Kiyomizudera (Pure Water Temple) is Kyoto's most iconic wooden stage temple, built on the eastern hills of Higashiyama without a single nail. The 13-metre-high wooden stage — constructed from hundreds of interlocking zelkova pillars — offers panoramic views over Kyoto's rooftops and the surrounding maple and cherry trees. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, Kiyomizudera draws over five million visitors annually making it one of Japan's most visited attractions year-round.
Kiyomizudera Highlights & Attractions
⛩️ Main Hall & Wooden Stage
Free after entrance fee ¥500The 13-metre stage jutting from the main hall's façade provides panoramic views over Kyoto. Built from over 400 interlocking pillars of Zelkova wood, the stage was used for ritual dance performances and is the temple's most photographed feature.
💧 Otowa Waterfall
Included in entranceThree streams of water fall from the cliff into a pond at the base; visitors use long-handled cups to drink from one of three flows, each believed to grant longevity, success in studies, or fortune in love. Only drink from one — drinking from all three is said to be greedy.
💕 Jishu Shrine (Love Shrine)
FreeThe small Shinto shrine adjacent to the main hall is dedicated to Okuninushi no Mikoto, god of love and matchmaking. Two "love stones" 18 metres apart are the shrine's most famous feature — walking from one to the other with eyes closed is said to bring success in finding love.
🌸 Night Illumination (Special Seasonal Events)
¥400 extraThree times a year (spring sakura, autumn foliage, and winter), the temple and grounds are illuminated after dark with coloured lights. The spring illumination features cherry blossom-lit stone lanterns; the autumn version transforms maple trees into red-lit canopies over the valley. Advance checking of dates is essential as these events run for only a week each.
🗼 Three-Storey Pagoda
Included in entranceA 31-metre pagoda near the main gate dates to 1633 and is one of the largest wooden pagodas in Japan. It appears in countless photographs of Kiyomizudera and is particularly striking in autumn when surrounded by red maple leaves and in spring framed by cherry blossoms.
🏮 Ninen-zaka & Sannen-zaka Stone-Paved Lanes
FreeThe historic cobblestone streets leading to Kiyomizudera are lined with machiya townhouses converted into tea shops, souvenir shops, and tofu cuisine restaurants. These preservation districts are among Kyoto's most atmospheric walking areas and connect naturally to the Gion district.
Stay in Kyoto near Kiyomizudera
The Higashiyama and Gion districts are the closest accommodations to Kiyomizudera, offering traditional machiya guesthouses and ryokan within walking distance of the temple approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Kiyomizudera open and when is the best time to visit?
Kiyomizudera opens at 6:00 daily and closes at 18:00 in most seasons, with last entry 30 minutes before closing. During special illumination periods in spring (late March to early April), autumn (mid November to early December), and winter (mid December to mid February), the temple opens for evening visits until approximately 21:00, with last entry at 20:30. The best time to visit for minimal crowds is early morning between 6:00 and 8:00, before tour groups arrive. On weekday mornings, the wooden stage and Otowa waterfall area are tranquil. The most dramatic photography conditions occur during the spring cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn foliage season (mid-November). However, these are also the busiest periods — allow additional time for crowds on the approach lanes.
How do I get to Kiyomizudera from central Kyoto?
The most common route from central Kyoto is by city bus from Kyoto Station — take Bus 206 or 100 to the Kiyomizumichi or Gojo-zaka stop, then walk uphill for 15 to 20 minutes through the Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka shopping streets. The walk itself is part of the experience. Alternatively, take a taxi from Kyoto Station (approximately ¥1,200 to ¥1,500, taking around 15 minutes in normal traffic). There is no train station within close walking distance. The approach lanes are pedestrian-only, and while the walk is uphill, it is paved and suitable for most mobility levels. Arriving by bicycle is possible using rental bikes from central Kyoto, though you will need to park at designated areas at the foot of the hill.
What is the admission fee for Kiyomizudera and what does it include?
The main entrance admission is ¥500 for adults and high school students, and ¥200 for junior high school students and children. The fee covers entry to the main hall, the wooden stage, the three-storey pagoda, Otowa Waterfall, and all temple buildings within the main precinct. The adjacent Jishu Shrine has separate management and is free to enter. The forested hillside walking paths around the temple are also included. Special night illumination events charge an additional ¥400 per person. Photography within the grounds is generally permitted, though tripods may require prior permission from temple staff. The temple gift shop and restaurant area near the main gate are freely accessible without paying the entrance fee.
What should I wear to visit Kiyomizudera?
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are essential — the approach lanes (Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka) are steeply inclined cobblestone, which can be slippery when wet. There are no specific dress code requirements to enter, though modest attire is respectful. The hilltop temple grounds can be noticeably windier and cooler than central Kyoto, so carry an extra layer in autumn and winter. In summer, the climb from bus stop to temple can be hot — a hat and water are recommended. The wooden stage area has limited shade. Visitors with mobility challenges should note the final approach to the main hall involves steep stone steps; some alternative access paths exist but the main hall stage is not wheelchair accessible.