offering a magnificent view of the city and its surroundings, the temple is a must for any trip to Kyoto, and even any trip to Japan, especially if you go there at the time of the blooming of the sakuras! So that you can prepare for your visit at best, we have created this guide containing the most important information to visit the Kiyomizu Dera temple.

History of the Kyoto Kiyomizu Dera Temple

Drawing its name from the waterfall within its enclosure, the Kiyomizu Dera temple is actually a complex of Shinto and Buddhist temples whose main buildings were built in 778 par Sakanoue no Tamuramaro and helped, according to legends, by a monk named Enchin.

This temple is under the authority of the Hossō sect — one of the Buddhist branches created to Nara - and this since its construction, although it has repeatedly failed to change authority as a result of the multiple struggles between the different sects of the region.

It is one of the oldest temples in Kyoto, and over the centuries it has been damaged and partially destroyed many times. However, in 1633 a fire completely ravaged the different buildings. This one was then reconstructed to the identical, and the buildings you will see if you want to visit the Kiyomizu Dera temple today still date from that time.

At present, its popularity and its special atmosphere are worth it, every year, the visit of more than 5.5 million tourists and locals.

We also need to know that since 1994 , the temple is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it was the only Japanese monument among the 20 competitors for the 7 wonders of the world.

What to see and do at Kiyomizu Dera Temple

If you think of visiting the Kiyomizu Dera temple, you will quickly notice that it is made up of several buildings extending over the temple area, which will allow you long hours of visit and wonder. If you don't know where to start, here are some of the most important and interesting places in the temple!

The terrace

The terrace is one of the highlights of a visit to the Kiyomizu Dera temple in Kyoto. This one is close to 15 meters high and is supported by more than 140 wooden pilots. It overlooks the city of Kyoto in the distance but, above all, on a real sea of Japanese maple and cherry trees that extends to a loss of sight. This space is all the more magical in the blooming of cherry trees in March and April, but also when autumn arrives and the leaves of the maple dye in red.

The Odwa Waterfall

Located at the foot of the main hall, the Ottowa Waterfall is one of the things to do during a visit to the Kiyomizu Dera temple. He owes his name to this cascade which is located in the temple enclosure since its creation.

According to the beliefs, the water of this cascade, divided into 3 streams, would have various benefits. Visitors, thanks to the cups attached to the structure of the cascade, can drink at one of the 3 streams to get luck in love, succeed in the studies or increase their longevity. However, be careful not to drink the three cups, because greed is extremely poorly seen in Japan.

The Jishu altar

Located at the back of the main hall, the Jishu altar is an altar dedicated to a deity of love and encounters. It has been prayed for more than 1300 years by the Japanese to find love, but also to make their present relationship persist, for example.

Pagoda Koyasu

From the main hall terrace, it is possible to see the third floor of the Koyasu pagoda. It, accessible from the temple through a small path in the woods, is known to provide an easy and safe birth to visitors who will collect it.

How to get to Kiyomizu Dera Temple?

Located in the heights of Kyoto, the Kiyomizu Dera temple is only accessible on foot, although it is possible to get closer to the bus. The exact address of the temple is: 1-294 Kiyomizu Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto .

By bus

From Kyoto station , it is possible to take the buses :

• Line 100: stops « Gojo-zaka » or « Kiyomizu-michi »
• Line 206: stops « Gojo-zaka » or « Kiyomizu-michi »

The journey lasts about 15 minutes and costs 230 yen , about €1.93. After you get off the bus, you'll need about 10 minutes walking to reach the temple.

On foot

The temple is also accessible on foot from the Kiyomizu-Gojo station . The journey will take about 20 minutes, but it is worth a visit to its typical Japanese landscapes and the many shops offering local specialties.

Prices of Kiyomizu Dera Temple

Schedule

Classical times

• Weekfrom 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Weekendfrom 6 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

And this is also the case during the holidays between April and July, as well as every day of August and September.

Special hours

During the Hanatoro, the temple opens its doors to visitors 6.30 p.m. to 9 p.m. to admire the illuminations.

This event takes place twice a year. first time late March to early April for the flowering of Japanese cherry trees, and a second time of late November to early December for the reddening of maple leaves.

Rates

The visit of the temple costs 400 yen , about €3.30 depending on the exchange rate.

This amount is the same if you want to access the temple in the evening at the Hanatoro.